Digging out foundations: 5 essential practical tips

When building a house, it is very important to have a strong and stable foundation. Therefore, foundation excavation and related earthworks are an important part of the construction process.

In this article, we will discuss what foundations are, why they are important, how foundations are dug and how to prevent excavation damage. Finally, you'll discover 5 essential practical tips for safely excavating foundations.

Important basics: this is what you need to know about foundations

What are foundations? Foundations are the part of the building that transfers the weight of the building to the ground. They are usually made of concrete or masonry. Foundations are crucial for building stability and help prevent cracks in walls and floors.

Steps for excavating foundations.

1. When digging foundations, you start by determining the location of the foundation. A design of the foundation is made and it is determined how deep and wide it should be.
2. Then the soil around the location is excavated to the desired depth and width. It is important to dig safely. Through a mandatory Klic report you know where the cables and pipes are in the ground and you can dig around them. Read more about working near cables and pipes in the knowledge article.
3. When the foundation is excavated, reinforcement is applied. This is usually done in the form of rebar.
4. After the reinforcement is applied, the concrete can be poured. The concrete ensures that the foundation becomes even more solid and will not sink. It is important that the concrete is well smoothed out and that there are no air bubbles in it.
5. When the concrete is cured, you can start applying the finishing floor. This is the top layer of the foundation and ensures that the floor of the house will soon be nice and flat.

5 essential practice tips for foundation excavation

1. It is usually started by digging a trial trench into which the foundation will be placed. After the trench is excavated, a layer of gravel or rubble is applied to support the foundation and prevent it from subsiding.
2. Make sure you have a clear construction plan. Before you start digging out the foundation, it is important to have a clear construction drawing. With this drawing you are also obliged to request the location of cables and pipes. Therefore, do Klic report in time.
3. Seems simple, but good material is half the battle. For example, use the right excavator. When excavating the foundation, it is important to use the right excavator. Too small an excavator can cause delays and additional costs, while too large an excavator can cause damage to the surrounding area.
4. Check the type of soil. Here are some additional tips for digging in clay soil. This is because the soil type can affect the depth and width of the foundation. For example, clay needs a wider foundation than sand.
5. Be sure to coordinate with other work: Excavating the foundation is an important step in the construction process. Therefore, make sure it is well coordinated with other work, such as laying pipes and sewerage. This will prevent delays and additional costs.

So it is important to ask for a Klic report on beforhand. Here you can start the Klic request.