Hi, I've just started digging the foundations for a 3m x 6m pitch roof kitchen/diner extension and had the 1st visit by the Building Control officer. I'm going to be doing most of the work myself and as I'm not a builder I have to get people to explain things to me in simple language rather than just rattling off building jargon and expect me to understand what they mean !
As there will be a full width RSJ across what was the back wall of the 1930's semi, the BC officer asked if I will be putting in a Pad Foundation on each corner ? After explaining I haven't got a clue what one was she did explain it would mean digging under the corner of the house foundations by 900mm to install it. I have a Structural engineer doing the Calculations for the Steels etc which will be forwarded onto the BC office for approval when complete but as yet he hasn't finished them so I'm not sure what he will specify is needed.
So I am jumping the gun here. I hope the Structural Engineer will say it will not be needed but if a Pad Foundation is required under the corner of the house, can someone explain what is the easiest way for me to build one ? Yes I could get Yellow Pages and ask a builder to do it for me but as this is a self build I'd rather learn and do it myself.
Here is the corner of the house the BC officer was referring to. The bottom of the existing house foundations are approx 450mm below ground level and the strip foundations I have dug in this area which have been approved by the BCO are 700mm down from ground level to compacted sand and she will accept 225mm deep x 700m wide concrete strip footings
As there will be a full width RSJ across what was the back wall of the 1930's semi, the BC officer asked if I will be putting in a Pad Foundation on each corner ? After explaining I haven't got a clue what one was she did explain it would mean digging under the corner of the house foundations by 900mm to install it. I have a Structural engineer doing the Calculations for the Steels etc which will be forwarded onto the BC office for approval when complete but as yet he hasn't finished them so I'm not sure what he will specify is needed.
So I am jumping the gun here. I hope the Structural Engineer will say it will not be needed but if a Pad Foundation is required under the corner of the house, can someone explain what is the easiest way for me to build one ? Yes I could get Yellow Pages and ask a builder to do it for me but as this is a self build I'd rather learn and do it myself.
Here is the corner of the house the BC officer was referring to. The bottom of the existing house foundations are approx 450mm below ground level and the strip foundations I have dug in this area which have been approved by the BCO are 700mm down from ground level to compacted sand and she will accept 225mm deep x 700m wide concrete strip footings