Building regs for first floor extension on existing walls.

munkypuzzel

Hi,

Does anybody know wether the following is possible building regs wise?

I have an existing ground floor kitchen that is constructed of 9inch solid walls. Would it be possible to add a first floor? Can you still construct in 9inch without cavity?
How would building control determine if existing foundations are suitable?

Mny thanks

nomis21

Hi, It might be possible but i think u may need a structual engineer and architect.
If your house was built recently the local authority or the house builder should have a record of your specs on your foundations failing this test holes would have to be dug to determin the depth and condition of your foundations.
If your foundations prove to be inadequate there is ways to strengthen them but this is extensive and probably costly and it maybe cheaper to demolish the outbuilding and start a fresh.
If your founds prove adequate you have more of a chance to build above.
With you only having a 9" wall to build onto which is not adequate for a cavity wall so i would say some steelwork could be added sat on padstones to give you extra width to build upon, you would have to put cavity trays and weep holes in round the perimeter when building up above your solid wall. I would also think that building regs might also make you put a damp proof barrier and dry line the ground floor depending on what use it is used for.

I would seek a good architect for advise.

fluffymuffy

It would be much cheaper to knock it down and build a proper two storey extension. You'd save the costs of investigations and possibly wouldn't need engineer's calcs at all (depending on the design). Also, it's unlikely you'd find an architect willing to take on the job of balancing a new extension on your old kitchen. I wouldn't.

nomis21

fluffymuffy wrote: »

It would be much cheaper to knock it down and build a proper two storey extension. You'd save the costs of investigations and possibly wouldn't need engineer's calcs at all (depending on the design). Also, it's unlikely you'd find an architect willing to take on the job of balancing a new extension on your old kitchen. I wouldn't.

I have done work on work on brick garages adjoining the house for people who have wanted to extend above but these have been new-ish properties and when they were built there foundations were laid to support an extra floor and the garages were cavity construction so all they had to do was strip the roof and extend above.

I think your right, in this circumstance it may be best to knock down and start a fresh depending on how old the property is..!