Glossary
Pad footing / Isolated footing
Sheet under review by our engineersUnlike a strip footing, this is an individual foundation, like a 'block' of reinforced concrete, placed under each column of your house. Each column has its own 'base' to support its weight.
Why it matters for your home
Crucial for buildings that rely on many posts (columns) to support the floors. If the footing is poorly sized or constructed, the post might sink, leading to serious structural problems for the entire house.
The African context
Very common for multi-story buildings or those with a post-and-beam frame. The quality of soil compaction under each footing and proper concrete cover for the rebar are frequent weaknesses here.
Red flags
- ⚠ The footing excavations are not uniform in size or are poorly aligned.
- ⚠ The concrete poured into the footings is not vibrated or is too liquid.
- ⚠ The rebar (steel bars) for the posts are bent or not properly anchored in the footing.
Questions to ask
- 1. "What are the exact dimensions of each isolated footing?"
- 2. "How will you ensure that each footing rests on stable ground?"
- 3. "Are the rebar for my posts properly anchored in the footings?"
Cost hint (indicative)
Around 15,000 to 40,000 FCFA per footing, depending on its size, depth, and rebar.
Related terms
At this stage of your project?
An independent DiasporaBuild inspector can verify on site before you pay.