If you’re thinking about doing your own excavation work for a new home build or a major renovation, think again! While it may seem like a simple task, digging foundations is actually quite complex and dangerous. If done incorrectly, you could end up causing serious damage to your property or even injuring yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why foundation excavation should always be left to the professionals.
What is a foundation and what does it do for a house?
A foundation is the portion of a building that directly transfers loads to the ground. Its purpose is to support the structure above it and transfer the weight of the building evenly into the ground. The type of foundation you need will depend on the size and weight of your house, as well as the soil conditions in your area.
Types of Foundations
There are many different types of foundations, but the most common are slab-on-grade, pier and beam, crawl space, and basement.
Slab-on-grade foundations are usually used in areas with mild climates and soil conditions. This type of foundation rests directly on the ground and is made from concrete. Pier and beam foundations are typically used in areas with unstable soil conditions. This type of foundation elevates the house above ground level using support beams or piers. Crawl space foundations are also used in areas with unstable soil conditions. This type of foundation raises the house off the ground, creating a crawl space beneath it. Basement foundations are typically used in areas with cold climates and stable soil conditions. This type of foundation extends below ground level, providing extra living space and storage.
No matter what type of foundation you have, it is important to make sure that it is properly excavated and supported. Otherwise, you could be at risk for serious damage to your property.
The importance of having a strong and stable foundation for your home
The foundation of your home is one of the most important structural elements. It bears the weight of the entire house and must be able to support the loads placed upon it. The foundation must also be stable in order to prevent movement that could damage the structure above.
There are many factors that can affect the stability of a foundation, such as the type of soil it is built on, the depth of the excavation, and the amount of water in the soil. It is important to make sure that these factors are taken into account when excavating your foundation. Otherwise, you could end up with a weak and unstable foundation that could lead to serious damage to your property.
Why you should never try to dig a foundation yourself
So, why is digging foundations such a complex task? For one, the depth of the excavation must be precise in order to ensure the stability of the foundation. If you dig too shallow, the foundation could settle and crack over time. Dig too deep, and you run the risk of damaging underground utilities or destabilizing the surrounding soil.
Another reason foundation excavation is best left to the professionals is because of the equipment required. Excavation work often requires heavy machinery, such as excavators and Bobcats, which most people don’t have access to. If you try to do the job without the proper equipment, you could end up causing serious damage to your property.
Finally, excavation work is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. One wrong move could result in a serious injury. If you’re not experienced in this type of work, it’s best to leave it to the professionals who know what they’re doing.
Attempting to dig a foundation yourself is not worth the risk. You could end up causing serious damage to your property or even injuring yourself. It is always best to leave foundation excavation to the professionals.
How to find a contractor who can do the job right
If you need to have your foundation excavated, it is important to find a contractor who can do the job right. Make sure to ask for references and check them out before hiring anyone. You should also get multiple bids from different contractors to make sure you are getting the best price for the job.
If you are building a large foundation in Northern Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Gardnerville, Carson City, Virginia City, or the surrounding areas, DRC Construction would love to help. We are your local experts committed to providing safe, quality work on every job. CONTACT US today for a free estimate.
