Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection

Phillies34 · 05-02-2010, 07:19 PM

We are building a 12LX15W deck with 3 posts. We just finished the (3) footers that were dug to 30" in depth and 16" wide and filled them all up with cement. Now we realized the big mistake we made--the building permit requires an inspection of the footer depth prior to pouring any concrete. Any way to prove it w/o ripping it all out?

**kwikfishron** · 05-02-2010, 08:15 PM

Call them and say what you did.

All you’ll probably have to do is dig out a side down to depth so he can see, just don’t dig below the footing.

This is were a little "polite diplomacy" can go a long way.

Phillies34 · 05-02-2010, 08:41 PM

That is what I am hoping will work, a cut out to show the depth..

firehawkmph · 05-02-2010, 10:15 PM

Philly,
My excavator cousins always use a steel rod with a crossbar welded on top to form a t-shape to probe for pipes in the ground, water shut off boxes, etc. You could probably make one out of a piece of 1/4" round stock. Twist it at a slight angle next to your pilings and aim for what you figure the bottom is. You should be able to feel whether or not you are hitting th concrete. Might save you digging the hole.
Mike Hawkins

Phillies34 · 05-03-2010, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the tip Mike..

05-02-2010, 07:19 PM	#1
Phillies34 Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3	Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection We are building a 12LX15W deck with 3 posts. We just finished the (3) footers that were dug to 30" in depth and 16" wide and filled them all up with cement. Now we realized the big mistake we made--the building permit requires an inspection of the footer depth prior to pouring any concrete. Any way to prove it w/o ripping it all out?

05-02-2010, 08:15 PM	#2
kwikfishron Mod Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kansas/Oregon Coast Posts: 4,747	Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection Call them and say what you did. All you’ll probably have to do is dig out a side down to depth so he can see, just don’t dig below the footing. This is were a little "polite diplomacy" can go a long way. __________________ A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Especially In The DIY Chatroom -NEW MEMBERS- Please include your basic location in your profile. Some of the answers given are specific to a Region or State. Last edited by kwikfishron; 05-02-2010 at 08:19 PM.

05-02-2010, 08:41 PM	#3
Phillies34 Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3	Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection That is what I am hoping will work, a cut out to show the depth..

05-02-2010, 10:15 PM	#4
firehawkmph Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Near Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,334	Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection Philly, My excavator cousins always use a steel rod with a crossbar welded on top to form a t-shape to probe for pipes in the ground, water shut off boxes, etc. You could probably make one out of a piece of 1/4" round stock. Twist it at a slight angle next to your pilings and aim for what you figure the bottom is. You should be able to feel whether or not you are hitting th concrete. Might save you digging the hole. Mike Hawkins

05-03-2010, 11:27 AM	#5
Phillies34 Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3	Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection Thanks for the tip Mike..

Deck footers--we poured concrete before depth inspection