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What is a footing?

A footing is the load-spreading base beneath a foundation wall or column. It passes the home’s weight into soil. Seattle’s 2021 residential inspection sheet cites R403.1 for bearing on undisturbed soil or engineered fill; ask for your project’s bearing conditions and footing dimensions in writing.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Find the footing dimensions on your project drawing; ask for a written explanation of how the building loads and soil conditions determine that size, using Fairbanks’ example only for its local context. Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.
  2. For a Fairbanks project, request a written scope identifying the horizontal reinforcing bars and any change needed for a larger footing. Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.
  3. For a Seattle inspection, arrange a safe, clear walking path to the formwork so the inspector can reach it. Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, read 2026-11-03.
  4. For a Seattle project, ask the contractor to document whether the footing bears on undisturbed soil or engineered fill. Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, read 2026-11-03.
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What footing size do I need?

For a Fairbanks home, ask for dimensions matched to the building and ground conditions, using the city’s residential example as a starting point. “The typical residential footing is a minimum of 8” deep and 16” wide; however, the requirements for footing size can vary greatly depending on the number of stories supported, unusual loading conditions or poor soil properties.” Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.

How deep does my footing need to be?

In Fairbanks, the burial requirement is measured from finished ground level, so distinguish it from the thickness of the concrete itself. “The bottom of the footing shall be a minimum of 42” below finished grade unless a stamped engineers design is submitted.” Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.

How much reinforcing does my footing need?

For Fairbanks residential work, ask the contractor to identify the horizontal steel bars in the footing detail and explain any larger-footing design. “A minimum of two #4 horizontal bars are required for a typical residential footing.” Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03. “This may increase depending on the need for a larger footing.” Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.

Can I use a thickened edge slab-on-grade foundation?

In Fairbanks, yes; ask the designer to show how the slab edge meets the city’s engineering and insulation conditions. “Yes; however, a stamped engineered design is required, and the engineer must follow the insulation requirements set forth in the current building codes.” Source: City of Fairbanks, read 2026-11-03.

What is the general inspection checklist for footings?

For Seattle projects, use the inspection sheet to review support conditions and sloping ground against R403.1 and R403.1.5. “Footings shall be supported on undisturbed soil or engineered fill.” Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, read 2026-11-03. “All loose soil, mud or water is removed from the bottom of the footing. (R403.1)” Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, read 2026-11-03. “Footings are level or stepped if the ground slopes more than 1 foot in 10 feet. (R403.1.5)” Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, read 2026-11-03.

What is the difference between a footing, a foundation and a thickened edge?

A footing supports the wall above it, while a thickened slab can provide additional support beneath interior walls or columns in a slab-on-grade foundation. “Foundation walls must be designed to resist vertical loads from the structure above and transfer these loads to the footing.” Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, read 2026-11-03. “In some cases additional footings (often a thickened slab) are necessary under bearing walls or columns in the center of the slab.” Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, read 2026-11-03.

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