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Community and Q&A

Pier foundation help

user-7549075 | Posted in GBA Pro Help on

Hi, I live in San Jose area in California. I am trying to demolish storage space next to the kitchen so I can put a kitchen island. I need to add new 6*12 beam to reinforce existing 4*8 roof ridge beam. Is 10″ diameter pier footing good enough for both beams? I thought pier footings are 12″ diameter, but they turned out to be 10″ diameter. I really don’t want to do foundation work if it’s possible. Any opinions will be appreciated.

The reason I am asking is I live in the town home where every house has the same look and layout. My neighbors did exactly the same remodeling, their structural engineers did not request any foundation work but mine keeps asking me to do it. I still think it is unnecessary to do it.

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #1

    Footing size depends on the soil bearing capacity and the design load on the pier. There's no way to accurately size a footing for you online. You should talk to a structural engineer.

  2. GBA Editor
    Brian Pontolilo | | #2

    Hi user-7549075 (It would be great to know your name).

    I agree with Mike. There are a lot of important topics that get discussed here, good advice is offered by expert GBA members and those with personal experience with the question at hand. Often authoritative sources like building codes, scientific research papers, expert articles, an well-researched content is cited. When it comes to structural questions like this, particularly in existing houses, local, professional advice is the only advice you should take action based on, in my opinion.

  3. user-7549075 | | #3

    Thank you Michael and Brian.

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