About Us
Quality Concrete has been a residential foundation subcontractor in the Northwest since 2002. In that time, we have built a reputation that lives up to our name.
We strive to do the job well the first time around.
We bring the knowledge from our experience to help you make the best decisions regarding excavation, basement, retaining walls, and other relevant information that will serve you in the long run.
About Foundation
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Ask your potential subcontractor about their lead time. Let them know if you have a tight timeline.
Send the elevation map along with drawing and engineering plans when requesting a bid.
Ask your subcontractor to come out and physically look at the lot, especially if there is a significant elevation change.
Note the terms of the estimate. Are they quoting total price or on a per-unit basis?
Don’t forget to check your subcontractor’s state license.
Let the subcontractor know if you are using a re-seller’s permit before they start buying materials for your job.
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After the stake-out, the foundation frame is built. This is the time to make final changes to the structure.
Depending on the engineering plans, any pipes that run through the concrete will be laid out.
The inspector will need to inspect the frame structure before the concrete is poured.
The concrete mix is then poured into the frame structure.
The foundation structure consists of the footing and walls. Depending on the size of the structure, the two parts may be poured together or separately.
Clean up. You’re ready to frame!
Building Your Bid
An experienced contractor knows that there are a few factors that can have a significant impact on a foundation bid. Keep the following notes in mind when looking at an estimate.
Location. Tight metropolitan streets will have fees associated with it that are different from the countryside, where distance may add the coast.
Elevation/ Slope adds notable options both in regard to utility and aesthetics of a home. Is there a view that needs to be considered? A full height basement or crawls space? Is a retaining wall needed or a pony wall on foundation steps? The math, however, is simple. Increasing the perimeter and/or height of the concrete wall will multiply yards of concrete; yards of concrete increase the price of the estimate.
What kind of land are you working with? Rocky ground can significantly increase the time and cost for both your excavator and foundation subcontractors. The concrete subcontractor will need to drill into the rock, increasing the manual labor hours.
Water. The underground waterways and the surface waters flow in predictable patterns on every land lot. An experienced foundation contractor will advise you on ways to avoid water congregation in your basement.
Excavation. Not all excavation subcontractors are made equal. A poor excavation job will need to be leveled by concrete, adding yards to your invoice.
It is always a good idea to have your foundation subcontractor come out and take a look at the lot during (or before) the excavation is in process. They will help you consider your options, save you money, and produce a more accurate estimate.