Question: My wife and I are building our new home, and we stopped by to see the progress just after the foundation was poured. We saw a massive long block of concrete at least 10 inches thick 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: Do you know if it states in the IRC code that a “J”-bar must be poured in the footing if the wall requires vertical reinforcing. I have a meeting with an inspector tomorrow to discuss code ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things ...