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Concrete / Foundation Pre-Estimate Checklist

Help us understand your concrete or foundation project and determine pricing feasibility

1 Client Contact Information
We'll use this information to reach out regarding your concrete or foundation project.
2 Property Information
Tell us about the property location for your project.
3 Project Type
What type of concrete or foundation work are you planning?
4 Project Specifications
Help us understand the scope and technical details of your project.
Michigan Code Requirements:
• Frost depth: All exterior footings must extend a minimum of 42 inches below grade (R403.1.4)
• Concrete strength: Minimum 3,500 PSI for garage floors and any surfaces exposed to deicing chemicals; 2,500 PSI minimum for other residential flatwork
• Reinforcement: Per Michigan Residential Code, footings must be reinforced per soil conditions and load requirements
• Air entrainment: Required for exterior concrete exposed to freeze-thaw cycles in Michigan's climate
5 Foundation-Specific Details
Complete this section if your project involves a foundation
Foundation Details
Michigan Code Requirements:
• Waterproofing: Below-grade foundation walls for habitable spaces require damp-proofing or waterproofing per R406
• Drain tile: Foundation drain tile is required around the footing perimeter for basements and crawlspaces
• Wall thickness: Minimum 8" for poured concrete foundation walls (varies by height and soil conditions)
• Anchor bolts: Minimum 1/2" diameter anchor bolts at 6 ft on center, within 12" of each end of sill plate
• Sill plate: Pressure-treated or naturally durable wood required, with sill seal gasket
6 Flatwork-Specific Details
Complete this section if your project involves driveways, patios, sidewalks, or slabs
Flatwork Details
Michigan Code Notes:
• Slope for drainage: Flatwork adjacent to structures must slope a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet away from the foundation
• Control joints: Required at intervals not exceeding 2–3 times the slab thickness (e.g., every 8–12 ft for a 4" slab) to control cracking
• Vapor barrier: A minimum 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier is required under slabs in habitable spaces
• Base preparation: Minimum 4" compacted gravel base under residential slabs
7 Site Conditions
Tell us about the site conditions and any potential challenges.
Michigan Code Note: Footings must bear on undisturbed soil or engineered fill. If expansive or questionable soils are present, a soils report may be required by the building official. Michigan code prohibits footings on frozen ground or uncompacted fill.
8 Michigan Building Code Compliance
Key Michigan code requirements for concrete and foundation work.
Michigan Code Requirement: Foundation and structural concrete work requires a building permit. Footing inspections are required before the pour — the building official must approve the footing excavation, rebar placement, and dimensions before concrete is placed. Foundation wall inspections occur before backfill. Flatwork (driveways, patios) may or may not require permits depending on your local jurisdiction. Dream To Reality Construction verifies permit requirements and coordinates all inspections.
Michigan Code Note: Concrete placed during cold weather (below 40°F) requires special precautions — heated water, accelerators, insulated blankets, and extended cure times. Michigan's freeze-thaw climate demands proper cold-weather concrete practices to ensure strength and durability. We schedule pours based on weather conditions to meet code requirements.
Note: If your project includes walkways, ramps, or entries that must meet accessibility requirements, maximum slope, landing, and width specifications apply. Let us know if ADA compliance is a factor in your project.
9 Budget Pre-Qualification
Help us understand your budget expectations.
Tier 1: $5,000–$15,000
Standard flatwork — driveway, patio, or sidewalk with quality finish and proper base preparation.
Tier 2: $15,000–$40,000
Mid-range project — garage slab with in-floor heat prep, stamped patio, or small foundation with standard waterproofing.
Tier 3: $40,000+
Major concrete/foundation work — full basement foundation, large commercial slab, or extensive flatwork with premium finishes.
Note: Pricing depends on scope, site conditions, access, and finish selections. This is a pre-qualification estimate only.
10 Timeline
When are you planning to start your project?
11 Decision-Making & Readiness
Are you ready to move forward with your concrete or foundation project?
12 Acknowledgment
Please review and acknowledge the following:

What Happens Next?

We'll review your checklist and contact you within 24 hours to schedule your on-site estimate. No obligations — just honest conversation about your concrete or foundation project.

Questions? Contact Us