Serrato Builders is your C-8 licensed hillside construction specialist in Los Angeles County. Building on slopes and hillsides requires deep foundation expertise — caissons drilled into bedrock, reinforced grade beams tying everything together, retaining walls holding back tons of earth, and drainage systems preventing erosion and hydrostatic pressure. We work directly with geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and city inspectors to execute plans that keep hillside homes stable, safe, and code-compliant. Whether your project calls for a hillside foundation, slope stabilization, or structural concrete on challenging terrain, our team has the heavy-equipment experience and concrete expertise to get it done right.
Building on a hillside isn't like building on flat ground. It requires deep foundations that reach stable soil or bedrock, reinforced concrete capable of handling lateral earth pressure, and drainage systems that prevent water from undermining the structure. We bring 20+ years of hillside construction experience to every project — from small residential slopes to major engineered foundations.
Deep foundation elements drilled into bedrock or stable soil to support hillside structures. We install reinforced concrete caissons per engineered plans — typically 18" to 36" diameter, drilled to depths specified by the geotechnical engineer. Includes rebar cages, concrete placement, and coordination with your structural engineer and city inspector.
Reinforced concrete beams that span between caissons and tie the foundation together. Grade beams transfer structural loads between piers and create a continuous foundation system on sloped terrain. We form, reinforce, and pour grade beams that meet seismic and structural requirements for hillside construction.
Complete hillside foundation systems including caissons, grade beams, stem walls, and retaining walls engineered together. We execute the full scope: excavation on slopes, drilling, rebar, forming, concrete placement, waterproofing, and backfill. Every hillside foundation includes positive drainage designed to keep water moving away from the structure.
Structural solutions to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides: soldier pile walls, tieback systems, soil nailing, shotcrete facing, and gravity retaining walls. We work from engineered plans and coordinate with geotechnical engineers to ensure the slope is stable before, during, and after construction.
Water is the #1 enemy of hillside structures. We install sub-surface drainage behind retaining walls, French drains, area drains, swales, and outlet connections to the street or storm drain system. Every hillside project includes a drainage plan that prevents hydrostatic pressure buildup and erosion. See our drainage solutions page.
Hillside construction requires close coordination with structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, and city/county building departments. We handle the construction side while working seamlessly with your design team — attending site meetings, executing per plans, and managing inspections through the LA Department of Building and Safety.
New construction on sloped lots
Building a new home or ADU on a hillside lot requires caissons, grade beams, and retaining walls per engineered plans.
Expanding on hillside property
Adding a room, deck, or patio on a sloped lot. We tie new foundations into existing structures with proper engineering.
Slope failure repair
Erosion, sliding soil, or foundation issues on an existing hillside property. We execute engineered repair plans to stabilize the slope.
Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and surrounding areas.
Common questions about hillside construction in Los Angeles
Contact us today for a free estimate. Our team specializes in challenging hillside construction and is ready to discuss your project.