HomeBlogHow to Size the Concrete Pad for a Home Addition
Buyer GuidesFebruary 18, 2025

How to Size a Concrete Pad for a Home Addition

Getting the foundation pad sized correctly for a home addition requires more than just matching the floor footprint.

The foundation pad for a home addition is a structural element — get it wrong and you're rebuilding it before framing is even finished.

Footprint + Footing Width

The pad size is determined by the addition footprint plus the footing width on each side. A 16×20 addition might have a 17'6"×21'6" concrete footprint once you account for the footer overhang. Your architect or GC specifies this — we build to those specifications.

Load Considerations

A single-story addition loads differently than a two-story addition or one with a heavy masonry fireplace. The footer width and depth are calculated to spread the load appropriately across the soil bearing capacity.

Coordinating with Existing Foundation

The new pad typically ties into the existing foundation at one or more points. We use appropriate expansion joints and, where specified, mechanical connections. This is planned at the estimate stage and drawn out before we pour.

Have more questions about this?

Call Doug at (919) 478-1678 or request a free on-site estimate.

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