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07-30-2010, 01:13 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,697
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
There is a house being built next door to mine. They are digging the foundations today.
The contractor came over and wanted to go down to my basement to measure from the floor to the ceiling to find out where my footings are.
Why does he need to know that?
The are digging fairly close to my house.
I am curious as to why that matters.
Thanks you wonderful folks.
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07-30-2010, 01:27 PM
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#2
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
How close is very close ?
If they dig too close, and deeper then your footings......
it could undermine your house...usually in a rain storm
Only thing I can think of.......
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07-30-2010, 01:41 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 9,519
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Maybe this is his first foundation and he needs a hint or two.
I'd speak to the neighbors to make sure they have a permit and that
the contractor has all the needed insurance.
If he doesn't, I'd make a call the whoever controls this before this guy starts digging.
Ron
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07-30-2010, 01:57 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,545
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
On the other side, if he happened to ask if you had any water problems in the basement, he may have been simply wondering what to expect when they dig the footings. Not a very good reason to go into someone else's home, particularly without an explanation, but some people simply weren't in school the day that they taught manners. Regardless, the reason previously mentioned is probably more likely, so, regardless, I definitely agree with ensuring that the proper permits and insurance are in place, and, in fact, under the circumstances, I would ask for a certificate direct from his provider.
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07-30-2010, 02:46 PM
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#5
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Tool Geek
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pacific Palisades CA
Posts: 2,444
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
yummy, Thanks for asking
As others have said you are justified in being suspicious as to motive.
I would first ask him for his card. After you get it, ask "Did you have to get a permit?". If the answer is negative, give him an excuse and usher him out. Then call your local Building Authority.
Keep us informed.
.
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& Stay Safe
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07-30-2010, 02:50 PM
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#6
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Electrician
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 818
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Why not just ask him???
__________________
Anything fun is either illegal, immoral, or fattening.
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07-30-2010, 04:46 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,697
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Thanks for all your responses. They do have a permit to build the house. I was advised of the home by the building dept.
When I asked him, he simply said that he "just wants to know"..... 
He is probably old school, and figures, what does she know anyway.....
Scuba; The new wall of the house will be 3' 11" away. Obviously they have to dig wider, and then back fill. They are very close.
I have asked about insurance and he says that he is covered. He is a registered contractor, I have checked that out.
I am concerned about rain. What should I tell him about possible rain?
Thanks again, you guys are the best.
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07-30-2010, 05:24 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 9,519
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
If the wall is that close and he has to drop forms, I would think there would be no soil between the 2 foundations until he back fills. You need to keep tabs on your outside drainage and any foundation waterproofing you have. The system, if disturbed and not corrected, could effect your house. I would keep a dailey video or photographic diary of the process. If any damage is done, I would immediately bring it to the contractors attention. not to the help, directly to him. You might also inform the building dept overseeing the job.
Ron
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The Following User Says Thank You to Ron6519 For This Useful Post:
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07-30-2010, 06:01 PM
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#9
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Tool Geek
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pacific Palisades CA
Posts: 2,444
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Proby
Why not just ask him???
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First you have to get ID because if the situation goes sour you need documentation.
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& Stay Safe
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07-30-2010, 06:16 PM
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#10
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STAFF
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 4,635
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Maybe he was wanting to see if any pipes were coming into your house from that side. One more thing to watch is if you have a french drain on that side of your house, he may damage it or destroy it being that close.
Ole Jim
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07-30-2010, 07:22 PM
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#11
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Electrician
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 818
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Wow, that explains it. 3'11" is close, his work can seriously effect your home. I hope he had all the utilities for both houses surveyed and laid out? Check your basement wall to be sure nothing is coming in on that side.
A daily video taping is a great idea.
__________________
Anything fun is either illegal, immoral, or fattening.
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07-30-2010, 08:56 PM
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#12
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
When they poured my garage foundation they dug about 2' beyond where the forms were set up
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07-31-2010, 08:52 AM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,697
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jiju1943
Maybe he was wanting to see if any pipes were coming into your house from that side. One more thing to watch is if you have a french drain on that side of your house, he may damage it or destroy it being that close.
Ole Jim
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What is a french drain?
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07-31-2010, 08:55 AM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,697
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave
When they poured my garage foundation they dug about 2' beyond where the forms were set up
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OMG! I am keeping an eye on it for sure, since they are so close.
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07-31-2010, 11:14 AM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: MI's Western UP
Posts: 599
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Why does this contractor need to know where my footings are?
maybe he just want to make sure you basement floods before the new one does 
3'11"? don't you both need a bit more offset than that?
Last edited by forresth; 07-31-2010 at 11:16 AM.
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