Converting Bungalow to house and foundations If you want to know how your DIY projects could be affected by building and planning regulations, click here to post questions and view answers

[hatcheth]

Hi,
making good progress with planning permission for converting our 1955 Detached Bungalow to a house (ie 2nd storey and roof).
Asked the architect about the foundations and he advised that I should dig a hole and measure them.

The dimensions are:
50cm depth from level ground to strip foundation
20cm width from edge of concrete to brick
13cm depth of concrete strip foundation.
overall depth of 63cm.
Underneath appears to be clay.

The bunagalow has no sign of movement currently, which I asked to be specifically checked when we had full structural survey when we bought it in Jan.

Any advice on if the building inspector will be happy with the current foundations?

Are there any options other than underpinning for providing a strong base for the 2nd storey ?

If a 2nd Storey is not possible, would a loft coversion (and its associated steelwork) be ok with the current foundations?

If we do find the money for underpinning, would it need to be disclosed to future insurers? Ie there is no subsidence, so would they care that its been underpinned?

Thanks in advance.

Stephen

[collectors]

A lot will depend on the construction of the new floor & weight of the materials being used for walls & roof. Might be worth a look at SIP's for the new 2nd floor & roof. (Structural insulated panels)