Strong buildings start from the ground up, literally!
Everyone loves the building, but the real deal-breaker? The ground beneath it.
We often hear, “Why are there extra charges for dirt work or foundation prep?” The answer is simple: no two lots are the same. Once on-site, we often find things that need adjusting to do it right.
In this article we break down the WolfSteel site prep cost, what we look for, why it matters, and how we prevent costly issues like cracks, leaks, or shifting later.
Before we pour concrete, here’s what could come up and why it’s worth it.
Site Prep: What Happens Next?
You’ve reached the site prep stage, which means you’ve finished your metal building design and now you need to prepare the land and foundation.
A crucial step in this stage is to schedule a site visit.
What we do BEFORE the site visit?
- Confirming a schedule with a local foreman.
- Checking local permits (setbacks, elevation, zoning)
- Designing the foundation plan (rebar size, footing depths, notches, etc.)
What is YOUR ROLE for the site visit?
- Mark the general area where you’d like the building placed.
(It doesn’t need to be exact, just a rough layout for reference.)
What do we do DURING the site visit?
Our foreman will check the following:
- Check land elevation and fill needs.
- Verify your building spot meets permit rules.
- Suggest better locations if it saves time or cost.
- Plan drainage to prevent water issues.
- Check access for trucks and materials.
Note: Foremen focus on foundation ONLY. For design/layout questions, contact your sales person.
What is happens AFTER the site visit?
Timeline: 1 – 3 weeks
This covers the time we schedule your site visit to when you receive your final site prep quote.
Factors that may affect the timeline:
- Local permit research
- Availability of the foreman
- Pricing from dirt/concrete suppliers
- Final prep estimate
- Weather condition
Don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted!
Why is WolfSteel NOT cutting corners?
At WolfSteel, we know a strong foundation is where it all begins. That’s why we adhere to strict standards on every slab we pour, no shortcuts, because we know these are crucial for your Texas metal building.
Here are the standards that we follow:
1. Notches are NON-NEGOTIABLE
Every slab includes custom notches for around the building and doors.
Why it matters?
When the slab and the framings are not coordinated, gaps and misalignment can occur, leading to leaks and water seepage at the building’s base which may cause costly damage over time.
With Notches = Dry, Sealed Metal Buildings
What WolfSteel does?
We aim for leak-proof construction, so we add precise notches for your doors and around the building. This approach effectively seals the base of the building, preventing water from seeping in and avoiding future problems.
2. Internal Cross Beams are ALWAYS INCLUDED
Why it matters?
Many tubular building plans only require perimeter footings, which are typically based on soils with a minimum bearing capacity of 1500 lbs per square foot. Texas soil is unpredictable. It is clay, rock, and expansive soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This constant movement can crack slabs that only have perimeter footings.
What WolfSteel does?
Unless we work off a geotechnical report, we install internal cross beams with a maximum spacing of twenty feet. These beams help tie the entire slab together and make it respond more uniformly to soil movement.
3. We raise every finished floor above natural grade.
Most builders skip this but we never do.
Why it matters?
Texas storms can bring heavy rain, and pouring slabs at ground level are prone to water pooling and flooding, which can increase the risk of damage to your building. Many builders usually skip this due to the additional work and cost.
What WolfSteel does?
We always raise every finished slab at least 4 inches above natural grade. Although this may require extra fill and an access approach, it effectively protects your building from water accumulation, especially during heavy rainstorms. We prioritize this step to ensure long-term durability and peace of mind.
4. Stronger Concrete by Default
Why it matters?
Foundations for tubular metal buildings typically use 2500 psi concrete, while red iron metal buildings generally require 3000 psi. Using higher-strength concrete ensures stronger, more durable foundations that provide greater peace of mind for clients.
What WolfSteel does?
We pour concrete at a minimum of 3500 psi on ALL our foundations. We offer higher psi upon request. Ask one of our salespersons about your intended building use and what you’re looking to accomplish so we can help you with the concrete specifications.
5. Slab Thickness Based on Your Needs
Why it matters?
The thickness of your slab directly affects its ability to support different types of vehicles and equipment. The right thickness ensures safety, durability, and long-term performance, especially if you plan to use heavy machinery or install a car lift.
What WolfSteel does?
Our standard foundation slab is 4” thick and suitable for most vehicles. However, we can customize it for your specific building needs.
- 4” for cars and daily vehicles
- 5” for RVs and heavier trucks
- 6” for tractors, forklifts, or heavy gear
Are you planning to install a car lift? Let us know during the site visit. Different car lifts have specific requirements. Your lift manufacturer should be able to provide these details, but we’re happy to help look into them. We build for lifts all the time and know what to look for.
To protect your slab finish, we also offer clear coat, polished concrete, and polyurea! Ask one of our salespersons for more details.
6. Let’s Talk Dirt
Why it matters?
