FOUNDATION AND FOOTERS

[LINDA]

I am in the process of getting the footers dug, but one thing I noticed was the man digging the pier footers did not bulldoze the grass to clear the area where the home will be placed. All he has done so far was dig the pier footers (in the rain) he did not dig a perimeter footer for a block foundation which he was suppose to do. A vapor barrier is suppose to be laid on the ground after the home is set, but my thinking is, how can this vapor barrier be laid correctly if the ground isn't smooth due to the grass not being cleared? Won't the grass rot after a period of time?
What is the correct procedure for digging and pouring etc...? And what is the difference between the pier set, and the strip footers? Which is better? Or is the best foundation a slab?
Are the footers suppose to be inspected after they are finished and ready for the home to be set?
Any information will be helpful!!
Thank you,
Linda

[rmurray]

Most important...read your owners manual...If it calls for the removal of all organic material...as some do...point it out to the dealer...Some counties in our area have started to require the removal of all organic material...candidly..if there are footers with piers...I do not understand why it would make a difference...

The how to dig question...any way that you can...be sure they are under the frostline..Your county building inspector can tell you how deep the frostline is...

Some non-load bearing perimeter walls do not have footers...This is common in our area..where frost heave is not at all a problem..

The county building inspection process is different in every county..Most do not inspect the footers at all...