11/12/2025
7 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE DURING FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION
Many buildings fail not because of the roof or walls, but because the foundation was done wrongly. If you get the foundation wrong, the whole structure is at risk. Sadly, this is where many quack cut corners.
To help you avoid costly mistakes, here are 7 key things you must pay attention to during your foundation construction:
1) Excavation Depth
Your foundation should be deep enough to hold at least one 225mm block below ground after casting. Minimum of 450mm ( 1.6 feet) for a bungalow and 900mm ( 3.6 feet) for a one-floor building. The soil at that depth must also be firm enough to carry the load.
2) Foundation Concrete Casting is Not Mortar
Mortar is not concrete. Some builders skip proper casting and just lay blocks on bare soil with mortar, this is dangerous. Always cast your foundation trenches (blinding) before laying blocks.
3) Foundation Height
Your foundation should be high enough to prevent floodwater from entering. Don’t judge with road level alone; study the flood pattern in the area and check nearby properties before setting height.
4) DPM (Damp Proof Membrane)
A quality DPM nylon will stop water from penetrating your ground floor. Never skip this, it protects your finishing from dampness.
5) Durability and Stability
Your foundation should be strong enough to carry and transfer the building load without settlement. Always go for durable materials.
6) Accuracy
Whatever mistakes are made at the foundation stage will affect the whole building. Ensure proper size and squareness are achieved.
7) Engineer’s Assessment
For high-rise buildings, only a structural engineer can determine the right foundation depth after reviewing the soil report.
Final Note: Your foundation is the life of your building. Don’t compromise quality here.
©Engr. Usman Mohammed
