Land Clearing and Concrete Garage Foundation in Ontario, NY (Wayne County)

October 29, 2024

Project Completed: December 09, 2022 (after concreting)

August 18, 2023 (after epoxy)

Services: Land Clearing, Excavation, Concrete Garage Foundation, Gravel Driveway, Topsoil Delivery

Concrete Garage Foundation

Project Overview

For many homeowners, especially husbands, a detached garage is the dream home upgrade. It’s about extra storage or a place to park the car and everything in between. Beyond the personal satisfaction, it also boosts the property’s value, making it a sought-after addition to your home.

For this project, we had the pleasure of working with a returning client who had reached out to us once again, this time for a concrete garage foundation. Our team handled everything from land clearing and excavation to pouring the concrete slab. The client trusted us with this project, knowing from past experience that we deliver quality results.

This project took place in the town of Ontario, Wayne County, right here in Western New York. The property had a great lot, giving us plenty of room to get the work done efficiently. Now, with a solid foundation in place, the client is all set to build the garage they’ve been dreaming of.

Read relevant blog – How To Develop Your Newly Purchased Undeveloped Land

Timeline

To give you an idea of how the process went, here’s a breakdown of the milestones involved in building the concrete garage foundation.

  • September 23, 2022 – Start of Land Clearing
  • September 28, 2022 – Start of Foundation Excavation and Construction
  • October 24, 2022 – Removal of Footer Forms
  • October 31, 2022 – Start of Blocks Installation
  • November 21, 2022 – Backfilling Works in the Foundation
  • November 28, 2022 – Backfilling Works outside the Foundation
  • December 08, 2022 – Concreting Works
  • December 09, 2022 – Gravel Driveway Installation
  • June 5, 2023 – Gravel Driveway Refresher and Topsoil Installation
  • August 17, 2023 – Epoxy Floor Finish

Reminder: It’s important to note that this project wasn’t a typical 8-hours-a-day, 5-days-a-week job. Instead, the work was scheduled around availability and weather conditions, and ensuring each phase was completed according to plan. We were able to allow proper curing times for the concrete and perform thorough checks at each stage, ensuring everything was done right without rushing the process.

Existing Site Condition and Site Plan

Existing Site Condition and Site Plan

On the left, you can see that the spot where we’ll put the concrete garage foundation used to be packed with trees and undergrowth. There’s also an existing gravel driveway, but it’s looking a bit worn down.

First, we’ll clear out the highlighted area on the right. Then we’ll dig out for the foundation, pour the concrete footers, and stack the blocks for the foundation wall. After that, we’ll backfill and pour the concrete for the garage floor. Finally, we’ll backfill around the property and finish up with a nice refresh of the gravel driveway.

Land Clearing

Machine clearing the land

For this project, we cleared the entire area where the concrete garage foundation will be located. This included removing all the trees, stumps, and undergrowth, making sure the site is ready for excavation and foundation work.

Check out our ultimate guide in land clearing to learn more.

Concrete Garage Foundation

Foundation and Concreting of Footer

Foundation Footer Before Concreting
Foundation Footer Before Concreting
Foundation Footer Before Concreting
Foundation Footer Before Concreting

Once the land was cleared, we used our excavator to dig the trenches for the concrete footers. Next, we installed footer formworks and laid a gravel bedding.

Before pouring the concrete, we placed vertical rebars into the footers to provide strong support for the concrete hollow blocks that will be built later.

Foundation Footer Concreted Corner
Foundation Footer Concreted Corner
Foundation Footer Concreted Corner

We now poured the concrete for the footers, ensuring it was evenly distributed and properly compacted to eliminate any air pockets. The concrete was left to cure over the required period to achieve full strength.

After the concrete fully cured, we removed the formwork, leaving behind clean concrete footers that are ready to support the foundation walls. With the footers now complete, the next step will be to begin laying the concrete hollow blocks for the foundation.

Foundation Wall

Foundation Walls Block Laying
Foundation Walls Block Laying
Foundation Walls Block Laying
Foundation Walls Block Laying
Foundation Walls Block Laying

We began laying the concrete hollow blocks for the foundation walls. The first step was to carefully align the blocks along the perimeter of the footers, ensuring a straight and level base using masonry lines and a level for precise measurements.

Each concrete hollow block was laid with mortar to bond the blocks securely, and vertical reinforcement bars, previously embedded in the footers, were threaded through the hollow spaces of the blocks.

Concreting of Foundation Floor

Concrete Garage Floor Before Concreting
Concrete Garage Floor Before Concreting
Concrete Garage Floor Before Concreting

Once the CHB foundation walls were set, we started the backfilling process inside the foundation. We filled the space with clean fill material, packing it down layer by layer with a vibratory plate compactor to make sure it’s solid and won’t shift over time.

Next, we laid down a layer of crushed stone to act as a base for the garage floor. After that, we installed a rebar grid to reinforce the concrete slab.

With everything in place and compacted, the foundation was ready for the final step—pouring the concrete for the garage floor.

Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor
Concreting of Garage Floor

Once the rebar grid was in place, we poured the concrete evenly across the foundation, ensuring it spread smoothly and filled all areas.We ordered ready-mix concrete to ensure consistent quality and proper strength for the slab.

