Concrete footings play a crucial role in providing stability to your foundation wall, preventing settling and ensuring long-term durability. These footings can be executed in two primary methods: bank poured, where concrete is directly poured against the natural soil, or formed, involving the creation of a structured form for pouring. To enhance strength under loaded conditions, reinforcing steel bars (rebar) are strategically installed as per the engineering plans. This meticulous approach reinforces the foundation, guaranteeing structural integrity over time.

The construction of basement entrances necessitates the pouring of a foundation wall, serving the dual purpose of retaining soil as a retaining wall and providing the structure against which stairs are formed. Ensuring structural integrity, rebar connections link the wall to the freshly poured footings. Additionally, it's crucial to dowel the foundation wall into the house foundation, mitigating the risk of shifting during backfilling and in the future. To eliminate weak rock pockets within the concrete, a meticulous approach involves vibrating or beating the concrete into the forms during the pouring process.

After the successful pouring of concrete footings and the foundation wall, the foundation necessitates meticulous backfilling and compaction to mitigate the risk of falls or cave-ins against the foundation. Simultaneously, the excavator prepares for the installation of concrete stairs. Ideally, the stairs should already be formed at this stage, aiding the excavator in precise placement of gravel for the stair forms. Gravel, chosen as the backfill material, proves advantageous in confined spaces like basement entrances, as it eliminates the need for compaction, facilitating a more efficient and accessible construction process.

Following the installation of gravel, the stage is set for pouring concrete stairs. Typically, concrete contractors precede gravel installation by forming the stairs, allowing the excavating contractor to prepare with precision to the correct elevation, minimizing the risk of concrete overruns. To enhance safety, stairs are broomed to a rough finish, reducing slipping hazards under wet or icy conditions. Ensuring effective drainage, each step and landing are intentionally sloped forward, directing water towards the bottom where the sump is strategically installed. Whenever feasible, pouring stairs in a single operation is recommended to minimize the potential for cracking.

Foundation plaster is a discretionary coating applied to raw foundation walls, often chosen to conceal imperfections resulting from forms and ties used during the foundation pour. While optional, this product is considered a valuable investment as it enhances the visual appeal of the foundation, providing a smooth and polished finish. The application of foundation plaster not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also contributes to an overall refined and attractive appearance for the structure.