Foundation Forms and Excavated Perimeter
Photo Details
- Date: October 20, 2025
- Time: 2:12 PM EDT (54 seconds after first photo)
- Weather: Clear skies, 59°F. Ideal conditions for foundation work and photography.
- Phase: Foundation forming with rat wall excavation
- Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI
- View: Looking from the side/angle showing depth of perimeter excavation
Description
This angled view clearly shows the excavated perimeter trench around the foundation slab area, revealing the depth required for the rat wall system specified in the construction contract.
Visible Elements
- Perimeter Trench: Deep excavation around the foundation perimeter
- Visible depth approximately 24”+
- Dark soil exposed in trench walls
- Clean, vertical cut edges
- Foundation Interior: Leveled sand/gravel base for the main slab area
- Appears raised compared to the perimeter trench
- Orange construction markings visible indicating thickened concrete pad locations for future 2-post car lift
- Wooden Forms: Perimeter forms installed with support stakes
- Survey/Layout Stakes: Green and orange marking stakes/flags visible
- Property Context:
- White lattice fence (left)
- Neighboring houses visible in background
- Clear blue sky and fall foliage
Technical Observations
This perimeter excavation matches the contract specifications for:
- 8” wide x 24” deep rat wall system
- The trench will be filled with concrete to create a frost-protected foundation
- 9” foam frost protection will be installed (likely on exterior of rat wall)
- Interior will receive the 4” concrete floor slab
The orange markings on the interior indicate locations for thickened concrete pads for the future 2-post car lift:
- These areas will not receive Creatherm insulation (allowing thicker concrete)
- Provides adequate concrete depth to support lift mounting bolts
- PEX radiant heating will be routed around these pads to prevent damage during lift installation
Related Documents
- Hershberger’s Contract - Specifies “8’ W x 24’ deep concrete ratwall w/ 9” Foam frost protection, 4” concrete floor”
- Foundation and Slab - Foundation construction phase documentation