What should be done if footings are dug too small?

When footings are dug too small, the primary issue that arises is that the reinforcing steel will not fit properly. Footings serve as the foundation of a structure, distributing loads to the soil below. The reinforcing steel, or rebar, is crucial for providing additional strength and load-bearing capacity. If the footings are too small, this reinforcement cannot be adequately placed, which compromises the integrity and safety of the structure.

If the footings are unable to accommodate the required rebar, it could lead to significant structural issues, including cracking or collapse under load. Therefore, it is essential that footings are dug to the specified dimensions to ensure that all components of the foundation can be properly placed and function effectively. Addressing this problem typically involves enlarging the footings to meet the design specifications rather than ignoring the issue or making the footings smaller.