Digging and Forming a Foundation on a Down-Sloping Lot
Plans only tell a theoretical story.
On site, the slope of a lot will usually differ from the site plan and this has a great effect on how the foundation forms will be laid out and built. It’s up to the contractor to convert plan measurements and angles into forms that square up on site and ensure level footings on un-level ground.
Peter’s method for creating a truly square foundation with precise heights on a down-sloping lot is somewhat unorthodox but equal in accuracy to the more common method that takes much longer. Peter learned the method from his Uncle, Louie, who has drawn and built many multi-million dollar homes in Tahoe. They’ve relied on it time and again because it’s the most efficient way to get an accurate layout. Even the inspector on the job was surprised at how precisely the foundation had been formed.
Forming the foundation is one of the longest and most arduous processes of a new build. Especially one this large and complex. The footprint is first dug to a certain depth by an excavator. Then one side of the forms are built to exact heights. Once the other side of the forms are built, rebar is cut and tied within the forms to hold the concrete together as it inevitably settles. Ninety pieces of rebar in this foundation!
Copper wire is incorporated strategically and is used to ground the entire house. Special ties and hold-downs also need to be placed to ensure the framing will attach easily and provide a level support for the floor joists.
Precision in this stage of building is paramount as the entire structure will rely on the accuracy and fortitude of the foundation.