Extensions (building not hair) & Foundations

[berg]

Looked at a house last night, already got an extension on it downstairs that was put on before the current owner lived in the house, so she has know idea whether the foundatons will support a 2nd storey extension but can confirm that a lot of neighbouring properties do have a second floor extension.

The extension has been there for over 6 years but not sure for how long.

Is it the case that building regs wont apply if it has been there for over 10 years - ie it is going to be pot luck as to whether the foundations are strong enough to take a second floor?

any info appreciated, ta

[GTImike]

Hello Berg,

I run a small chartered architectural practice in the north west so hopefully I can give you an accurate answer! 

The council building inspectors will most likely insist a trial hole is dug to ascertain the exact depth of the founds on the extension and to assess the quality of the ground, i.e. if the footings are within suitable clay. In more recent years most authorities have insisted that foundations for single storey extensions are dug to the same depth as two storey extensions (typically 900mm below ground level minimum) or to match the depth of the existing house footings to cover their backsides incase of subsidence.

If the extension is reasonably recent i.e. built within the last ten years, it may be worth a call to the relevant local authority to see if they still have the original plans on record, If so they will let you look at them in the office.

You can double check any additions on Google Earth and utilising the historic timeline feature.

Hope this helps but if you do need more info drop us a p.m. and I'll give you my email


Mike

[berg]

Hello Berg,

I run a small chartered architectural practice in the north west so hopefully I can give you an accurate answer! 

The council building inspectors will most likely insist a trial hole is dug to ascertain the exact depth of the founds on the extension and to assess the quality of the ground, i.e. if the footings are within suitable clay. In more recent years most authorities have insisted that foundations for single storey extensions are dug to the same depth as two storey extensions (typically 900mm below ground level minimum) or to match the depth of the existing house footings to cover their backsides incase of subsidence.

If the extension is reasonably recent i.e. built within the last ten years, it may be worth a call to the relevant local authority to see if they still have the original plans on record, If so they will let you look at them in the office.

You can double check any additions on Google Earth and utilising the historic timeline feature.

Hope this helps but if you do need more info drop us a p.m. and I'll give you my email


Mike

cheers mike, i may well drop you a PM in the coming weeks 

[edd666999]

If you need a builder give me a shout