Contractors Help!!! Need help disputing pier & biem issue.

[Michael Arredondo]

Hello biggerpockets community 

I need the opinions of contractors who are familiar with working on homes with pier & biem foundations. I want to know what is the required depth of a hole before a concrete cylinder is put into place? I have googled this and came across many different answers. I’ve come to the conclusion that 3ft is the average but would like other opinions. Any help and input is greatly appreciated! 🙏

[Wayne Brooks]

There is no one answer.....it depends on soil conditions, loads,etc. Likely only someone local can give you guidance that would be close. 

[Devin Marshall]

@Michael Arredondo

It depends on if you are in area that had Frost.

If so 4 ft is the min depth into the ground.

[Michael Arredondo]

Well I have contractor telling me 5 inches depth is enough. This doesn’t seem reasonable. Thank you for responding. 👍

[Devin Marshall]

@Michael Arredondo

If there is no frost/freezing in your area then 3' is sufficient.

[Devin Marshall]

@Michael Arredondo

No problem

[Mike Reynolds]

@Michael Arredondo What area of the country are you in? 

[Michael Arredondo]

@Mike Reynolds

South Texas

[Mike Reynolds]

Originally posted by @Michael Arredondo:

@Mike Reynolds

South Texas

Texas minimum construction standards state a 12" min. depth with a termite shield. That is the minimum and not 5". This minimum depth is below undisturbed ground so make sure they don't put it 12" below the pad. 

That being said you should have an engineer look at the ground and determine what's best. On the other hand there are houses that are just on blocks and pads here that have been here for 200 years and no issue. 

I feel like your contractor should know the minimum standards of what he is doing though.