Garage Construction Project

2025-10-31 - Finished Slab with Conduits - Northwest View

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Finished Slab with Conduits - Northwest View

Finished Slab from Northwest

Photo Details

  • Date: October 31, 2025
  • Time: 1:51 PM EDT
  • Weather: Partly cloudy to overcast, 48-52°F. Good conditions for finishing work.
  • Phase: Foundation - Post-pour finishing complete
  • Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI
  • View: Northwest corner perspective looking southeast

Description

This comprehensive view from the northwest corner shows the entire finished concrete foundation slab after saw cutting and form removal. The photo captures the full 24’ x 40’ footprint with visible control joints, utility conduits, and completed perimeter work, demonstrating the professional quality of the foundation ready for vertical construction.

Visible Elements

  • Control Joint Pattern:
    • Multiple parallel saw cuts visible across entire slab
    • Cuts create regular sections to control cracking
    • Clean, straight lines demonstrate professional work
    • Appears to divide slab into approximately 8-10 foot sections
    • Both longitudinal and transverse cuts visible
    • Standard concrete finishing practice for large slabs
  • Utility Conduits:
    • Orange PEX conduits prominently visible on right side
    • Multiple conduit runs protruding vertically from slab
    • Conduits positioned for future electrical and service connections
    • Protected and properly positioned during finishing work
    • Ready for future utility installation
  • Slab Surface:
    • 24’ x 40’ (960 sq ft) complete foundation
    • Color variations showing curing patterns (lighter and darker patches)
    • Smooth finished surface maintained after saw cutting
    • Minimal debris or construction residue
    • 24+ hours of curing time completed
    • Surface ready to support construction loads
  • Perimeter Conditions:
    • All wooden forms removed around entire perimeter
    • Straight, clean slab edges on all sides
    • Dirt backfilled around edges (visible in foreground)
    • Transition from concrete to excavated soil area
    • Some loose soil and construction debris around perimeter
  • Site Context:
    • White lattice privacy fence along left side
    • Neighboring homes visible in background
    • Overcast gray sky providing even lighting
    • Fall foliage visible on surrounding trees
    • Power lines and utility poles in background
    • Construction site staging area visible

Foundation Specifications Recap

This completed foundation includes:

  • ✓ 4-inch thick reinforced concrete slab
  • ✓ Fiberglass rebar reinforcement throughout
  • ✓ Embedded PEX tubing for radiant floor heating
  • ✓ 2-inch Creatherm under-slab insulation
  • ✓ Exterior perimeter insulation
  • ✓ Thickened pads for 2-post car lift
  • ✓ Multiple utility conduits for electrical and services
  • ✓ Professional finishing with control joints
  • ✓ Forms removed and perimeter backfilled

Contractor Finishing Work (October 31)

The cement contractor completed:

  1. Saw cutting: Control joints cut at appropriate intervals
  2. Form removal: All perimeter forms stripped after curing
  3. Backfilling: Dirt filled around edges for support and grading
  4. Site work: Initial cleanup and debris removal

Curing Progress

Timeline:

  • October 30, 9:24 AM EDT: Pour began
  • October 30, 11:45 AM EDT: Pour completed
  • October 31, 1:51 PM EDT: 26+ hours of curing (this photo)

Status:

  • Surface strength adequate for form removal and light traffic
  • Continued curing required for full strength development
  • Standard practice is 7 days for framing loads, 28 days for full strength
  • Keeping concrete moist aids proper curing chemistry

Construction Readiness

With finishing complete, the foundation is ready for:

  1. Continued curing and protection
  2. Final perimeter grading and drainage work
  3. Wall framing and vertical construction
  4. Protection measures during construction
  5. Coordination with other trades (electrical, plumbing)

Graph View

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