I am going to add on to my home. Just not sure where to start. I have done alot off building before, but never from the ground up... Do I need a footing? Or, just do piers? please help....
=)
2007-04-18 15:35:56 · 6 answers · asked by Scott W 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Depends where you live, you may have to pour a foundation. Check your local building codes. Unless your trying to do it on the under............
2007-04-18 16:11:07 · answer #1 · answered by adevilchild38 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Certainly as most have suggested it is likely a code issue, and in a general sense you might care about aesthetics. The codes specific to your location aren't designed strictly for government revenue. They also attach themselves at some point, to the viability and liability of the structure.
You probably should craft the addition in the same manner (From the ground up) as the house is now, or was constructed to be.
If the house is currently on a slab, than that seems the way to proceed. If it's built up off ground level, then the initial steps might be that you "foundation" the addition in a similar way.
Pier blocks are Ok for a Deck or Porch, but I wouldn't depend on them for the life of a house. Actually it's more an issue of what they sit on than the substance of the pier block.
Assuming that you want the addition to be as valid and viable as the rest of the house, I suggest create the addition as if it actually is part of the overall structure.
Steven Wolf
2007-04-19 08:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well, the first thing you should do is visit a library and read over some books and compare them to what you want. First off you need a plan, and then check with city for licensing requirements, and then excavating for footings. The building books would tell you this thru pictures.
2007-04-19 00:21:41 · answer #3 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your current house is on a foundation of some type the addition needs to be on a similar foundation.
2007-04-19 02:11:12 · answer #4 · answered by stedyedy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consult an engineer if you're not sure where to begin. He can go onsite to look at everthing whereas we on Y/A cannot.
Good luck!
2007-04-18 22:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
contact your local building department they can give you the best help as different community's have different codes
2007-04-18 22:54:01 · answer #6 · answered by Fred S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