Step 1: Prepare the Site

Before you select a foundation type to build your structure upon, BuildBlock highly recommends that you set up a consultation with a local structural engineer or contractors who are familiar with your region’s soil load-bearing capacities.

The examples in this course use a poured concrete footing but a different type of foundation may be necessary.

As you calculate the type and size of your foundation, you’ll need to follow prescriptive engineering practices based on wall heights, thickness, and soil compressive strength. Also, check your local codes for size requirements. You can always overbuild but you must meet local minimum requirements.