Finding out existing foundations

[amsie]

Hi all.

Is there a way to find out what existing foundations we have on our home other than digging up and looking?

Our house is 25 years old and were looking to extend, single storey, but living in a clay area the foundations might be pile and beam and the local Building Control have indicated that if this is the case the extention would need the same.

Thanks in advance

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Unless you have some old record drawings then No you'll need to get your spade out. Even then old drawings cannot always be trusted. Not unusual to have to do this when adding a storey.

 

[noseall]

Get the shovel out.

 

[gasbanni]

Get the shovel out.

Shovel ? Shovel ? spade more like !

 

[noseall]

Spades are for gardners.

 

[amsie]

Get the shovel out.

Really? Thanks for that constructive comment. I had no idea a Shovel could be used to find out such things. You really are a star. Thanks again for that useful advice.

freddymercurystwin, thanks for the advice. I've actually gone round and asked some Neighbours who have had extensions done and none of them have had pile and beam foundations, so hopefully ours won't have either.

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

You will still need to dig 2 or 3 trial pits, expose the existing foundations so the BCO can inspect.

 

[noseall]

I've actually gone round and asked some Neighbours who have had extensions done and none of them have had pile and beam foundations, so hopefully ours won't have either.

Regardless, B.C. will still ask for trial pits to be dug either by a shovel, spade or mechanical digger.

There is no " the neighbours is ok so ours will be too, eh?", rule in building controls' book.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yea what noseybonk said. He doesn't know anything anyway, I heard he uses an axe to trim doors down!