Checked out a new build in the next neighborhood over and saw a huge problem with the deck footings

Cole Baker · 2026-03-19T15:10:11.668979+00:00

I was walking my dog through the new development off Maple Street last weekend. They're putting up about 20 houses and a bunch of them already have decks framed out. I stopped to look at one because the framing looked solid, but then I noticed the concrete deck blocks. They're just sitting on top of the grass, not dug in at all. I counted at least 8 blocks on one deck that weren't set into the ground, which means the whole thing will shift after one winter freeze. The builder is cutting a major corner. Has anyone else seen this kind of shortcut on new construction lately, and what did you do about it?

susanb345mo ago

We had a similar issue with our last house and ended up calling the city building inspector. They came out within a week and flagged the footings right away, which forced the builder to fix everything before they could move forward. Might be worth a quick call to see if someone can check it out.

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kelly6387mo ago

Maybe they're using a different foundation system you haven't seen before. Builders have to meet code, so it might be approved.

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stone.lisa7mo ago

Check if they poured footings first and just haven't backfilled yet.

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matthew3947mo ago

Builders have to meet code" doesn't mean they actually do.

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