Probably the most important part of any foundation build is the redwood tree roots. Roots are the big weak spot on a foundation, and they should be attended to as soon as possible, before your house buckles. Root rot can be devastating, and in some cases can actually cause a structure to crumble. It is best to keep a foot or so under the surface, and make sure you don't dig too much.
If your home has had severe flooding, then you will obviously need a waterproofed foundation. Unfortunately this also raises the cost of your insurance. It is a good idea to include basement waterproofing in your home improvement project list. This will add an extra level of protection to your home. Basement floors drain poorly, and if this is not done properly, then water will end up getting inside the house and affecting its structural integrity.
If you live in a hurricane or tornado zone, you should make sure your foundation goes with the rest of your home. If there was damage to your home from a hurricane, then your foundation supports were weakened by rainwater penetration. This can happen even though your home has been structurally sound. The only way to know for sure is to check it thoroughly after the storms, and to make sure that it stays in good shape.
The main problem is that tree roots are very difficult to find during the initial construction phase of your home. Don't worry about them at that point. You will eventually have to deal with them, but finding them before construction is finished, can be quite difficult.
After your foundation has been built and the redwood tree roots have been found, they have to be dealt with. The best solution is to use a rooter. Roots clog drains, and they can get buried under the concrete, causing major damage. Once the drain is clogged with roots, there will be additional water damage throughout the house. The best solution for this problem is to use a rooter to clear away the redwood tree roots.
Unfortunately, many people don't realize that this is an issue until it's too late. A foundation is very important for the safety of the structure of the home. If it isn't built correctly then the foundation can collapse, causing major damage. If you discover any problems, take action as soon as you can to prevent further damage.