In this video, Josh Helm takes you behind the scenes of a Texas Best Barnominium foundation build in Waxahachie, Texas.

This project came with unique challenges due to highly expansive clay soil and a geotechnical report showing a six-inch Potential Vertical Rise, one of the worst ratings you can get.

To handle those conditions, the foundation required:

• Over 50 piers drilled 10 to 12 feet deep
• 40-inch grade beams
• Five-by-five footings reinforced with heavy rebar
• A full post-tension cable system

Josh explains why soil testing is so important, how pre-tensioning and post-tensioning work, and why post-tension slabs are such an effective solution in Texas.

He also covers practical details like:

• Ledge drops for garages and siding
• Drainage considerations
• Embeds being set for a future storm shelter

With more than 4,000 square feet of covered space, this foundation alone called for 160 to 170 yards of 3,500 PSI concrete.

Whether you’re thinking about building your own Barnominium or you’re just curious about how to engineer a slab for Texas clay, this walkthrough shows exactly what goes into creating a strong, long-lasting foundation.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more Barnominium builds and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Texas Best Construction.