How wide does a house footer need to be?

Question

i am forming a house footer out of 2x12's using 12" block for my basement walls, my block layer says that my footer needs to be at least 1 inch past each side of block,,,,, making it a 14" wide footer but that doesnt seem wide enough, im thinking more like 18" to 20" inches. some one who has done this let me know your thoughts..

Answer 1

Location, location,location.

Depends on the recommendations for the soil, conditions in

your area & the conditions on your lot may even vary from that.

Could,ovekill, but no sense wasting money if not necessary.

If you are not comfortable have your contr cite the code requirements  & test soil compaction before he pours.

Answer 2

look at:

http://www.hometips.com/hyhw/structure/1...

There are three types of conventional concrete foundations: poured concrete, concrete block and post-and-pier. Size and acceptable types are regulated by building codes This you have to look for first before you even start digging.

The footer has to sit on hard compact soil called "virgin ground,"

Answer 3

2 feet wide 8 inches deep,with a compacted stone base,3 runs of rebar make sure to bend the corners instead of overlapping,make sure that if the footer has "steps" that they are very well secured and remember that the footer is the main component to a structure so try not to get a cold joint that will endure a breakage later in the life of the home

Answer 4

Why form for footings, they should be dug into undisturbed soil.  You said for basement, then it will be at least 2 story. Are the brick also going to be supported on top of the 12" block basement walls? The wider the footing, the more stable if will be. We always go with a minimun of 4 inches on both sides of block. In your case I would make the footings 24 inches wide and no less than 8 inches deep, with 3 peices of 1/2" rebar all the way around and under any load bearing walls. if there will also be a fireplace I pour 12 inches deep.