Adding a second floor

3/6/2012 at 11:33:07 PM

Hi Shannon

Your first port of call would be to discuss your project requirements with a local Architect/Structural Engineer.

They will be able to asses whether or not your can proceed with your addition with your existing footing, Strengthen it or have to replace it completely.

If a new footing is required then it may not be necessary to create a full basement so to speak. A full depth foundation to below the frost line will I am sure be necessary, which then can be completely back filled internally to grade level. However if you are going to the expense of creating a new foundation wall, in my opinion it makes sense to utilize the space to create a basement at this stage.

You will have to apply to your local authority for the appropriate building permits, another good reason to approach an Architect as they will have to submit the plans for approval.

If you have any previous building plans for your home, it would be useful to show these to the architect so that he has an insight to how the existing property was constructed. This may save you time and money in the long run as the Architect will have to do less investigational work.

I hope that I have given you a brief insight on how to initiate the start of your work, please let me know if I can help out some more in the future.

Kind regards

Julian Evans