Foundations spread the weight of a building over the ground to maintain stability and prevent unexpected movement in the superstructure. They are generally wider than the ground wall thickness and anchored deep down where the subsoils are more compressed and have a higher bearing capacity.
Key principles
Site levels, vegetation, sub-soil and building’s weight need to be considered to design the appropriate foundations. It is commonplace for contractors to include a standard type and depth in their quotations and to worry about the actual depths when the job starts. However, prudent self builders will evaluate site variables in advance to understand the most suitable foundation before work begins.