Estimating Foundations

Use the BidMagic construction estimating software to estimate concrete and masonry foundation costs.

The Foundation Dimension card allows you to enter any combination of footings, basement/stem walls, piers or pilings, and floor slabs, depending on what is needed in your foundations.

This section covers a few common types of foundations.

Stem Wall & Crawl Space

This type of construction rests a framed floor on a continuous foundation wall, which rests on a footing below frost line (or deep enough to prevent lateral movement in frost-free areas).

If the project is new construction, an addition or a gut/rehab, turn off the Basement choice on the Basic Dimensions card. Enter measurements for the first floor (and any other floors) directly off the blueprints. You don't need to enter anything special about the crawl space itself.

For a remodeling project, enter information about each room being worked on--you don't need to enter anything special about the crawl space itself.

On the Foundation Dimensions card, enter footing dimensions into Footing/Grade Beams, and the stem wall dimensions into Stem/Basement Walls. You probably won't need to use any Piers & Pilings (unless using them for porches or decks) or Floor Slabs (unless you have exterior sidewalk slabs).

In Specifications, you'll usually include footing, stem wall (either masonry or poured concrete), mud sill, and first floor framing. You may also need gravel, vapor barrier and/or a thin 'rat proofing' slab on the ground in the crawl space, and crawl space ventilation. Insulation will probably be installed in the floor framing. Perimeter foundation insulation may also be included.