🏗️ From Dirt to Doorstep: How HCE Builds a Strong Foundation for Your Custom Home
- Shannon Hicks
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
When it comes to building a custom home, your foundation is the most important step — and often the most misunderstood. Homeowners may see concrete and stone, but behind the scenes there’s careful planning, precision equipment, and experienced crews making sure every inch supports your home for decades to come.
At HCE, we specialize in complete foundation installation — from layout and excavation to drainage, backfill, and driveways. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a recent 3,195-square-foot custom home foundation project we completed in Indiana.
Step 1: Home Layout and Excavation
Every great foundation starts with precision. Using the homeowner’s approved plans, our team performed a home layout survey to mark the exact footprint and footer locations.
We then excavated approximately 105 cubic yards of dirt using an excavator and skid steer to form the foundation area. This step sets the proper elevations and ensures the structure sits securely on solid ground.
Step 2: Footing Installation
The footings are the backbone of the foundation.We installed 405 linear feet of 24” wide by 8” deep footers, plus 16 column footers measuring 36” by 8” for additional load support.
Each was reinforced with ½-inch rebar (three sticks wide) and poured with 4000 PSI concrete using a pump truck for smooth, even placement. Utility sleeves were also set for future water and sewer connections.
Step 3: Foundation Drainage and Sump System
Before any stone is placed, our crew installs the home’s interior perimeter drainage system along the inside of the foundation walls. For this project, we installed 175 linear feet of perforated corrugated drain tile, connected to a sump pit and pump to manage groundwater and keep the foundation dry. Proper drainage is essential to prevent long-term moisture problems and protect your investment.
Step 4: Gravel Backfill and Compaction
Next, we hauled and placed 212 tons of #12 crushed stone to create a stable, well-drained base beneath the slab and walls. Our dump truck hauling team spent roughly 40 hours transporting stone, compacting each layer for stability and drainage efficiency.
Step 5: Sealing and Backfill
After the block contractor completed the foundation walls, HCE returned to seal the block exterior with a waterproof coating to protect against moisture intrusion.
We then backfilled and rough-graded around the home using 171 tons of excavated dirt, shaping the site and ensuring positive drainage away from the structure. If additional fill is needed later, we coordinate with the homeowner to make adjustments before final grading.
Step 6: Driveway Installation and Site Grading
To complete site access, we installed a 24-foot wide by 42-foot long driveway, using 120 tons of #53 stone for a solid, compacted base. Once home construction is complete, homeowners often choose to top it with #8 decorative stone for a finished surface.
This step provides a clean, accessible worksite for construction crews and sets the stage for landscaping once the build is finished.
Step 7: County Inspections and Homeowner Approvals
Throughout the project, HCE worked directly with county officials to schedule and pass all critical-point inspections, ensuring every phase met local building standards. We handle the inspection coordination and approval process for homeowners — saving time, reducing stress, and keeping the project on track for smooth progress to the next phase.
Built to Last — The HCE Difference
A foundation isn’t just concrete and stone — it’s planning, precision, and performance. From county coordination to the final driveway grade, HCE manages every detail so homeowners don’t have to.
If you’re planning a custom home, addition, or garage foundation, trust HCE to make sure your project starts strong and stays strong
📞 Contact us today to learn more about our custom foundation and excavation services in Indiana.
Comments