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How to test foundations before building extension?
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thenewbee
Posts: 143 Forumite
We're looking at extending over an existing single storey extension at the back of our house. As it was built in the 70s, one of the architects who came around to quote for the job commented that the foundations probably won't be strong enough to take a second storey. How do we test this? Who should we get to come round to do the test? How much will it cost?
I'm not sure I agree with the architect as although the extension was in the 70s our house is 250 yrs old and the extension was done in stone to be in keeping with the rest of the house. No way to tell for sure without testing though!
I'm not sure I agree with the architect as although the extension was in the 70s our house is 250 yrs old and the extension was done in stone to be in keeping with the rest of the house. No way to tell for sure without testing though!
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You need a structural engineer who will dig holes and check soil etc.0
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The structural engineer won't dig a hole. You need a builder (or yourself!) to dig down the side of the foundations to find how deep they are and a structural engineer to advise on whether they are sufficient.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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Get a trial pit dug beside the wall in question to check the existing footing and soil below. Get an engineer to advise. Could the storey above be lightweight construction?0
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Doozergirl wrote: »The structural engineer won't dig a hole. You need a builder (or yourself!) to dig down the side of the foundations to find how deep they are and a structural engineer to advise on whether they are sufficient.
Yes you are right, SE will not actually dig they will advise.0 -
good.........0
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What has that to do with the depth of foundation provided in the 70s?
I'm not sure I agree with the architect as although the extension was in the 70s our house is 250 yrs old and the extension was done in stone to be in keeping with the rest of the house. No way to tell for sure without testing though!
If the extension was designed as single storey, why would the builder/arcitect/structural engineer at the time have specified foundations for a 2 storey extension?
But yes - get a shovel and dig. then invite a SE round to look.
You won't find a SE with a shovel in his hand though!0 -
What has that to do with the depth of foundation provided in the 70s?
If the extension was designed as single storey, why would the builder/arcitect/structural engineer at the time have specified foundations for a 2 storey extension?
But yes - get a shovel and dig. then invite a SE round to look.
You won't find a SE with a shovel in his hand though!
That's exactly what we did, we had to underpin the existing building to comply.0
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