In Hawaii, the strength and durability of your home starts from the ground—literally. With unique soil conditions, coastal exposure, and strict building codes, the foundation and framing phase is one of the most critical parts of any construction project. Whether you’re building a custom home or expanding your living space, working with professionals who understand local conditions is essential.

At UCG Hawaii, we provide expert foundation and framing services in Hawaii, delivering structurally sound, code-compliant results for new builds, additions, and structural renovations. From site prep to roof trusses, we help you build with confidence, safety, and long-term performance in mind.

Why Foundation and Framing Are Critical in Hawaii Construction

The foundation and framing stages set the stage for everything else in your home. In Hawaii’s climate—where salt air, humidity, erosion, and hurricanes are all real concerns—structural integrity isn’t optional.

Here’s what these systems do:

• Support structural loads from roofing, walls, and finishes

• Withstand moisture, wind, and seismic activity

• Level the base for plumbing and flooring

• Prevent settling, cracking, or movement

• Create a secure framework for walls, windows, doors, and roofing

Inadequate or improperly installed foundations and framing can lead to costly repairs, water intrusion, or even safety hazards down the line.

Our Foundation Services in Hawaii

We build strong, long-lasting foundations that match your site conditions, soil type, and design goals. Whether you’re building on flat terrain, sloped lots, or near the coastline, UCG Hawaii has the tools and experience to get it right.

Types of foundations we install:

• Concrete slab-on-grade

• Pier and post foundations

• Stem wall footings

• Retaining walls and grade beams

• Elevated foundations for flood zones

Site-Specific Considerations:

• Soil testing and compaction

• Drainage and grading for erosion control

• Flood zone elevation requirements

• Seismic and hurricane compliance

We ensure your foundation meets or exceeds the requirements set by the City & County of Honolulu DPP, as well as FEMA flood maps and structural engineering specs.

Our Framing Services

Framing is the skeleton of your building—it holds everything together and defines your space. At UCG Hawaii, we provide precision wood framing services for residential and light commercial buildings.

Our framing services include:

• Floor joists and subfloors

• Wall framing (interior and exterior)

• Roof trusses, rafters, and sheathing

• Blocking and bracing for fixtures and finishes

• Structural hardware and hurricane strapping

We build to exacting standards using pressure-treated lumber, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and moisture-resistant sheathing—ideal for Hawaii’s humid environment.

Framing Options and Materials

Choosing the right framing method and material is essential for long-term strength and resilience.

Most common materials used:

• Pressure-treated wood (for termite and moisture resistance)

• Engineered lumber (LVL, glulam) for long spans or heavy loads

• Metal connectors and hurricane straps for wind resistance

• Plywood or OSB sheathing (moisture-treated where necessary)

Our team follows IBC/Hawaii Building Code for nailing schedules, spacing, load-bearing calculations, and structural bracing.

Hurricane-Resistant Framing Techniques

Hawaii is vulnerable to high winds, so structural framing must be able to resist lateral loads and uplift forces.

UCG Hawaii uses:

• Roof-to-wall hurricane ties and clips

• Anchor bolts and tie-downs for foundations

• Reinforced shear walls and blocking

• Continuous load paths from roof to footings

These details may be invisible once construction is complete—but they’re what make a home safe in Hawaii’s climate.

Foundation and Framing for Additions

If you’re expanding your home—adding a bedroom, bathroom, or second story—we provide foundation and framing services that seamlessly integrate with your existing structure.

We handle:

• Load calculations and structural assessments

• New footings or pier extensions

• Lateral and vertical tie-ins

• Matching rooflines and ceiling heights

• Engineering coordination and permit approvals

We ensure your addition is solid, safe, and visually cohesive with your current home.

Foundation Repair and Reinforcement Services

If your existing home has signs of foundation failure—like cracks, sloping floors, or moisture issues—our team provides repair and retrofitting solutions.

Services include:

• Crack sealing and epoxy injections

• Foundation underpinning or piers

• Structural reinforcements for settling

• Moisture barrier and waterproofing upgrades

• Re-leveling of floors and substructure

We inspect, diagnose, and execute repairs that protect your investment and restore structural stability.

Our Foundation & Framing Process

We’ve refined a thorough and transparent process to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with the project’s overall vision.

1. Site Inspection and Soil Analysis

We assess your site’s slope, drainage, and subsoil to determine the appropriate foundation type and design.

2. Engineering and Permitting

We work with licensed structural engineers to develop plans that meet code. We then submit all required documents to the DPP or appropriate authority.

3. Site Preparation and Excavation

Our team clears vegetation, grades the land, and prepares footings or trenches to exact dimensions.

4. Foundation Installation

We pour concrete, set forms, anchor bolts, and inspect every step to ensure level and code-compliant work.

5. Framing Phase

We raise walls, set joists, install headers and trusses, and tie it all together with hardware and sheathing.

6. Framing Inspection

We schedule all necessary inspections to keep your project on track and compliant before moving to the next phase of construction.

Why UCG Hawaii for Foundation and Framing?

We bring more than just tools to the job—we bring experience, reliability, and island-specific expertise.

Hawaii Licensed & Insured

We’re a DCCA-licensed general contractor, fully insured for structural and residential work.

Local Building Code Experts

We understand local wind-load, seismic, flood, and slope requirements—and how to build accordingly.

Engineering Coordination

We collaborate directly with structural engineers to ensure accurate calculations, load paths, and safe design.

Detailed Craftsmanship

From laser-level footings to precise wall layout, we go beyond basic code to deliver quality that lasts.

Island Logistics Support

From concrete batch delivery to lumber supply chains, we know how to manage construction schedules on Oahu and beyond.

Where We Offer Foundation and Framing Services

We proudly serve the entire island of Oahu, including:

• Honolulu

• Kailua

• Kapolei

• Ewa Beach

• Mililani

• Pearl City

• Hawaii Kai

• North Shore

• Waimanalo

• Aiea

We also offer services on Maui, Big Island, and Kauai for larger residential projects or by special request.

Ideal Clients for Our Services

Our foundation and framing services are perfect for:

• Custom home builders

• Homeowners starting new construction

• Property investors adding ADUs or extensions

• Architects or GCs needing structural partners

• Developers building multiple single-family homes

We also support design-build projects where our team handles the full construction process from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to pour a foundation and complete framing?

Most residential foundations take 1–2 weeks, and full framing can take 2–4 weeks depending on size, weather, and inspections.

2. What’s the most common foundation type in Hawaii?

Pier and post foundations are common for sloped lots or older homes. Concrete slab-on-grade is popular for new construction on flat lots.

3. Do I need engineering for framing?

Yes. Hawaii building code requires structural engineering for load-bearing elements, trusses, and hurricane-resistant framing.

4. Can you reinforce or repair an old foundation?

Yes. We offer retrofits, reinforcements, and leveling services for older homes experiencing structural issues.

5. How much do foundation and framing services cost in Hawaii?

Costs vary based on soil conditions, home size, and foundation type, but range from $30,000–$100,000+ for full foundation and framing on a new build. We provide itemized estimates during your consultation.

Build on a Solid Foundation with UCG Hawaii

Every great home starts with a strong foundation and a reliable frame. At UCG Hawaii, we’re proud to deliver structural systems that support not only your house—but your peace of mind.

Whether you’re building a custom dream home or expanding your current space, our team ensures your project starts with precision, safety, and aloha.

Contact UCG Hawaii today to schedule your free foundation and framing consultation.

Build strong. Build smart. Build with UCG Hawaii.