Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Stubits's Avatar
    Stubits Posts: 390, Reputation: 2
    Full Member
     
    #1

    Mar 25, 2010, 05:19 AM
    Determining Depth of Existing Footer/Foundation
    I have a 1930's DC brick rowhouse and will soon be adding onto it. It is necessary for me to ascertain the depth of my existing footer/foundation. Seems obvious to me that I should dig next to the foundation of the house until I reach the bottom.

    Is this this right way to go? Are there any risks? I would assume I'd like to fill the hole ASAP, do I need to do anything special? Any suggestions, tips, warning would be much appreciated.

    Also, any thoughts as to what I will find? What sort of footer/foundation was typically employed? Current min/req foundation depth is 30", is the current depth likely more or less than that? Thoughts? Wagers?
    KBC's Avatar
    KBC Posts: 2,550, Reputation: 487
    Ultra Member
     
    #2

    Mar 25, 2010, 06:14 AM

    Contacting the code enforcement office would be most prudent.
    You wouldn't like to dig up the job again if they haven't approved the work,would you?Yes,they can make you open it back up.

    You'll have to contact 'Julie', or whatever the 'Call before you dig' outfit is in your area,get the proper permits and do this by the books.

    1930's construction could have been a sandstone base 24 inches down and no further foundation below.. until exposed,you won't know.
    Stubits's Avatar
    Stubits Posts: 390, Reputation: 2
    Full Member
     
    #3

    Mar 25, 2010, 06:19 AM

    KBC-

    Thanks. I would just like to get a feel for the depth to help me getter better estimates from the foundation sub, so this will be before I get permits.
    KBC's Avatar
    KBC Posts: 2,550, Reputation: 487
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Mar 25, 2010, 06:39 AM

    Knowing the building code for your area will assist you on talks with the subs too.

    Actually, you might get a good lead from the code enforcer, if they visit in person, they know who they like to work with,who cut's corners,etc.

    And remember,a permit is good for a long time,not just a few weeks.
    manhattan42's Avatar
    manhattan42 Posts: 143, Reputation: 11
    Junior Member
     
    #5

    Mar 26, 2010, 03:44 PM

    Does your townhouse have a basement or a crawlspace?

    If so, and if the floor of either is more than 30" below grade, you don't have to dig at all.

    You already have your answer: The footings are below frost level for your area.
    Stubits's Avatar
    Stubits Posts: 390, Reputation: 2
    Full Member
     
    #6

    Mar 27, 2010, 05:24 AM
    We have a basement, but it is a walkout at the back where the addition will be, so it doesn't help that much, but great idea!
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
     
    #7

    Mar 27, 2010, 06:14 AM

    You could drive an iron rod or pipe along side of the wall to feel the footer. Shouldn't be more than 24-30" down. That is if you don't have many rock in you soil. Have to do in in a couple of places to make sure you have not hit a rock. Surest way is to dig the hole. Best done with a set of post hole diggers. Should take about 30 minutes to dig and fill.
    Stubits's Avatar
    Stubits Posts: 390, Reputation: 2
    Full Member
     
    #8

    Mar 29, 2010, 04:26 AM

    Excellent. That is really what I wanted to hear Harold. I don't mind a little digging, just didn't want to hurt anything.

    Thanks!

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Can I put a drain line through the footer of the house? [ 6 Answers ]

Can I put a drain line through the footer of the house? The house is on a cement slab, built in 1964 in Florida. I want to put a bathroom in the garage. The sewer drain line that I will lay on the outside of the house will only be 8" under the soil to allow for the 1/4" per foot drop. So I will...

Digging under an existing foundation [ 4 Answers ]

My septic system has failed and I need to connect to the city sewer. My contractor/plumber suggested rerouting the sewer drain from the back of the house and going out UNDER the foundation at the front of the house instead of drilling through the foundation. Is this safe, or would it affect the...

How do I make a footer that is always at the bottom? [ 1 Answers ]

Hi, I would like to make a footer that is always at the bottom of a page. It should be at the bottom of the screen when there is little content (no scrolling), but be at the bottom of the page when there is a lot of content (scrolling). Thank you in advance.

Concrete footer [ 2 Answers ]

I am looking at building a 76 ft wide and 56 foot deep home. I need to know how deep and how wide to dig the trench for my concrete footer

Determining whether to replace an existing asset [ 1 Answers ]

Trying to determine whether to replace an existing asset (machine): Proposed new asset (machine) has a purchase price of $50,000, with $3,000 in installation costs. The asset will depreciate over five years, using the straight-line method. The new asset is expected to increase sales by...


View more questions Search