Two construction workers overseeing a foundation being filled in with rocks

Overcoming unsuitable soil to properly prepare for concrete construction

It’s not often we construct two residential homes side-by-side at the same time. Job site locations next to each other can be beneficial in terms of equipment accessibility and crew management but we were quickly met with unknown soil challenges in both locations that put us to the test. 

As the designated contractor for excavation, tree removal, foundation construction, flatwork, including garage slab and sidewalk, and final grading for both locations, we had to quickly solve the soil issue, establish a new plan, and be efficient to avoid stalling the projects.  

We worked through the problem of unsuitable soil by first leveraging our positive working relationships with local contacts to aid in the removal of the material. We used twice as many dump trucks and identified an appropriate dump location, negotiating with the landfill company on the most economical and environmentally appropriate disposal of the material. 

Once the material and inferior soil was cleared with the help of Kriel Tree Service and others, we focused on preparing the earth for residential building. Our engineer and team determined the best solution was to excavate both home locations nearly eight feet deeper than planned and install a clear stone base to build the base level up to the correct elevation. Once the base layer was established, we proceeded with building the concrete foundations and executing on the project as planned. 

Kurk Inc is equipped to meet the unique challenges that job sites can present and is proud of our network of local professionals who band together to build strong and prosperous communities.

Yellow model home with wrap-around porch, white pillars, and brick on lower exposed foundation.

Lake Geneva Model Home: New home foundation package

When serving as a concrete subcontractor for a new home foundation package, you always want to partner with the best to level-up your own performance and demonstrate excellence in your craft. That is exactly what we did when partnering with award-winning Sunrise Homes Incorporated on a beautiful custom home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 

We provided a complete new home foundation concrete package that included:

  • concrete footings,
  • foundation walls,
  • basement slab,
  • garage slab, and
  • stamped concrete sidewalks.

The Kurk concrete team worked closely with Down to Earth Contractors who completed the excavation and site preparation.  Together, the new home was constructed in time for the 2017 Lakeland Builders Association Parade of Homes.