How To - Stepped Foundations

Footing is "slang" for Foundations. Foundations are the underground bit of a house, normally made of concrete. If you are building on a slope it will be required that the foundation for the structure you are building are stepped. There are probably other ways of building on a slope, but this is the most common method. The aim to be make several "terraces" upon which to build you structure. In this case we are building a block cavity wall for a domestic extension, which is fairly typical method in the UK. Stepping is also required sometimes to put foundations under a pipe. You will need to step down below a sewer pipe for example, and then step back up again (if required). For those looking for more detail consult Part A of the building regulations. These are a freely accessible set of standards, that show basics of construction. Of course many historic buildings are built entirely without foundations!