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.

A walkthrough of the foundation stage, explaining the key elements we incorporate for durability and efficiency.

Preparing the site for construction, ensuring proper grading and compacted fill for a strong base.

A look at the oversized footers being poured, highlighting their importance in stability.

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 opt for traditional slab foundations, Hagood Homes constructs raised brick foundations with insulation. This provides several advantages:

• Improved Moisture Control – Elevating the home helps prevent water intrusion, which is crucial in the humid climate of southeastern North Carolina.
• Energy Efficiency – The added insulation reduces heat transfer, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures and lowering energy costs.
• Aesthetic Appeal & Durability – A brick foundation is not only visually appealing but also more resistant to weather and wear compared to standard concrete block or slab foundations.

6×6 Welded Wire Mesh

Hagood Homes reinforces its foundations with 6×6 welded wire mesh within the concrete slab. This reinforcement significantly increases the structural integrity of the slab, helping to prevent cracking and shifting over time. Many builders rely on fiber mesh or simple rebar, which may not provide the same level of reinforcement and longevity.

6-Mil Poly Vapor Barrier

Moisture control is critical in home construction, particularly in coastal regions. Our use of a 6-mil poly vapor barrier helps prevent ground moisture from seeping into the foundation and causing issues such as mold, mildew, and wood rot. While some builders may use thinner barriers—or, in some cases, none at all—our choice of a 6-mil barrier ensures superior moisture protection 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.