Expert: Dave Johnson - 11/19/2009

Question
Hi Dave,

I recently moved into a home with a little shed in the back.  The old shed sits on a 15 x 15 foot brick foundation.  But the brick foundation is not on a concrete slab, just dirt.  The existing shed is in, essence, a lean to.  One of the four sides of this brick foundation has a 5 foot tall brick wall which serves as a retaining wall.  So basically I have torn down all the rotten lumber and now have a 15x15 brick foundation with a single 5 foot brick wall serving as nothing more than a retaining wall.  Well, I'm looking to build a shed on this foundation.  Nothing complex, just four walls and a roof.  My question is this:  Do I leave the brick retaining wall and simply frame up from the top ledge of this wall.  Or do I build a free standing shed that simply sits adjacent to this retaining wall?  Essentially, do I use that free standing brick wall or not?  My other question is this:  How do I mount my footplates for each wall on a brick foundation that contains no concrete below it?  Should I pull up a few bricks and place 6x6 posts in the ground as the corners of the building?

Thanks so much Dave, sorry for the long post.  Just lots of confusion with this project.

I appreciate your insight

Answer
Hi Grady,

If that brickwork has been there for a long time, and you live in a frost free climate, I'd say go for it.
Otherwise, get some posts (6"x6" pt/tapered concrete, etc.) and place them at the corners AND halfway as well.

How deep is this foundation? if its four feet deep or so, use it....

Best of luck,
Dave