How Firm Our Foundation

During the construction phase of our project, few people asked about the foundation but many have asked about when we were going to see the exciting part of the construction, the part above ground.  Although we all know how important a solid foundation is, it seems to get little respect or generate much interest.

I would like to share a few thoughts about the foundation construction as I was impressed by the spiritual commonality with our Lord, our SOLID ROCK.

First, the foundation design comes about as the result of conceptual thoughts formulated into a floor plan (blueprint) and architectural design conceived by the originator.  From there, the architect or designer adds the required details so that the builder can transform the information on paper into a material structure that meets the homeowner’s needs and desires, as well as city, state and federal requirements. 

• Solid Footing -Codes require that the footing be set below the frost line (24’ in our area) so that it will not freeze or crack from winter freezing and thawing.  This footing must also be “set” on solid or virgin soil.
• Plumb -The foundation for each level of the home must be the same level  through out the structure.  In other words, the structure should be plumb with the earth.
• Square -Beginning with the “cornerstone”, the foundation must be square from front to back and from side to side.
• Stable -The foundation must be capable of handling not only the weight of the structure, but also the forces of nature including roof and shear loads posed by wind, snow and seismic activity.    

In the “old days”, homes were essentially a box or rectangular in shape and although requiring a solid foundation, were reasonably simple compared to modern homes and technology.  Homes today reflect complicated “open” architectural designs such as high vaulted ceilings, free span trusses which require additional calculations and engineering.  In addition, empirical data resulting from inspections regarding damages from tornadoes, hurricanes and unstable hillsides have resulted in stricter building codes.  All this being said, our new home is of a rather modest design compared to many of the homes being built today.

I am confident that after precise laser controlled excavation, tons of concrete, many feet of rebar and careful inspection, that our foundation is as good as man can do.  I am even more confident in the Lord’s  foundation which has stood the test of time throughout all eternity.