No land is perfectly flat, and your property’s natural slope is important for water drainage. This slope affects how much fill dirt, or what we call “alien soil”, will be needed to compact and level the ground before pouring the foundation
Using the correct type of fill is essential, as variations in soil composition can impact your foundation’s stability and long-term performance.
What WolfSteel does?
Using the correct type of fill is essential, as variations in soil composition can impact your foundation’s stability and long-term performance.
- In East and North Texas, we use select fill (a mix of clay and sand) that compacts well and reduces settling.
- In Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio, where the soil is rockier, we use a base with crushed stone and rock fines to effectively work with the local terrain.
How much fill do you need? Yards or truckloads?
It depends on your site size and access. If your lot needs only a little leveling, we measure the fill in cubic yards, but for larger works, we use truckloads.
- In neighborhoods or tight spaces, we use smaller dump trucks carrying 10–12 cubic yards per load.
- When space allows, we bring larger trucks with 16 cubic yards or more to save on delivery costs.
Keep in mind that dirt itself is cheap. The real cost comes from the trucking and labor to deliver and compact it. That’s why your land’s slope matters..
Steeper Slope = More Fill = Higher Cost
But don’t worry because we’ll always walk you through it.
7. Footings MUST Reached UNDISTURBED GROUND
This step is one of the most misunderstood parts of building a proper foundation, and it is precisely where we stick to the book.
Engineering plans often specify a minimum footing depth, which is typically 12 inches for a standard metal building. However, there is usually a small note that gets overlooked. It says the footing must extend into the undisturbed soil or reach the frost line, whichever is deeper. In Texas, the frost depth is 12 inches, settling as the baseline.
What is undisturbed soil?
Undisturbed soil refers to the original ground that construction activities have not touched or altered. This soil is naturally compacted and significantly more stable than fill dirt or backfill, providing the essential stability that footings need to maintain their performance over time.
Why it matters?
Footings must reach undisturbed soil because this original ground is naturally compacted and stable, unlike fill dirt added during site preparation. Placing footings only in fill can lead to settling, shifting, and cracks in concrete structures over time. This is a common cause of foundation problems like cracked slabs and leaning walls, compromising the building’s safety and durability.
What WolfSteel does?
We ensure all footings extend beyond any fill dirt and reach into undisturbed soil or below the frost line, whichever is deeper. This is a NON-NEGOTIABLE step for us.
For instance, if your building pad is raised 15 inches with fill, we dig that 15 inches plus the standard 12 inches into solid ground, resulting in a 27-inch footing. Most local contractors skip this step and only dig 12 inches in total, which can result in a quote cheaper than ours.
Here at WolfSteel, we don’t cut corners because we want to avoid returning later to fix avoidable issues. We do the job right the first time, even if it costs a bit more because we fully stand behind the quality of our work. Here’s a rough sketch!
8. Concrete Squares and Anchoring for Red Iron Metal Buildings
A. Concrete Squares
Why it matters?
When building with red iron steel, the foundation must do more than just support the structure. It has to withstand heavy forces like the weight of large steel columns and strong wind loads. These forces concentrate at the base of each column, making it essential to have specially designed concrete pads, called concrete squares, to safely transfer the pressure to the ground and prevent structural issues.
What WolfSteel does?
We follow the same engineered standards by installing properly sized concrete squares, typically 2’x2’x2’ or 3’x3’x2’, under each steel column connection. This ensures your foundation can handle the real-world forces your red iron building will face, providing strength and stability you can rely on.
B. Anchoring Red Iron
Why it matters?
Proper anchoring is critical for the stability and long-term performance of red iron buildings. Any misalignment can cause costly delays and rework.
What WolfSteel does?
Weld-Ups: We include weld plates in our pricing and embed them during the concrete pour to attach the steel columns to the foundation securely.
Bolt-Ups: We carefully set anchor bolts to a precise position before pouring the concrete to ensure accurate alignment with the steel columns.
Anchor Bolts for Red Iron Bolt Up Buildings
Cost: The price depends on the size and type of structure, but it’s usually between $250 and $1,500. It’s a small part of the project, but it can greatly help improve your building’s strength.
9. Approaches for Doors and Entry Points
Why it matters?
Since we raise the floor at least 4” above natural ground level, approaches are necessary for easy access to walk doors and garage doors. Without these approaches, differences in the ground slope can make entry challenging particularly when multiple garage doors sit at different heights.
What WolfSteel does?
We provide approaches made from either compacted dirt or poured concrete, depending on how you plan to finish your building. These approaches ensure a smooth, safe and easy access to all doors and garage openings regardless of the terrain.
10. Equipment Rental for Site Prep
Why it matters?
Every property is unique. Some sites need minimal preparation while others require more work before the concrete pour. The use of the right equipment can help in preparing your foundation correctly.
What WolfSteel does?
During our site visit, we assess your property and building needs to determine the best equipment for efficient and cost-effective site preparation.
