In Poinciana, FL, a new two-story home was planned on land that showed early signs of poor soil conditions. The lot contained muck and organic material near the surface—soils that are highly unstable and unsuitable for supporting a heavy foundation long-term.

Rather than risk future settlement, foundation cracks, and costly repairs, the builder partnered with Helicon to install pre-construction helical piers. By stabilizing the foundation before construction began, the homeowners would have peace of mind knowing their investment was built on engineered, solid ground.

Central Florida soils, especially in Poinciana and surrounding communities, are notoriously inconsistent. Builders often encounter:

• Shallow muck and organic soils that decompose and lose bearing strength
• Loose sands prone to washout and erosion
• Deeper clay layers that complicate structural loads

Standard site preparation—such as removing a few feet of muck—was not sufficient. The soils below would continue to shift and settle over time, leading to foundation damage. A deep foundation system was needed to bypass the problem soils entirely.

Step 1 – Soil Testing & Engineering Evaluation

Two Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) were performed to analyze subsurface conditions. Results confirmed:

• Muck and organics at depths of 2 to 5 feet
• Competent load-bearing strata between 20–40 feet

This data informed the design of a helical pier system that would transfer loads directly to stable soils.

Step 2 – Helical Pier Installation

Helicon installed 36 galvanized steel helical piers across the building footprint.

• Piers advanced 20–25 feet deep to reach competent strata
• Hydraulically driven until torque resistance confirmed load-bearing capacity
• Galvanized steel for corrosion resistance in Florida’s humid climate
• Integrated with foundation footings, ensuring structural stability from the ground up

Step 3 – Ready for Construction

Once all piers were in place, the site was turned over to the builder with a fully stabilized foundation system. This ensured the home could be built immediately without delay, with no risk of future settlement caused by unstable soils.

Why Pre-Construction Helical Piers Are a Smart Investment

Installing piers before building begins delivers long-term benefits:

• Permanent settlement prevention – avoids foundation cracks, wall damage, and slab sinking
• Lower lifetime costs – prevents expensive post-construction repairs
• Increased property value – homes on engineered foundations have stronger resale appeal
• Peace of mind – homeowners know their investment is protected from day one

The Results

Thanks to Helicon’s pre-construction helical pier installation, this future Poinciana home will:

• Rest on a stable, engineered foundation
• Avoid settlement problems common in Florida soils
• Maintain its structural integrity for decades

By addressing soil instability before the first block was laid, the builder and homeowner secured the property’s future value and safety.

Helicon – Pre-Construction Foundation Experts in Central Florida

Helicon partners with builders, engineers, and homeowners across Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, and Poinciana to deliver pre-construction soil stabilization and deep foundation systems.

Whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-building development, our helical pier solutions ensure that every project begins on solid, reliable ground.