FOOTING DESIGN | MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DIY

Footings are not necessarily the most visually appealing part of a new home project but they may be the most important. Solid transfer of weight to the earth is the first step in providing that your new house or addition is structurally sound. Before excavation ever begins its essential to have an idea on how big the footings will be and how deep they need to be. Here we jump into the International Residential Code and work through the minimum requirements for footing design along with tips and tricks that I may run across out in the field doing inspections.
Oh, and I also walk through a footing calculator that is available for free download at buildingcodetips.com!
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I hope this was helpful!

[@JulieOtt]

Thank you for explaining this; It's hard to find explanations for someone who is doing a self-build. We definitely went over code, and probably will continue to over build. Been in "to code" houses and they aren't as solid.

[@buildingcodetips]

Never hurts to over build!

[@AustinCoulson]

I would like to see an episode about building on pre-existing footings during remodels. I have seen a lot of patios turned into living spaces with very mixed results

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the comment! That's a great thought and something I do run into.

[@AustinCoulson]

@@buildingcodetips I used to see that a ton in PHX, but slab pours out there are a lot simpler than in places where it gets below freezing, so it seemed easier to convert

[@buildingcodetips]

@@AustinCoulson ohh ya for sure! In areas with no frost depth the code book only requires footings to be 12" below grade. In colder climates it gets much more difficult to transition an existing patio into a living space when the frost depth is 24 to 30" or greater. In many cases its almost easier to demo the patio and start from scratch.

[@alfredovargas616]

I'm about to start my foundation pretty soon, I'm gonna do a monolithic pour. 1/2 " J bolts are correct for a detached work shop?

[@buildingcodetips]

Yes, per the IRC. 1/2" x 10" j-bolts with 7" of embedment is the minimum requirement. Maximum spacing is 6ft oc and within 12" of the plate breaks/corners/etc.

[@alfredovargas616]

Well I ran into my city inspector today and he said No on the 1/2 inch J bolts. He said 5/8 is what he wants. I really hope I don't screw this up, it's very confusing.

[@buildingcodetips]

@@alfredovargas616 apologies for any confusion on my end. IRC allows for 1/2” j-bolts. My only guess is that you live in a higher seismic or wind zone area then normal and your state, county or city is asking for more anchorage then normal. Definitely follow whatever your local building department is asking for.

[@alfredovargas616]

It's strange because my plans were approved with 1/2 bolts, and I sent my plans 1st to my inspector, then also to the city, and both approved 1/2 yet now at a random incounter he changed his mind 🤔

[@buildingcodetips]

@@alfredovargas616 That's interesting, approved plans should supersede. If your local building department has any customer service and your able to talk to the plans examiner who reviewed your plans it might be worth asking.