Dude forming up the footings.

Dude forming up the footings., originally uploaded by k_pfeif.

Here the forms (which happen to also be the Form-A-Drain "drain tiles") are being set for the concrete footings.

Note the soil - it's all sandy gravel, which is the best soil you can hope for. Water dissipates quickly, hopefully eliminating basement water issues and freeze/thaw expansion and contraction. Cool information on soils can be found here.