+What is the difference between foundations and a slab?
Foundations are the footings and walls carrying a structure's load into the ground. A slab is the flat floor poured on top, for a shed or new build. Need a full new floor slab rather than footings? See our concrete slabs page.
+Do I need an engineer?
For a structure attached to the house, a taller retaining wall, or most consented work, yes, an engineer designs the foundation for your ground. Smaller unconsented work like a standard deck often just needs standard footing details. We can tell you which applies.
+Will council inspect the footings first?
On consented work, almost always. A pre-pour inspection checks depth, reinforcing and set out against the approved plans before concrete goes in, since it cannot be checked once poured. We book and meet these inspections.
+How deep do footings need to be here?
It depends on ground and load. Standard residential footings are often 300 to 450mm, but loose sand around Papamoa and the Mount, or a sloping Pyes Pa or Ohauiti site, can need a deeper or wider design specified by the engineer.
+Can you do retaining wall foundations?
Yes, including the footing a block, timber or concrete wall sits on. Walls over a metre generally need engineering and consent, which we factor into programme and pricing.
+Do you design the foundation or just build it?
We build to whatever engineered drawings you or your architect provide. If you do not have an engineer yet, we can point you to one we work with who knows Tauranga ground conditions.
+How does the ground here change the design?
Loose sand needs a wider footing or deeper piles to spread the load, firm clay generally needs less. A geotechnical report is sometimes required on coastal or sloping sites to confirm bearing capacity, and the design responds to that.
+Can you tie into an existing foundation?
Yes, extension and renovation footings often tie into an existing foundation, matching levels and reinforcing continuity carefully so old and new work together structurally.
