where can i find detailed information for laying a foundation for a addition that i am building for my home?

Answer 1

Your concrete supplier should be able to provide this service for a fee. They generally have a computer program which will design the foundation, and an engineer on hand to certify the plans. The permit office will let you know if there are any deficiencies in the plans.

Answer 2

code enforcement officer will tell u what u can or cant do.
here in frostland easiest way is to dig down 1 foot [ the deeper the better] wide enough to firmly lay a 2' x 2' x 2" piece of styrofoam. place a 18"[or so] x 18" x 2"[minimum] patioblock on top of foam. center a pressure treated lumber 4"x 4"on block. wrap the 4x4 with polyethylene palstic [4mm thick minimum] well so the undergroud preservatives dont leach from wood. the frost cant get under the foam the patio block distributes the load & the plastic helps the 4x4 from being grabbed by the frost. done it, it works. cheap too.
a lot depends on type ground under u. the more it holds water the worse the situation.
if u're doing this legit u're going to deal with codeman & your taxes pay his salary. he should know what u can or cant & can help. if no codeman, good luck.
the foam & block trick basically lowers the frostline's affect on the 4x4 & any riser from block will work. i'd avoid sauna tubes cause the frost gets too good a hold on them. home depot+ sell prefab pyramid shaped risers which are better against frost.

Answer 3

Each area of the country is different- but most all will require that you attached the new foundation firmly to the old one- as well as dig the footing to the required level for Frost- in the norther states thats about 42 inches or deeper in some places.
When you apply for a Permit to build they will want to see a drawing your foundation and other part of the addition.

Answer 4

Certainly there are many suggested sites on the www as well as home stores, and/or contractors.... BUT/ AND especially as a DIY, I suggest first your local county/city code offices/zoning/permit offices.

There will be laws/rules, you'd have to follow to be in legal limits/standards, beyond the required inspections in permits issued for such work. Their revenue may seem wasteful to you, but in the end it's really about safety and security for what you are doing.

In your area there are requirements for type of construction, beginning with the substance used for the foundation/slab, as well as it's depth/thickness.

It has to support a structure, and without knowing the size, the construction, the soil content and stability, etc etc etc,,, No ONE HERE can give you the exact answers you need.

The other thought I have, and meaning no offense at all,,,, what are your qualifications for building? What if any Subs will you have to employ? What is your budget? AND what feelings have you about remaining in, or eventually leaving this house?

I'd go direct to those people who have the law at hand, and ask them first. Once you know the requirements, etc, then the easy part is framing, and having a slab poured,,, OR having a pit dug for a foundation.

Rev. Steven

Answer 5

Footers need to be 12x24,

are you pouring or using block for the foundation.

Layout and excavating depend on if you intend to have a basement..

If you are attaching to an existing dwelling you need to excavating down to frostline .. In many areas you have to go down about 4'

You can act as your own general contractor and have an excavator and concrete contractor do the hard work saving your time for better things. I've subbed out portions of project where time and effort involved was better served by me doing other things.

You need to find grade first.. Find the ONE point from which you want to have the new portion tie to the old, shoot grade from there.. String it out, mark out the cuts on grade stakes and excavate accordingly. You can use a backhoe to trench out for your foundation. If you are doing a basement rent a decent size Bobcat with teethed bucket for cutting, you can rent a second blade bucket when you get to a point of final grade.

A laser level is likely the handiness piece of equipment you can had when digging or pouring concrete well worth the investment.

Answer 6

As much as I encourage Do-It-Yourselfers. I will try to discourage you from building your own foundation. If this part is not level, square and strong, you will forever have many problems with the home. The foundation is not the place to start learning about laying blocks and pouring concrete.

Answer 7

Books are available at Home Depot that will give you the information you need. Also you will need to contact your local Building Department to find out how deep your footing should be in your area, and if you need a building permit.

Answer 8

"Building Technology" by Ron Chudley (the title may be a variation of this). it is roughly at its sixth edition. Describes requirements for all building work - roofs, basements, foundations etc and is recognised by Colleges in Scotland towards their course work.

Answer 9

www.bobvila.com