A well-built home starts with a solid, strong foundation, the substructure of your home. A good foundation keeps your home stable despite seasonal changes in soil. Keep in mind that the primary reason for damage to a foundation is water. Improperly installed downspouts can direct water into the foundation instead of away from it. Tree roots near the foundation can also rupture pipes which lead to water in the foundation. If you want new construction or are remodeling your own home, plans for your foundation should be drawn by an experienced engineer. It might be necessary to have your soil tested to verify how much concrete your foundation will need.