So – you’re building a house, huh? If you’re building a house, especially on a slab foundation, then you’ll want to make sure you minimize risk during the construction process. As usual – any quality concrete project is going to require a quality-focused & experienced contractor. You can learn more about how to sniff out a quality concrete contractor here… but for now…

DEFINE PROPERTY LINES

Before you can build anything, you need to have a clear understanding of where your property lines fall and what, if any, additional rules/guidelines exist for building on your property. After all, you can’t just pick up and move a slab foundation. There are a few ways to define and verify your property lines including by hiring a land surveyor, consulting your property deed, searching state/public records, or inquiring with any known previous surveyors.

Looking for a Land Surveyor? Here are some helpful links:

Land Surveyors in Greenville SC
Land Surveyors in Easley SC
Land Surveyors in Anderson SC

LOCATE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

In addition to hiring a land surveyor, you’ll need to submit a “Request to Locate” with SC811 to have your local utility companies come out to mark any buried utilities on your property. While it might seem like a lot to take on, these location requests are usually handled fairly quickly and provide valuable information for protecting your property, utilities, and concrete foundation (plus, you may be liable if these lines were to get damaged during construction). Last, but certainly not least, calling 811 is required by law for all digging project – big and small!

OBTAIN PERMITS AND/OR PERMISSION

Okay, so you’ve defined the boundaries of your property. Before you can break ground, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all necessary permits for your project. This step is not only about legality but also about safety and compliance with local building codes. Each municipality has its own set of rules regarding construction, so check with your local building department to understand what’s required. In some cases, your slab foundation may need permitting by more than one municipality, such as the city and county, so make sure you know which entities are the authority over construction in your area. Depending on where you’re building, your pre-construction checklist could include zoning permits, building permits, and environmental impact assessments. Getting this step right helps avoid costly and time-consuming corrections down the line including demolition, fines, and more.

Here are a few helpful links that might help you get started…

Building Codes & Permitting by County
Anderson County
Greenville County
Pickens County

Building Codes & Permitting by City
Anderson, SC
Greenville, SC
Easley, SC
Greer, SC
Pendleton, SC
Clemson, SC
Central, SC

PRO TIP: If you live in an area with an active Homeowners Association, then you may want to check with them for approval before taking any further action. HOA approvals can vary depending on the requirements of your HOA’s specific bylaws, and other operational efficiencies.

PROFESSIONAL PLANS W/ SPECS

Even if your concrete contractor is experienced with concrete monolithic slabs, foundation, and concrete block walls- they’ll still require professional plans that include specifications and callouts for your concrete foundation. These plans allow your contractor to place accurate orders for materials and labor, ensuring your concrete slab foundation is robust enough to support the weight of your home and everything inside. Professional engineering or architectural plans ensure that every aspect of the construction is up to code and designed for durability.

GRADING

Prior to pouring your foundation, the project area will need to be graded and prepped according to plans and specifications. This stage of grading is usually referred to as the “rough grade” and will likely be subjected to compaction testing. Soil compaction is consequential to evaluating the site’s suitability for concrete placement and to predict potential settling issues beneath the foundation.

PRO TIP: Proper grading should ensure that water drains away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water damage and foundation instability. However, if standing water is an abundant concern then you might consider installing catch basins or other drainage systems around the property as an add-on to your concrete slab foundation!

PLUMBING

In slab construction, plumbing installation is a vital step that must occur before pouring the concrete foundation. It’s essential to ensure that all plumbing is correctly installed and tested for leaks. Mistakes made during this phase can be incredibly costly to rectify once the concrete is poured, because – you guessed it- plumbing is concreted INTO the foundation. Careful planning and execution are necessary to accommodate all water supply lines, drains, and sewer connections according to the building plans and specifications.

CONCRETE

Choosing the right concrete mix and ensuring proper pouring techniques are key to a successful slab foundation. Your concrete contractor will use the plans and specifications provided to order the concrete mix from the supplier, and set labor schedules accordingly.

PRO TIP: Building on freshly installed concrete requires a MINIMUM curing time of 14 days after the slab has been completed. This means you’ll need to wait at least two weeks before you can begin building on your newly installed foundation.

FINAL INSPECTION AND BACKFILL

After the concrete has cured, a final inspection by a local building inspector is usually required to ensure the project complies with all regulations and building codes. Once approved, backfilling – or replacing soil – around the foundation can proceed. Backfilling soil supports the structure’s load and directs water away from the base. Proper backfilling and landscaping ensure the long-term stability and integrity of the foundation. If possible, be on the lookout for any flooding or pooling of water around your new foundation and consult with your concrete or grading contractor(s) immediately.

MAINTAINING YOUR SLAB FOUNDATION

Regular maintenance plays a significant role in extending the life of your monolithic slab foundation. This includes monitoring for cracks or shifts in the foundation, ensuring proper drainage at all times, and fixing any issues promptly to prevent further damage. An annual inspection by a professional can help catch potential problems early, saving you from costly repairs down the line.

By following these basic steps, you’re setting the stage for a successful build on a slab foundation, ensuring the durability and integrity of your home from the ground up.

Ready to Start Construction Your Concrete Foundation?