House Pads
The Foundation Beneath Your Foundation
At TL2 Construction, we understand that a strong, stable home begins with a properly built house pad. This vital phase of site preparation ensures that your foundation rests on compacted, level ground that won’t settle, shift, or erode over time.
Whether you're building on flat land, a sloped lot, or in clay-heavy terrain, our team brings the experience, equipment, and attention to detail needed to deliver a durable, code-compliant house pad that sets your entire project up for success.
What is a House Pad?
A house pad is a level, compacted surface constructed from engineered fill and designed to support the weight of your home. It creates a stable, load-bearing platform for slab-on-grade, pier and beam, or stem wall foundations. A well-built pad ensures:
- Even weight distribution
- Proper drainage away from the home
- Protection against foundation cracks and settling
- Compliance with geotechnical and building standards
Our Culvert Installation Process
01.
Site Evaluation and Preparation
We begin with a thorough site assessment, reviewing:
- Soil composition and load-bearing capacity
- Floodplain and drainage considerations
- Slope, access, and equipment logistics
02.
Pad Design and Elevation
We design the pad larger than your home’s footprint to allow for grading, drainage, and potential future additions. Pads are typically raised 12 to 36 inches above natural grade to prevent water intrusion and erosion.
A slight slope is built into the pad to help water flow away from the home — a key feature for long-term durability.
03.
Subgrade Excavation
We remove soft or unsuitable soil and compact the subgrade. On sloped lots, we construct cut-and-fill pads to level the building area. For areas with expansive clay, we may over-excavate and replace soil with stable fill.
04.
Layered Fill and Compaction
We install engineered fill (clay, sand, or gravel) in thin layers or “lifts,” compacting each one to 95% Standard Proctor Density or higher. Moisture is adjusted as needed to ensure uniform compaction.
05.
Laser Grading and Final Shaping
Once the pad reaches the target elevation, we perform laser grading to ensure a smooth, level finish. Final grading incorporates necessary slopes for water runoff.
06.
Soil Testing and Certification
A third-party engineer may conduct density and compaction tests to verify the pad is construction-ready. Certification ensures your pad meets code and structural requirements.
Pad Types by Foundation
Slab-on-Grade
Requires tight elevation control, high compaction, and moisture mitigation. Often includes a gravel base and vapor barrier.
Pier and Beam
Pads support pier locations and provide stable crawlspace access. Drainage and access remain critical.
Stem Wall
Pads are built with deeper perimeter excavation. Backfilling and trench support must meet engineered specifications.
House Pad Costs
- Pad Construction$2K–15K+
- Fill Material$15-60per cubic yard
- Soil Testing$300-1.2K
- Drainage Systems$1K-5K
- Retaining Walls$50-100per sq. ft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercompaction: Leads to uneven settling and cracks
- Inadequate Elevation: Increases risk of water intrusion
- Improper Fill Material: Organic or loose soils can’t support structures
- Neglected Drainage Design: Causes erosion and standing water
- Skipping Soil Tests: Unknown soil issues create future hazards
At TL2 Construction, we avoid these pitfalls with expert planning, quality materials, and proven practices.
Why Choose TL2 for House Pad Construction?
- Experience with Texas soils and topography
- Professional equipment and laser grading tools
- Strict compaction standards and third-party testing
- Integrated drainage planning
- Licensed, insured, and committed to quality
A house pad is not just another step — it’s the bedrock of your home. We build it right the first time.
Get a Free Estimate for Your House Pad
Planning a new build? Let TL2 Construction provide the stable start your home deserves. Our team will evaluate your site, explain your options, and deliver a house pad that meets your timeline, budget, and structural goals.