This may include:
- mini excavator for trenching or leveling
- skid steer for grading and moving soil
- compactor to firm up the base before the pour
11. PUMPS vs BUGGIES for Concrete Delivery
Why it matters?
Getting concrete to your foundation site safely and efficiently is important especially when there is limited access. Ready mix trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs which can damage driveways or soft ground if driven directly to the site.
Using pumps or buggies helps prevent damage and ensures smooth delivery which can save time and labor on larger or hard-to-reach foundation sites.
What WolfSteel does?
Part of our assessment during site visit is to check the accessibility of your property to determine the best way to deliver the concrete.
- Ground Line Pumps – Ideal for if there is limited access such as if your foundation site is behind a house or access through driveway. Concrete is moved through the hoses from the street to the foundation site.
- Concrete Buggies – These are small motorized wheelbarrows that carry the mix to the slab which is perfect for smaller or easily accessible sites.
- Overhead Boom Pump – Recommended on larger slabs (over 2,000 sq ft) or soft grounds for safety and efficiency. Ideal if your ground is soft or unprepared to prevent ready-mix trucks from getting stuck or failing to reach the pour area.
Cost: Price ranges from $1,200 to $4,000, depending on your slab size, hose length, and pump type.
This may impact your overall cost but this will allow us to get the job safely, efficiently and with no surprises.
12. Final Grade After the Build
Why it matters?
After your Texas metal building is installed, the ground around the foundation often has ruts, dips or marks from the equipment, especially when fill dirt was used. These uneven areas can create safety hazards and unfinished look. Proper regrading or final grading smooths and compacts the site making it safe, level and visually clean.
What WolfSteel does?
We bring in a skid steer to smooth, compact, and shape the area around your slab for a clean finish. This is mostly optional and not included in our standard concrete scope. Still, it will be required if your building requires heavy equipment during installation.
If you plan to install sod or grass, you can choose to have your landscaper handle the grading instead. Either way, we aim to leave your site neat and ready for the next step.
13. Landscaping and Erosion Control
Why it matters?
Protecting your foundation from erosion is crucial because fill dirt (alien soil) used to level many sites erodes more easily than native soil. Without proper erosion control, water can wash away soil around your foundation, causing trenches and exposing parts of your slab, which can lead to structural issues and costly repairs.
What WolfSteel does?
WolfSteel does not offer landscaping (yet…), we highly recommend budgeting for basic erosion control.
Here are a few effective options:
- Install drain pipes connected to gutter downspouts to direct water away.
- Plant grass or lay sod over topsoil to stabilize the soil.
- Use gravel or river rock around the foundation to prevent erosion and improve drainage.
What are the Other Site-Related Costs to Consider?
There are some less common but possible site expenses to keep in mind:
- Demolition of an old shed, carport, or existing concrete pad.
- Tree removal if it’s blocking access or the slab area.
- Portable toilet rental if the project’s length or location requires it.
These costs won’t apply to every build but may be necessary depending on your specific site conditions
When are piers required?
Piers are deep vertical concrete columns that add extra support under your building. Think of them as the underground legs that carry your building’s weight.
Why it matters?
Piers help prevent settling or shifting over time, which is critical near water, floodplains, old concrete sites, or areas where many trees were removed.
What WolfSteel does?
At WolfSteel, we require piers to be added for the following situations:
- When your finished foundation is more than 36 inches above grade.
- For taller buildings where the steel columns are transferring significant force into the foundation.
- If you are near a body of water such as a lake, located within a floodplain, located over a demolished concrete site, or many trees were removed.
Piers are not needed for every project, but when they are, we include them to ensure the foundation has the necessary support for long-term performance.
Residential or Commercial?: Here Is What You Need to Know
If you are building a residential space like a barndominium, commercial or public use structure, your foundation requires to be engineered and custom made for your building needs.
Why it matters?
- These types of buildings must follow stricter building codes.
- They carry more load and often include plumbing, HVAC, or living space.
- The foundation must be custom-engineered for safety and long-term performance.
What is required?
- Geotechnical Report (Soil Test)
- A technician drills 10–30 feet into the ground to collect soil samples.
- The samples are tested for strength, moisture, and stability.
- Engineered Foundation Plan
- Based on the soil report, an engineer designs the foundation plan tailored to your soil and building type.
- Learn more about piers and engineered foundations here.
- Cost Range
- $2,500–$5,000 for soil test and engineering
- $500–$2,000 – if you already have a current soil report
Our standard foundation is made for utility buildings like garages, workshops, and storage units and not for homes or public spaces. Residential, commercial, and public-use projects must meet stricter codes, which is why we require engineered foundations to make sure it’s done right from the start.
Got more questions about site prep?
Explore our concrete and site prep services here.
📩 Email us at quotes@wolfsteelbuildings.com or give us a call at 844-941-0999. Our team is ready to help you in preparing your site for your foundation.