How to dig footers for a garage?
Question:If the garage is 30x40 with a 4in concrete pad.
a> Is center to center of the footers 30x40?
b> What is the proper height of the footer with respect to the concrete pad? Assume an 18in footer.
c> How wide do I excavate for the footer (18in bucket on machine) so as to be able to get in forms and hammers, etc.
Answers:
A=Yes
B=make shure the floor covers the footing by a couple inches.
C= Depending on the depth you will have to excavate the trench wide enough to walk on both sides of forms.
There are many variations of footing depth and width depending on the soil in your region. Many years ago it was thought that a standard footing was applicable to most any single story construction. Over the years we've learned this is not the case, especially in areas of high clay content in the soil. The more clay content you have, the more the soil will expand and contract during winter and summer months. In the region of Ca. I live in there is such a high volume of clay in the soil, single story structures are required to have footings on a minimum of 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep along with typical steel reinforcements, plus they require 100% saturation before the pour. It would be advisable for you to contact your local building dept. for code requirements in your area. I know, you probably would rather not do that in the interest of saving time and money but consider this. Any structure that has not gone through the typical permit process would have little or no value when it's time to resell. The permit will act as an official document allowing you the homeowner a handsome return on your hard work and the money you invested in building it.
The exact requirements for a footing for your garage depend on your local codes and the site specific ground conditions on your property. Local codes vary not only due to the strictness of the agency but loca soil conditions and weather ( deeper frost requires deeper footings) Most footers are earth formed, just dig them to the minimum dimensions and pour them up with concrete.
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