A house is only as strong as the foundation it stands on. Think of it as the bedrock of your future—something that should last a lifetime without worry. At Hagood Homes, we don’t just build to meet the standard; we build to exceed it. Our foundation isn’t just concrete and brick—it’s peace of mind. With oversized footers, insulated raised brick foundations, 6×6 welded wire mesh, and a 6-mil poly vapor barrier, we create homes that stand stronger, resist moisture, and stay energy efficient. So, what makes our approach different from other builders in southeastern North Carolina? And more importantly, why does it matter to you as a homeowner? Let’s break it down.

Hagood Homes’ Foundation Features

Seeing the foundation process firsthand provides a clearer understanding of the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Hagood Home. Here are some key moments in our construction process:

Aerial footage showcasing the expansive site and foundation work.

An aerial view of footings prior to pouring

A Harbour Town home tour in poured footings

A high-level perspective of the foundation work at another site.

Demonstrating the compacted fill process, which prevents shifting and settling over time.

Oversized Footers

Footers are the base of a home’s foundation, distributing the weight of the structure evenly across the ground. At Hagood Homes, we use oversized footers, which provide enhanced stability and help prevent settling or shifting over time. These larger footers create a stronger foundation, particularly beneficial in areas with varying soil conditions, ensuring your home remains structurally sound for decades.

Insulated, Raised, Brick Foundation

Unlike many builders who choose traditional slab foundations, Hagood Homes takes a different approach—constructing insulated, raised brick foundations complete with brick stairs. This design offers numerous advantages that go beyond standard building practices:

• Enhanced Moisture Control – Elevating the home helps protect against water intrusion, an essential feature in the humid climate of southeastern North Carolina. The maintenance-free brick exterior prevents common issues like visual cracks, discoloration, and moisture “wicking,” which can make block foundations visible beneath stucco—especially after rain.
• Improved Energy Efficiency – Built-in insulation within the raised foundation significantly reduces heat transfer, promoting stable indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption year-round.
• Long-Lasting Curb Appeal & Durability – Brick foundations are not only timeless and visually appealing but also far more durable than exposed block or slab foundations. They resist weathering and wear, maintaining a clean, finished look that stands the test of time.

6×6 Welded Wire Mesh

At Hagood Homes, we believe a strong, stable foundation is essential to long-term home performance—especially when it comes to protecting your flooring from cracks and shifting. That’s why we use 6×6 welded wire mesh reinforcement in every concrete slab we pour. This extra step ensures greater durability and peace of mind for our homeowners.

Here’s why 6×6 welded wire mesh makes a difference:

• Prevents large cracks and settling that can become highly visible—especially under tile flooring.

• Reinforces the entire concrete slab, adding strength and minimizing movement over time.

• Outperforms standard practices, such as fiber mesh or simple rebar, which may not offer the same long-term support.

• Enhances structural integrity, ensuring your home’s foundation stands the test of time.

At Hagood Homes, it’s these kinds of thoughtful construction choices that set us apart—because quality starts from the ground up.

Why We Use a 6-Mil Poly Vapor Barrier

In coastal home construction, managing moisture isn’t optional—it’s essential. Ground moisture can lead to a host of long-term problems that compromise the comfort, safety, and durability of your home. That’s why we go beyond standard practices and install a 6-mil poly vapor barrier as part of our building process.

Here’s why it matters:

• Moisture Protection: The 6-mil thickness offers superior resistance to ground moisture, helping to prevent mold, mildew, and wood rot from forming beneath your home.

• Hardwood Floor Stability: By blocking moisture transmission, the vapor barrier helps reduce movement and expansion in hardwood floors, preserving their appearance and performance over time.

• Durability: Thicker than many commonly used alternatives, the 6-mil poly barrier is built to last, offering reliable long-term protection.

• Better Than the Bare Minimum: While some builders use thinner materials—or none at all—we believe in exceeding standards to safeguard your investment.

This simple but crucial step ensures a healthier home environment and greater peace of mind for homeowners.

How Other Builders Approach Foundations

In southeastern North Carolina, many builders use different foundation types, including slab-on-grade, crawl spaces with minimal insulation, or concrete block foundations with little reinforcement. Here are some common differences:

• Standard Footers – Many builders use smaller footers that meet minimum code requirements but don’t offer the added stability of Hagood’s oversized footers.
• Slab Foundations – A common choice due to cost savings, slab-on-grade foundations lack the moisture protection and energy efficiency of raised brick foundations.
• Basic Wire Mesh or Fiber Mesh Reinforcement – Some builders opt for fiber mesh or light-gauge rebar instead of the superior 6×6 welded wire mesh.
• Minimal or No Vapor Barrier – While some builders include a thin vapor barrier, others may skip it entirely, leading to increased moisture problems over time.
• Stucco/Parging Over Concrete Block – Some builders apply a stucco or parging finish over concrete block foundations to create the appearance of a solid foundation. However, over time, this finish can develop visible cracks or imperfections, known as “telegraphing,” as the foundation naturally shifts or settles. This can lead to water intrusion, costly repairs, and a diminished aesthetic appeal compared to a true brick foundation.

What This Means for Homeowners

By choosing a Hagood Home, homeowners benefit from a foundation that is built to last and designed for efficiency, stability, and resilience against environmental factors. The long-term advantages include:

• Less Risk of Foundation Issues – Oversized footers and reinforced slabs prevent cracking, settling, and structural problems.
• Lower Energy Bills – An insulated, raised foundation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.
• Better Moisture Protection – A superior vapor barrier and elevated design keep moisture at bay, preventing mold, mildew, and costly repairs.
• Higher Property Value – Quality construction techniques, such as a raised brick foundation, enhance the durability and appeal of your home.

At Hagood Homes, we believe that a solid foundation is the key to a home’s longevity. By investing in superior foundation-building practices, we ensure that our homeowners experience the benefits of a stronger, more efficient, and more resilient home for years to come.