[gutsy rehab]

I have an ongoing debate (that should have rested two foundations ago) with my superiors on the benefits of overdigging foundations to give the masons room to work below grade. Failure to do this results in pissed-off block masons and usually sub-par work. Can I get some feedback on this?

By overdigging, I mean digging along the footer so the mason has room to walk next to it as he's laying his block. I'm saying at least 18" is needed but more is better.

Thoughts?

 

[rino1494]

Why would you not. You need room to work, parge, tar, footer drain and stone. I always layout my foundation and dig 1 bucket width on the outside of the line.

BTW......18" isn't enough. It should be 3ft. I tar foundations, and I couldn't imagine doing it with only a 18" overdig.

 

[MIT]

I generally over dig 2 ft
The block layer works from the inside
French drains go in with footer
Over dig is for waterproofer and rain conductors

 

[Nac]

I agree overdig by one bucket min. thats 30" for me

 

[jcalvin]

I wish my dad could read this. He has dug a few foundations for hisself, garages and other misc buildings, and there is probably no more than 18" at the widest point. His reasoning is logical but also makes is a PITA to waterproof. He says that the more dirt you disturb past the foundation wall is more weight that will bear against the block as the fill is settling. I have always been able to get the waterproofing and drain lines done but not easily. It doesn't bother my mason. He says all he needs is enough room to fit his hand so he can rub the mortar.

I did see one once that was a little on the overkill side. A guy dug his out wide enough to wheelbarrow around and still have enough room to work beside it. It was around 60".

 

[CookeCarpentry]

18"???

You never seen the masons I use......

The get stuck with 30-36"....

 

[Upchuck]

We over dig 3'-4'. I don't like wearing foundation tar.

 

[CanDoExcavating]

2' over on all whether it is a 10' or 4' foundation, but i guess if they would like to pay for the extra i would be happy to do it

 

[Blas]

Over excavating the footings is common sense. People need room to work SAFELY and move about. Also, I don't ever want one person to be at risk between a wall and a bank to save time on backfilling etc... It's just plain stupid not make safe space and slopes for people to work around. Anybody who disagrees with this is an idiot.

 

[griz]

I agree with all on the overdig. However, site conditions, specs & budget may dictate how much you can go.

 

[Williams Ex Co]

36'' at the bottom of the excavation and sloped or benched going up.....

 

[house bldr]

We pour our basements and while we prefer 24-30''for working room if it gets much bigger than that it makes it harder when setting forms and pouring such as reaching the top of the forms when installing walers and bracing- stepping back and forth from form to bank when pouring-getting concrete truck closer to where we want it-plus more backfill to compact!