Building Homes or Extensions/Concrte wall footing

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Expert: Craig Fiore - 1/23/2012


Question
I have some experience laying concrete blocks, but now I want to take on building a concrete block fence. I will hire someone to lay the footing for me and I want to make sure they are doing it correctly.I have all the time of the world to finish this project, so I will not be in a hurry. For a 6' wall...how deep and wide should the footing be and what type of rebar should they be using?

What would be a typical price per square foot on footings?

Thanks in advance

Answer
Chris -

To answer how deep and wide the footing should be and what type of rebar to use would depend on a few factors which I cannot answer through this forum.

Footing types, sizes, depth of excavation and reinforcement requirements are largely determined by local building ordinances and dictated by soils conditions in your area. You could probably get a good idea of what is required by contacting your local governing building department. They would have specific code requirements that need to be met for masonry fences and footings. They should be familiar with local soil conditions, as well as other similar fence types in the area and how they are typically constructed.

The cost would be based on the type (size, strength of concrete and reinforcing requirement) of footing you need.

Sorry I cannot be more specific on this one.

Regards,

Craig

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Craig Fiore

Expertise

Any questions related to building, constructing, remodeling, or renovating all types of buildings, both commercial and residential, including questions related to general contracting and the management of projects,estimating construction costs, project scheduling, construction contracts (both prime contracts between owners and general contractors and subcontracts between general contractors and their subcontractors or direct contracts between owners and subcontractors). Also, methods and procedures for performing and understanding all trades and trade work typically employed in the construction of buildings.

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Have been in the construction business as a general contractor and construction manager since 1974 with extensive experience in renovation and new ground-up construction of all types of commercial and residential buildings. My company has built and renovated homes, schools, medical facilities, industrial and institutional buildings, apartments, restaurants, manufacturing plants, auto service facilities and a host of other miscellaneous projects during the past 35 years. We have served as design/builders, general contractors and construction managers for projects as small as $10,000 to several million. In recent years I have worked as an independent consultant to other construction businesses and have advised homeowners.

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I am a four-year graduate of a well-known fully accredited college in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree.

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