Q. Tim, I’m flummoxed. I’m about to build a large detached garage. The plans call for a 10-inch-thick by 20-inch-wide poured concrete footing with two ½-inch steel bars that run continuously in the ...

Question: I believe I read in ACI 332 that footings are to be a minimum of 2 inches outside the face of the wall sides and the IRC states 4 inches. Which one is right? – Concrete Contractor (Alabama).

Question: I visited the site of my new home and noticed a lot of water standing where the concrete walls will soon be poured. Won’t this be a problem for the quality of concrete in my footings? – Home ...

In construction, “a firm foundation” is no cliche. It’s a matter of tradition, good technique and honoring the building codes. How well the structure will stand–and stand up to time and ...