What do local soils and rules mean for a foundation?
Many parts of the Sacramento area have clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Engineers often respond with deeper footings, extra reinforcement or a prepared soil layer. Some newer homes use post-tension slabs. Near the rivers, ground water and flood zones can change the design.
Foundations and structural slabs normally need a building permit from the city or county. An inspector checks the trenches, rebar and forms before concrete is placed, so the pour is booked around that visit.
Drainage matters just as much. The ground around the slab should slope away from the structure. Ask your contractor how the final grade will work with gutters and downspouts. For an attached garage, the slab also joins a driveway, so see concrete driveways.

