In Plain English
Quick Answer
A widened concrete base at the bottom of a column or wall that spreads weight over a larger area of ground.
Definition
Definition
A concrete element at the base of a foundation that spreads column, wall, or pier loads over a larger area of soil to reduce bearing pressure. Footings are typically wider than the element they support and are reinforced with steel rebar. Spread footings, continuous wall footings, and combined footings are common types.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Footings are a high-uncertainty cost item because they depend on soil bearing capacity that may only be confirmed once excavation exposes actual conditions. Estimators must reconcile the geotech report against plan dimensions, since over-excavation, unsuitable soil removal, or upsized footings from a revised design can swing concrete, rebar, and labor quantities significantly mid-project.
Example
Example
After reviewing the geotech report showing weak soils, an estimator increased the spread footing takeoff from 24-inch to 36-inch widths and added a unit price for unsuitable-soil removal so the bid wouldn't expose the firm to over-excavation costs.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
How do estimators take off footings from drawings?
Estimators read the footing schedule and foundation plan to count each footing type, then calculate concrete volume by length times width times depth, add rebar by size and spacing, and price excavation, formwork at the perimeter, and placement labor. They cross-check the structural details against the geotech bearing values.
What footing scope creates the most bid risk?
Subsurface conditions drive the risk. Unanticipated rock, groundwater, or unsuitable soils can force deeper or wider footings, dewatering, and over-excavation that aren't shown on plans. Smart bidders carve these out as allowances or unit prices and reference the geotech report's bearing assumptions to limit exposure.
Are footings usually bid by the concrete sub or the GC?
Footings are typically part of the cast-in-place concrete subcontractor's scope, bundled with foundation walls and slabs. The GC carries excavation and backfill under sitework. Estimators must verify the bid documents clearly assign formwork, rebar, and reinforcing supply to avoid scope gaps between trades at award.
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