Foundation & Site Selection Guide

A solid foundation is the literal base of a long-lasting metal building. While Norcal Carports provides professional installation of your structure, it is important to understand that we do not perform construction, foundation, or concrete work.

Preparing the foundation is a separate step that must be completed before our installation crew arrives.

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1. Professional Disclaimer: No Construction/Concrete Work

Norcal Carports is a specialist in steel building assembly and installation. We do not offer the following services:

• Excavation or grading
• Concrete pouring or footer digging
• Permit filing for foundation work
• Removal of existing structures or debris

Homeowners are encouraged to hire a local licensed concrete contractor or foundation specialist to prepare the site according to their engineering requirements.

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2. Accepted Foundation Types

We can install our structures on a variety of surfaces, provided they are level and stable.

A. Concrete Slabs (The Gold Standard)

A full concrete slab is highly recommended for enclosed garages and workshop buildings.

• Requirements: Slabs should be at least 4" thick for standard vehicles.
• Note: The slab must be 1 foot longer and 1 foot wider than the building footprint to prevent "edge spalling" when drilling anchors.

B. Concrete Footings & Piers

If you don't want a full slab, concrete footings or piers can be used to anchor the building's base rails.

• Requirements: Piers must be poured to the depth required by local building codes (often below the frost line).
• Precision: Piers must be perfectly aligned with the building's frame legs.

C. Gravel Base (Crushed Stone)

A popular and cost-effective option for carports and RV covers.

• Requirements: We recommend at least 4" to 6" of compacted crushed gravel (e.g., 3/4" minus).
• Stability: Gravel must be compacted to prevent the building from shifting or sinking over time.

D. Asphalt

We can install on asphalt driveways using specialized asphalt anchors.

• Note: While asphalt is accepted, it is more flexible than concrete. Over time, heavy buildings may cause some indentation in the asphalt during hot California summers.

E. Dirt (Native Soil)

Base-level installation on native soil is acceptable for standard carports.

• Requirement: Dirt must be firm and compacted. We use long mobile home / helical anchors for stability on dirt.

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3. The "Level Site" Requirement

Regardless of the material you choose, the site must be level within 3 inches.

• If a site is out of level, the building may "rack," causing doors to bind, trim to misalign, and potential structural instability.
• Sites out of level by more than 3 inches may result in additional on-site labor charges or the crew having to reschedule until the ground is prepared.

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4. Underground Hazards

Before any footing is dug or anchor is driven, you must identify all underground utilities.

• Call 811: This is a free service in California that marks your gas, water, and power lines.
• Private Lines: Don't forget to mark private septic lines, well pipes, or irrigation systems that 811 might not track.

Site Tip: If you are unsure which foundation is best for your specific soil type in Northern California, consult with a local engineer or your county building department.