Doug Francis Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

The Concrete Foundation of a Custom Home

By Doug Francis

Third in the 2014 Vienna House Project Series

Custom home foundation Vienna VA

The new foundation

Building the concrete foundation walls of any custom home starts with a crew setting up the metal forms that hold the concrete as it dries.

The metal forms rest on top of the original concrete footers that also had the steel rebar rods. The concrete is pumped into the molds and the workers make sure that the steel rods stand straight. The result is a steel reinforced concrete foundation.

Foundation workers pour concrete

Concrete is pumped into molds

Concrete is poured all on one day so that the walls are uniform.

As the concrete is getting pumped into place, workers will gently move or stir the concrete to release any air that may be trapped. Although this might seem low tech, air will quickly come to the surface allowing the concrete to compact around the steel rods.

There is actually a window of time that concrete is mixed properly, so trucks will periodically arrive during the day and replace the empty cement truck that has just left its load.Vienna VA Cement Truck

Concrete actually gets stronger as it gets older.

Are you ready?

Because the custom home project is picking up speed!

It is always amazing to me to see that a few days after the concrete is poured, the guys are back taking the molds apart exposing the new foundation to the air. Typically three days!

Basement in Vienna VA

First view of the view

And to see the window and door openings appear gives it the first appearance of being a house. It is the first sight of how the light will come in (very important) and the future view of the yard.

Understanding that this is a custom home being built in Vienna is important. That will mean a big difference in the finished product quality and features compared to a production builder. You will see the finished workmanship and it will stand out if you are planning a project or hope to increase the value of your production home with some custom remodeling.


See More Photos!

Are you interested in seeing more photos on Google? As the project continues I am updating a Google page with a ton of photos so take a look to see where everything started and where the project is today.

Filed Under: Blog, House Project 2014 Tagged With: Luxury real estate, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in