Originally Posted By: charper
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Originally Posted By: jstevens
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the 2x10s should be in a pocket in the wall .did you poke around the posts to see if there was a footing ? its hard to believe they would do this in this day and age .was there a permit pulled for this job and did you see it ?
Originally Posted By: charper
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James,
Thanks for the quick reply. The posts are only on dirt. I poked with a long screw driver and felt no cement pads. The home owner says the floor gives when she walks across the bedroom. The house is 6 years old. No I did not see a permit. I thought that the 4 x 4 support on the left hand side looked a little flaky. The crazy thing about it that the county inspectors okay’ed the damn thing.
Charlie
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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Just a note…they look like 4x6 posts not 4x4. I don’t think 3- 2by’s could sit on 3 1/2".
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Originally Posted By: charper
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Kevin,
You’re right, they are 4 x 6’s. But does the rest of the structure seem okay and within code?
Charlie
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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You know, to me sitting in a pocket is not much of a concern as they are supported by a column (4x6). The real trouble lies with the columns not being supported by any sort of footing. That in itself is enough to recomend evaluation by a SE.
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Originally Posted By: charper
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Kevin,
In my report I did state “evaluation by SE” The homeowner then went back to the builder to press for repairs. She of course told the builder what was in the report and he said I was crazy and a lousy inspector. Of course he is pissed due to the fact that I pointed out his flawed work. You just can’t make everyone happy…
Charlie
Originally Posted By: Randy Mayo
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Charles
As a SE I would say the 4x6 post on soil is unacceptable. Most soils could support 2000 pounds per square foot (144 sq in). So a 4x6 has 24 square inches of contact area with the soil, that calculates to about 300 pounds of adequate soil support. A typical house 30 feet wide with 12 foot column spacing on the main support beam is supporting 9000 pounds per interior column. That is based upon 40 pounds per square foot live load and 10 pounds per square foot dead load. Which will require a minimum of 2'x2' footing. Keep in mind most engineering calculations include a factor of safety that allows for construction and material flaws.
Most soils are highly influenced by moisture content. A highly compacted clay soil at optimum moisture content can hold in excess of 2000 pounds per square foot, but add additional water and the supporting capabilities of the soil may go to zero.
Stick to you guns on this one, the contractor may get mad but I doubt he is willing to pay an SE to do the calculations.
Originally Posted By: charper
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Thanks Randy,
I was hoping I would get an SE to reply. I will use your calculations. I certainly don't want to "piss" anyone off but this builder needs to be taken down a notch or 2. I know I won't get any referrals from him. 
Charlie