Hello!
Just checking in before submitting the drawings for the building permit.
We are planning to extend our house from 1970 by 40 m2. The house currently stands on pillars, sealed with lecablock, and the idea is that the extension will also stand on pillars. The initial thought was to pour a slab underneath, but an acquaintance at a construction company advised against it, as the extension would then become "more stable" than the house, increasing the risk of settling at the joint between the house and the extension. Another disadvantage of a slab is that a concrete truck cannot get close enough.
Does anyone have any opinions on this? Any other suitable foundation alternatives?
I should maybe add that the extension will be 1½ stories and contain a bathroom and laundry room on the ground floor, as well as a large bedroom on the upper floor.
Best regards,
Calle
Just checking in before submitting the drawings for the building permit.
We are planning to extend our house from 1970 by 40 m2. The house currently stands on pillars, sealed with lecablock, and the idea is that the extension will also stand on pillars. The initial thought was to pour a slab underneath, but an acquaintance at a construction company advised against it, as the extension would then become "more stable" than the house, increasing the risk of settling at the joint between the house and the extension. Another disadvantage of a slab is that a concrete truck cannot get close enough.
Does anyone have any opinions on this? Any other suitable foundation alternatives?
I should maybe add that the extension will be 1½ stories and contain a bathroom and laundry room on the ground floor, as well as a large bedroom on the upper floor.
Best regards,
Calle
I think it sounds like a good idea to continue with pilings. Having the same foundation under the entire house is supposed to be good to prevent damage when the house moves.
The only drawback I know of is that you should add some extra insulation in the floor. A house with a slab has earth underneath it that doesn’t get so cold, whereas a piling house has to withstand the outside temperature underneath.
The only drawback I know of is that you should add some extra insulation in the floor. A house with a slab has earth underneath it that doesn’t get so cold, whereas a piling house has to withstand the outside temperature underneath.
I am also in the process of building on piers. I wish more people would contribute to the debate. My house has a basement, and I re-drained it two years ago. I was thinking of perhaps digging and pouring a slab/wall and then building up to level with lecablocks, but... it's a lot of work. Piers would work fine, I think. But it's so difficult to find someone who can provide clear guidelines on whether it works or not. I've made piers before, and then I took the earth auger and drilled 1.2m deep holes with a 225mm diameter, poured concrete directly into the holes without any fuss or frills. Then I rounded off with a post shoe connected to rebar (about 1.3m). Works perfectly. Very stable! I only use pier tubes when the pier is supposed to rise above ground level.
Best regards, Per
Best regards, Per