Common Footing Design Mistakes to Avoid in Residential Construction
The foundation of your house, literally and figuratively, rests on its footing design . These concrete pads distribute the weight of the entire structure evenly into the ground. While they may not be the most glamorous part of your home, ensuring proper footing design is crucial for long-term stability and preventing costly repairs down the line. Here's a look at some common footing design mistakes to avoid: Ignoring the Soil Survey: Every house needs a solid foundation, but what constitutes "solid" depends on the soil beneath it. Skipping a soil survey before residential footing installation is a recipe for disaster. The survey identifies soil type, bearing capacity (how much weight it can support), and potential problems like expansive soils or high water tables. This information is vital for determining the proper footing depth, size, and reinforcement needed. Footing Depth Faux Pas: Footing depth is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Factors like...