Building off foundation edges

ds1980

We are currently about to start building a single storey extension. As we are looking to build up to or as close as possible to next door i originally thought that we might have to dig foundations on our neighbours side. After speaking with building control apparently I can build off the edge of foundations as long as they are 600mm wide. Looking into this there doesn't appear to be a lot of info about it and wondered if anyone knew any more technical info.

We can do whatever we need ultimately but want to keep disruption for them a minimum although they are good as gold about whatever we want to do.

chucknorris

ds1980 wrote: »

We are currently about to start building a single storey extension. As we are looking to build up to or as close as possible to next door i originally thought that we might have to dig foundations on our neighbours side. After speaking with building control apparently I can build off the edge of foundations as long as they are 600mm wide. Looking into this there doesn't appear to be a lot of info about it and wondered if anyone knew any more technical info.

We can do whatever we need ultimately but want to keep disruption for them a minimum although they are good as gold about whatever we want to do.

Doesn't this mean that the foundations would be eccentrically loaded? I'm no expert (I'm a QS not a building surveyor) but I would have thought that this would be fine if the foundation was designed that way, but problematic if adding the load of a new structure to an existing foundation. Did building control happen to mention how this would be done? Just curious.

JohnB47

I can't answer your question but I have to say, you're very lucky to have such understanding neighbours. Personally, I would be a bit anxious if my neighbour was planning to build right up to the boundary.

What about access to the boundary wall for repairs? What if new neighbours arrive and are less happy? Are you ok for them to attach things to the wall - paint it even? Presumably you won't be fitting guttering, ventilation pipes, waste pipes or anything else that will overhang their property?

Perhaps it's just me.

Jonesya

Have you researched the Party Wall Act?

What you're proposing sounds like it will fall under it so you need to go through the correct process to cover yourself - particularly if you're building upto or on the boundary line.

ds1980

No idea about the loading tbh. It'll be a new foundation of 600mm by 1m with a block wall with possibly brick outer skin on it. He just said you can build up to the edge but I had some reservations. I will have to double check. There is a long thread about neighbours walls. I don't get all the neighbour issues. It's their boundary side as it were. There is currently an 8ft fence. Not going to make any difference whether it's a wall or fence as far as I can tell. Same as if they want to paint it why would I care. I am never going to see it. It's no different to them drilling a hole or painting the inside of their house wall which is shared. I've given him the option of render or brick and he'd be daft not to let me on his land if it's brick as the pointing would be terrible and he's got to look at it. He has a similar conservatory to what I'm proposing to build. I couldn't care less about someone else coming tbh as it'll all be done then however I think it's probably better for everyone if I just pull it back 6 inches and leave the fence? That would still mean id have to go on their side still for any repairs I suppose but can't really see that an issue as insurance company can sort that out if necessary. It's 7m or so and probably not going to make much difference and think it sounds like there will be potential issues although I don't really see them. Will have a think over the weekend but thanks it's food for thought. I like pushing the boundaries and that seems quite apt in this case. Ps all party wall agreements are sorted.

chucknorris

ds1980 wrote: »

No idea about the loading tbh. It'll be a new foundation of 600mm by 1m with a block wall with possibly brick outer skin on it. He just said you can build up to the edge but I had some reservations. .

Ahh I misunderstood your post, I thought that you meant building off the edge of your neighbours foundations, hence the eccentric loading query, it is obvious now that you mean from the edge of new foundations. But doesn't that introduce a new problem, of your new foundation interfering with your neighbours foundations. If your new wall is right up against his wall, then it means that your proposed new foundations will interfere with the 'spread' of your neighbours foundations.

cyclonebri1

ds1980 wrote: »

We are currently about to start building a single storey extension. As we are looking to build up to or as close as possible to next door i originally thought that we might have to dig foundations on our neighbours side. After speaking with building control apparently I can build off the edge of foundations as long as they are 600mm wide. Looking into this there doesn't appear to be a lot of info about it and wondered if anyone knew any more technical info.

We can do whatever we need ultimately but want to keep disruption for them a minimum although they are good as gold about whatever we want to do.

From this post and your later 1 it's a bit vague, sorry.

Right, as someone else said it does bring the PWA into play.

Avoid the scum that pirate such issues to feather their nests, the PWA solicitors that is

The act says you are allowed to build substantial and effective foundation on and under the neighbours land given a few caveats

the boundary wall itself obviously still has to be owners side

ds1980

No idea tbh again. We are a pair of semis. There is a fence as boundary at present. He has a dwarf walled full size conservatory about 2 foot into his side which I assume has foundations. But I wouldn't have thought they'd reach the boundary line. If I dig my foundations up to our boundary line as it were then start the work 6 inches in then I assume there won't be any interference? I just gave them the form and they signed it so no need for any silly PW solicitors. Was going to start digging today but may have to wait til I work out what's for the best. This is what happens when you do things yourself I suppose.

Captaincodpiece

ds1980 wrote: »

No idea tbh again. We are a pair of semis. There is a fence as boundary at present. He has a dwarf walled full size conservatory about 2 foot into his side which I assume has foundations. But I wouldn't have thought they'd reach the boundary line. If I dig my foundations up to our boundary line as it were then start the work 6 inches in then I assume there won't be any interference? I just gave them the form and they signed it so no need for any silly PW solicitors. Was going to start digging today but may have to wait til I work out what's for the best. This is what happens when you do things yourself I suppose.

Silly neighbours, do they know you are asking how to do it online the day before you start digging holes. I hope you have adequate insurance in place.

ds1980

Silly you for assuming I'm going to do anything wrong. It's a hole. People dig them all the time. The builder and building inspector will make sure they're ok. This is a money saving website. Digging the foundations myself will save me money. If I don't do it then the builder will so not sure what the difference would be? Is digging a hole a specialist job these days? :money:

I'll let you know if their house falls down.

cyclonebri1

ds1980 wrote: »

Silly you for assuming I'm going to do anything wrong. It's a hole. People dig them all the time. The builder and building inspector will make sure they're ok. This is a money saving website. Digging the foundations myself will save me money. If I don't do it then the builder will so not sure what the difference would be? Is digging a hole a specialist job these days? :money:

I'll let you know if their house falls down.

You are doing everything correctly, you have the informal agreement signed.
This basically says what you are about to do and that you accept responsibility for the project. Best route.

In spite of what the earlier poster says, the only way to determine the next doors foundation position is to dig down until you find the footings.

Again read and absorb the PWA, it shows where footing can be laid under the boundary and where they cannot dependent on ND's existing development.