How far must footers extend past the foundation?

In residential construction, footings are foundational elements that support walls and structures above ground. The requirement that footers extend past the foundation by a minimum of 2 inches is specified to ensure adequate support and stability. This extension helps to distribute the load of the structure over a larger area, minimizing the risk of settling and cracking.

In addition, a minimum extension ensures that there is enough of the footing visible for inspection and complies with the necessary building codes, allowing for proper drainage and preventing water accumulation that can undermine the foundation.

The other options suggest insufficient extensions that would not meet the typical requirements for foundational stability and inspection accessibility. Hence, extending footers by at least 2 inches promotes the integrity and longevity of the structure.