If there is a standard rule can anyone please advise and we can check on our plans to see if they are deep enough before we go ahead. Any advice is much appreciated.
2007-10-20 00:19:26 · 9 answers · asked by glitzy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Nine times out of ten, the footings aren't sufficient. Get an architect in.
2007-10-20 00:24:14 · answer #1 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Normally the single floor would have been built strong enough to take extending upstairs at a later date. All depends on when the original extension was built and what the council building regs were at the time. If in any doubt you shoud dig a hole next to the building to see how far down the footings go. Check with a good builder or structural engineer, not necessary for an architect at this stage (until you want the design mapped out etc.)
2007-10-20 00:30:03 · answer #2 · answered by Toasty 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
12" X 12" Single Story 18" X 18" Two Story International Building Code
2007-10-20 00:30:53 · answer #3 · answered by timbugtiny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I apologise on behalf of all the prats who offer advice on subjects they know nothing about. This is a serious matter that you have to get right.
You need to know the dimensions of the existing footings - depth and width, and simply inform the Building Control Department of your Council. They will then tell you what the requirements are and whether what you have will suffice. They will probably require you to dig an inspection hole so they can see for themselves.
May I also suggest you check whether you require planning permission. Any problems, get in touch via the website below.
2007-10-21 10:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by Budge 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a builder and the existing footings should be sufficient to take any additional height that you require to add on to your extension .A depth of concrete is not guaged to be sufficient for a single storey,its guaged to be strong enough to take any addition you want to make to the build.I take it the additional height is for adding another storey to the property in which case you should have no problem unless you have a sub standard foundation in which case you would more than likely be seeing structural cracks in the existing structure,hope that helps,good luck
2007-10-20 00:36:45 · answer #5 · answered by tarmagan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the present foundations are not sufficiently strong enough to accept the extra weight, I have heard of the use of special lightweight blocks made of pumice being used.
2007-10-20 00:41:53 · answer #6 · answered by xenon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consult an architect and/or a structural engineer. The local building dept may require they stamp your plans prior to approvals.
2007-10-20 00:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by chaba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be careful and do your homework ! u`v got to work out ur new load x 2 footing!(but most of the time for a single story as the footing is sufficient but as i say do the homework!)
2007-10-20 00:34:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To answer the question, provide us with the depth of the present footings, and your location.
2007-10-20 00:33:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