Extenstion on underpinned property

Biggie

Hi I’m in the process of buying a 3 bed semi with an attached garage that has been underpinned. The partial underpinning was done at the back of the garage near the kitchen in 1992.

I know I will have to pay increased premiums for insurance, but not too bothered about resale as I will probably be there for the next 20-25 years (I hope)
.
Though I may not move I am planning to build an office behind the garage to the side of the kitchen. And in the very very distant future may build above the garage and a single storey rear extension.

Would the fact that the house has been underpinned have any consequences with any extensions I plan? i.e. Increased weight on the house !!!

ormus

maybe the ground subsidence only affected the garage area?
in which case any other extension to the house should be ok. (the same as any other house).
in the case of the garage, i doubt a double storey would be allowed. the PP/BC dept would probably want it pulled down and rebuilt as a 2 storey building. with new footings.

you should certainly factor in all the potential problems/costs before you go ahead and purchase.

brightontraveller

Do the present owners have any paper work for the underpinning, Depths, mix of concrete, warranty, name of the firm that carried out works, was building control involved they may have records drawing etc you may be able to get more idea of limitations for future works from this information and if you insurance company would insure new works as subsidence has a president e.g. previous works they may also have original report if a claim was made for works

Biggie

tnks for the replies..

solicitor is making enquries regarding the paper work so will have a better picture then of warrenties\extent of work etc etc.

Regarding building above the garage i've seen may extensions that have been built above the garage without knocking down the original. So I guess it;s a matter of if the existing foundations can support or be stengthend to support double storey.

ormus

yes ive also seen another storey erected on a garage, but not one with a history of partial underpinning. thats the reason i said the above.

when erecting a second storey, the inspectors will ask for trenches to be dug. for inspecting the footings, before allowing permission.