What footing means
A footing is the wide concrete base at the bottom of a foundation wall, column or post that spreads the load onto the soil.
Where it matters on a concrete job
Footing size depends on the soil and the load, and inspectors check the hole before the pour. Book the inspection early, since an open hole in the rain is a mess.
What the model code says
- Concrete footings are at least 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. (IRC 2021, Chapter 4)
- Exterior footings sit at least 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. (IRC 2021, Chapter 4)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for footing before you quote.
What it costs
Koira's new foundation cost guide puts a typical job at $9,250, with most between $5,200 to $42,000. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The concrete block calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Concrete block calculator
- Cost guide: New foundation cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free concrete resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 4, Foundations (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.