re: Foundation Wall Missed The Footers

I asked the question to my builder (and others who would know) about needing vertical rebar for the stem wall. Everyone had the same answer. “Wasn’t needed”. I was told it’s only needed in certain seismic zones and if the crawlspace has more than 4’ of backfill. After being told this I thought back and I can’t recall any homes here having vertical rebar. Even visited some neighborhoods with new builds going on. None had vertical rebar except the ones that are getting concrete walls instead of block.

Update on the footer (or grade beam if you prefer). Builder had his guys come out and dig beside the original footer. Drilled and epoxied in rebar and poured it one foot wider.