building a cement pad for garage, how do I start?

Question

Are there building codes for cement pads for steel buildings?
How do I get started on cement pad for a metal garage?

Answer 1

dig a hole

Answer 2

Yes, your local building department will give you the info. Basically it depends on the frost line in your area. You need to dig a foundation for the pad which goes below the worst frost line. Loose fill, like gravel goes under the cement. Then rebar or mesh and then you pour. If your steel building currently does not have a foundation and is only anchored to the ground, in some areas you might get away with it not being classified as a permanent structure, giving you a break on the building permit and your tax assessment. Adding a foundation takes away that possibility. Don't skimp on the depth and fill of the foundation, or you may find it cracking in a year or two.

Answer 3

Local building department..but first check with the manufacture of the building. they are going to have minimum thickness requirements for the post footings you must know this first. Depending on the manufacture they may also have a bolt template for the post attachment points. This is for positioning the anchor bolts in the forms prior to the pour.
The building department is going to need you to provide the plans and specs concerning this anyway.

Answer 4

Depending on your location as far as building codes, you can easily check with your local gov. to find out. To plan what you will have, first decide what you'll need. How much weight will be placed on it? You will need to lay out your area and dig to the desired depth, recommend atleast 8-10 inches with "footers" at each corner and 2 dispersed near center @ 18" in depth. Next you will need a light gravel base about 2 inches then covered in plastic, and either rebar or remesh (a roll of steel wire) for strength ( to prevent cracking) Careful not to fill your footers w/ gravel. Start pouring your footers first and allow them to cure. Next you need to build your "form" along your outline for your pad. Use 2x2 stakes and a plywood wall,keeping stakes below the top of your form, set your stakes about 2-3 feet apart to prevent warping and use atleast 1/2 inch plywood, Now your ready to pour your concrete. As you fill the form you want to "sift" the concrete ( using a straight 2x4 3 feet longer that the width of your pad, using a sawing motion at the top of the form with the 2x4) if you have voids or low spots, go back and fill them before you continue sifting. allow it to sit for a few hours and then, depending on the type finish you want, run a broom across the top, lightly, to give it a rougher finish for traction. after about 24 hours you are ready to remove your forms. Good luck!

Answer 5

You better check for city or local ordinances, permits, anything like that. It sucks to build a sweet-a$$ garage, and then be told by the government you have to take it down next week due to zoning violations. Even on your own property. AND all at your own cost!

Answer 6

Most construction will need permits and building codes check with your local authorities

Answer 7

first, contact the building department to see what you need, I would say you need at minimum a permit. then you'd need to attain 'slab on grade' drawings and details as well as for the footings.. the county will need to see a steel schedule (rebar).

those are the initial steps.

Answer 8

usually on pole buildings you pour after the building is already up. If thats what your building.

Answer 9

how do i start?they want me to do a footing whit cement blooks