During the pour, we used concrete rakes and a vibrator to eliminate any air pockets and achieve a solid, uniform slab. After pouring, the surface was leveled and finished to create a smooth concrete floor that will stand up to wear and tear for years to come

Gravel Driveway Installation (Part 1)

Gravel Driveway Installation Part 1 Entrance
Gravel Driveway Installation Part 1 Entrance

After the foundation and garage floor were completed, we shifted focus to the gravel driveway and parking area. The existing driveway had thinned over time, so we started by regrading the surface to ensure proper drainage and a smooth, even base for the new gravel layer.

We then brought in a fresh load of #2 crusher run stone to rebuild the driveway. Using our skid steer SR3 attachment and compactor, we evenly spread and packed the gravel to create a firm, durable surface that can handle heavy traffic. We chose #2 stone for this driveway because it will support heavy equipment and materials needed by the garage structure contractor.

We also adapt this method to one of our gravel driveway installation projects by initially using #2 crusher run stones as the base layer for the gravel driveway, as it can support heavy traffic from utility companies working back and forth. Once they completed their tasks, we refreshed the driveway for a smooth finish.
With the driveway refreshed and the parking area properly leveled, the project is complete and ready for the installation of the garage structure.

Garage Structure Installation

The garage structure was installed during the winter months. The client took these photos and shared them with us to show the progress.

Please note that the pre-fab garage structure supply and installation were handled by the client’s contractor, not us as we are only doing the sitework services. We’ve included these photos to give you a clear view of the process and to provide a helpful reference if you’re considering a similar project in the future.

Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter
Building Garage in Winter

It’s always exciting to see a project come to life. Tthere’s something special about watching an idea you’ve been thinking about for so long finally take shape in front of you.

In this case, the land clearing and concrete garage foundation we built were the key steps that made the garage project possible. Seeing the finished structure is a rewarding reminder of how the groundwork we laid helped bring the client’s vision to reality.

Topsoil Installation Around the Garage

Topsoil Installation Left
Topsoil Installation Front Right
Topsoil Installation Back
Topsoil Installation Back
Topsoil Installation Right2

After the installation of the garage structure, we returned to complete the sitework project by spreading topsoil around the garage, grading it to direct water away from the foundation. This layer of topsoil not only smooths out the area but also helps prevent erosion and gives a solid base for any future landscaping the client may add. It’s a simple, effective way to complete the project and leave the site clean and ready.

Read relevant blog – How Much Topsoi Do I Need for a Healthy Landscape Project

Gravel Driveway Installation (Part 2)

Gravel Driveway Refresher (Part2) Entrance
Gravel Driveway Refresher (Part2) Entrance

We then added a final load of 5/8″ crusher run gravel as the top layer for the driveway. This final layer not only gives the driveway a smooth, finished look but also adds durability and stability, creating a surface ready to handle regular use.

You can also check here the transformation of the gravel driveway refresher we did to one our project as mentioned earlier

Wrapping up the project with this top layer was the perfect way to bring everything together and leave the client with a fully completed, reliable driveway that complements the new garage.

Epoxy Floor Installation

The client reached out to us again to install epoxy on the garage floor. Although this type of finish work is not our usual focus since we primarily specialize in sitework and landscaping services, our experience and expertise, especially through Daniel Colella’s leadership, made us more than ready to take on this task.

This next step will enhance the durability and level up the appearance of the concrete floor, ensuring it stands up to daily use while adding a sleek finish.

Epoxy Floor After Building Garage Structure
Epoxy Floor Primer
Epoxy Floor Patching Holes
Epoxy Floor After 2
Epoxy Floor Primer
Epoxy Floor After 3

To prepare the garage floor for a smooth, durable epoxy finish, we started by grinding down the concrete surface to remove imperfections, followed by an acid wash and a thorough pressure wash to ensure the floor was completely clean.

We then applied a floor leveler to fill any low spots, followed by a top coat to create a smooth base layer. Any holes or cracks in the floor were filled with epoxy filler and sanded once dry to ensure a uniform surface. Next, we applied multiple thin coats of epoxy, allowing each layer to dry and cure for maximum durability.

After the base coats, we added decorative chips to give the floor a textured, appealing look, then sealed everything with a final epoxy topcoat. This comprehensive process gave the garage floor a strong, polished finish that will hold up beautifully for years.

Client Review

They did an excellent job laying the foundation for a large garage and workshop. It is 24′ x 52′, with garage door openings and two door openings, and everything measured exactly right. I was amazed, quite frankly, at how carefully everything was done. Plus they make an excellent team and are really nice. I would of course ask them to do more work for us and would highly recommend them. They rank at the top of all those I have ever hired to do work for us. — Without our asking, they added pads in front of each of the doors, making it much easier for us to go in and out.

Let me add that they have now put epoxy over the garage floor and done an excellent job of it. You get good work when you hire good people, and these guys are the best.”
Wade Robison – August 19, 2023

Project Insight

This project is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a shared vision. When you’re committed to making something happen, and partner with a contractor who truly understands your goals, it becomes possible to bring even the most ambitious ideas to life.

From clearing the land to laying a strong foundation and finishing with a smooth gravel driveway, each step in this project was guided by the client’s vision for a practical, lasting space. Working closely together, we were able to address every detail and ensure that the end result matched their expectations. This project reflects not only our work but the value of communication in bringing ideas to reality.

If you’re considering building your own garage, we’re here to help. Whether you need land clearing, excavation, or a concrete foundation, we have the experience and expertise to make your garage construction project a success. Contact us today to start planning your vision!

We care about the customer experience and we’re dedicated to demonstrating excellence in all facets of our business. DC Makes it EASY!