Can a full 2x6 extension/addition be added to an existing 2x4 home?

11/28/2023 at 11:51:54 PM

Yes this is correct. You want the structure of the 2"x6" walls especially for a 2 story addition. Also here in Ontario R20 Insulation is minimum code. Which is a 2"x6" cavity.

11/30/2023 at 7:22:26 PM

Yes you can. In fact any addition must meet current code so you can add this but not a 2x4 one.

12/5/2023 at 2:42:35 PM

Hi, I dont see why not since its an addition. You can do 2x8 if you want but the minimum for outside framing is 2x6 depending on building specifics. The new walls are going to be thicker and I'm not sure what the existing vs new finishes are. At the end of the day whatever the engineer/building inspector signs off is what is required.

12/15/2023 at 3:59:15 PM

My question was more about having new walls on all four sides with new foundation on all four sides of the addition.

12/15/2023 at 5:18:37 PM

Yes you can, it has to be 2x6 walls for any new construction single or 2 story and you must use at a min. footing wall/footings with either a finished/unfinished crawl space as per Alberta code. I have pics of a similar addition 400 sq/ft I have done single story attached to the house on this site and my own. It would be un-needed expense to add a extra wall against a house if its an addition? You need to get a engineered plan, that will determine if a beam or ledger can be used for house side wall or a full footing/seperate wall is required. You can also make a separate structure as well but it will not be considered an addition then but a separate building and has strict zoning compliance depending on size of yard, existing buildings etc. Either way, you must 1st get a "development permit" to see if your "engineered plan" will be approved and then you can get the various other permits. FYI a 12x23 2 story addition is going to run about $75-100,000 min. for everything start to finish

4/25/2024 at 8:52:16 PM

o here is my situation. The excavation has been done, and the survey company came to locate where the piles would be going. They said because of my foundation footing (sticks out 6") that they couldn't mark the piles against the house where the addition is going. The engineer drawing calls for the piles to be located 4" from the current foundation. And when I spoke with the pile company (and contacted many others), they said they normally want to be about 20" out from the foundation, but could make it to about 1' with custom pile caps (not sure what that means).

I have been given some recommendations by screw piling companies, but I don't know the implications of each option and how they will affect the rest of my build, design wise or financially, and that is why I thought I could reach out to you for your experience and (paid) advice.

I would love to know which option you recommend (or if there is another option not mentioned that you would recommend), and what your fee for this advice would be. Obviously I want the simplest and most cost effective solution.

1. Put screw piles back a foot or so from the existing wall along with grade beam and cantilever tiny part attached to house

a. Is this easily doable? Without causing a ripple effect to the rest of the build?

2. Put screw piles back a foot or so and enlarge grade beam on the house side

a. Is this easily doable?

3. Cut footings where screw piles are supposed to go

a. I'm concerned with this affecting my house and the existing foundation. Thoughts?

4. Dig large holes where piles are supposed to go and then piles can be angled to get under current foundation

a. I'm concerned with this affecting my house and the existing foundation.

b. The holes would have to be 16"x16" x 16". The beam would then be sitting on disturbed soil as well. Thoughts?

5. Eliminate 2x6 wall and supporting beam/piles on house side

a. I was told my current foundation would not be able to handle the weight of the new addition.

b. I have 2x4 walls and was told the addition needs to be 2x6 walls for insulation code.

c. I was told my kitchen wall would need to be removed in order to change 2x4 wall to a 2x6 wall.