Concrete Footers for a Home Addition in Hatfield, Bucks County, PA

Pankey Nelson
Jul 24
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Bird's eye view of a house with the basement for an addition begun. It has been dug out, the foundation set, and stone leveled, ready for concrete work to begin. There are trees on all sides, and a road in front of the house.

Every home addition starts with a vision—but before a single block is laid or a wall is framed, everything depends on what's hidden below the ground.

Concrete footers are the foundation beneath the foundation. If they're not installed accurately, every phase of construction that follows can be affected.

For this project in Hatfield, Bucks County, PA, VAS Contracting trusted K+L Construction to complete the layout, forming, reinforcement, and concrete placement for the new addition's footers. Here's a closer look at the process and why every step matters.

At K+L Construction, we look beyond completing the project—we prepare every site for long-term success.

What Are Concrete Footers?

Concrete footers are reinforced concrete bases that support the weight of the foundation walls and the structure above them.

Their job is to spread the weight of the building evenly into the ground, helping prevent settling and providing a stable base for the home's foundation.

While homeowners rarely see them once construction continues, they're one of the most important structural components of any building project.

Step 1: Laying Out the Footers

The freshly dug space for the basement of and addition to the house showing on the left.

Before any forms were built, we carefully laid out the footers according to the engineered site plans.

Every measurement matters.

The location, width, and elevation of the footers all have to match the approved plans so the block foundation walls, floor system, and framing align exactly as designed.

Taking the time to verify the layout at the beginning helps prevent costly corrections later in the project.

Step 2: Building the Forms

Closeup on forms for the foundation of a basement addition on a house that is out of frame. Stone has already be installed in the basement and leveled, and reinforcing steel is laid atop the stone, ready to set in place.

Once the layout was perfect, we installed boards to create forms with the exact dimensions for each footer.

The forms hold the concrete in place while it's poured and curing, ensuring the finished footers are the proper size and shape.

Although they'll eventually be removed, accurate forms are essential for creating a strong, consistent foundation. Warped boards = warped walls, and no one wants that!

Step 3: Reinforcing the Footers

Closeup on forms for the foundation of a basement addition on a house that is out of frame. Some stone has already be installed in the basement and foundation drain areas.

Before placing concrete, we installed three continuous rows of #4 rebar throughout the footers, as specified in the project plans.

Reinforcing steel adds strength to the concrete and helps it better resist the forces placed on it over the life of the structure.

Concrete is incredibly strong in compression, while steel provides additional tensile strength. Together, they create a foundation system designed for long-term durability.

Step 4: Pouring the Concrete

Two construction workers are installing cement in a basement foundation form. One is carefully controlling the pour from an extension truck, while the other is leveling the cement. A third worker stands by the cement truck.

With the layout complete, forms secured, and reinforcement in place, it was time to pour the concrete.

This project presented one unique challenge: limited access.

Rather than trying to maneuver a large concrete truck into a tight space—or risk damaging the surrounding property—we brought in a conveyor truck.

The conveyor allowed us to place concrete precisely where it was needed while keeping the job site cleaner and more efficient.

Using the right equipment isn't just about convenience. It's about protecting the property, improving efficiency, and delivering a better finished product.

The Little Details Matter

One of the things we're proud of has nothing to do with the concrete itself.

Before leaving the job site, we specifically asked the truck driver to wash the mud from the truck's tires before entering the public road.

It's a small detail that many people may never notice.

But it's part of how we operate.

Respecting the homeowner's property—and the surrounding neighborhood—is just as important as completing quality work.

Building a Foundation for the Next Phase

View along the house, showing a newly dug basement area for an addtion. The foundation has been installed, and stone leveled. There are sump pits in two corners.
You can see the back of the next house, and a driveway with two vehicles. There are trees and a cloudy sky.

Once the footers were complete, the project was ready for the next stage: constructing the block foundation walls.

We'll return to this project as construction progresses, completing additional phases including foundation backfill, final grading, driveway improvements, and water management around the new addition.

Every successful project is built one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concrete footers for a new addition, still in the forms. There is a ladder in the basement pit, and a construction worker walking away after inspecting the work.

What is the purpose of concrete footers?

Concrete footers spread the weight of the building into the ground, providing a stable base for the foundation walls and helping prevent settling over time.

Why is rebar installed inside concrete footers?

Rebar reinforces the concrete, increasing its strength and helping it resist cracking and structural movement. On this project, the footers were reinforced with three rows of #4 rebar according to the engineered plans.

Why use a conveyor truck instead of a concrete truck?

On properties with limited access, a conveyor truck allows concrete to be placed accurately without driving heavy equipment into tight areas. It helps protect the surrounding property while making the pour more efficient.

Follow this addition project from start to finish:

Proudly Serving Bucks County and Surrounding Areas

Kyle and Laura Schaeffer standing in front of the K+L company covered pickup truck, with their three dogs at their feet.

K+L Construction provides excavation sitework, construction services, basement excavation, foundation drainage, water management, concrete, utility installation, grading, and site preparation throughout Bucks County, Berks County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, and neighboring communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Boyertown, Bally, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Oley, Topton, Bechtelsville, Reading, Pottstown, Quakertown, and more.

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Planning a home addition or new construction project?

Whether you need basement excavation, concrete footers, foundation drainage, or complete sitework, K+L Construction has the experience and equipment to prepare your project for long-term success.

Fill out our online estimate request form today to discuss your upcoming project.