Dear ALl

My request is about foundations for an extension I am planning, at this
stage I am just looking for pointers so I can have a sensible chat with
the building inspector, prior to creating any plans.
Sorry if this post is a little long, but I need to explain my ideas
A picture to illustrate this conversation can be found at the following
address

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~awelham/Foundations.gif

I am looking to build a single story extension in the shape of an L
round my house.
I want to build right up against my boundaries (which are shown by the
thicker lines along the sides of each drawing

The picture on the left shown my ideas for foundations and the one on
the right shown the room layout (excluding external entrances)

I want to do this building three phases
- Room 1 first
- The new garage
- Room 2&3

This is for a number of reasons, including breaking the build down into
three separate phases, and most importantly there is currently a garage
where room 2 is going to be located.


I want to build right up again my boundaries and I understand that I
can’t build using trench foundations as if I don’t build in the centre
of the foundation they will rotate over time. For this reason I am
considering slab foundations for the part closest to the house and then
traditional trench foundations on the other side of the drain pipe. I
understand that slab foundations are usually at ground level as the slab
also forms the floor of the building, how ever in my case I want finish
the slab at the same level as the top of the trench foundations, and I
will them create a raided floor over the entire area. This is not only
warmer, but also created a nice place to locate pipes and cables.

To bridge foundations (over the drain pipe) I am considering using
lintels (The strongest possible). I am looking to building above
building code where ever possible to ensure maximum strength in the
building.

The 2nd Slab would form the garage floor with a single wall no insulated.
I don’t intent to park a car in the garage, but instead use the space to
store my tools etc. For this use is a garage the best designation for
this type of building?
There would also be short walls to form the back and front of the garage.

Finally comes slab 3 & trench 3 used to form room 2. By completing the
wall in trench 3 then room 3 will automatically be built.

Now I have explained my ideas I have the following questions.

1. Is a garage the best designation for the use described above?
2. Confirmation I can build on the edge of a slab?
3. I am a little concerned especially with the garage ahat all the load
will be on the wall opposite the house, is this still ok, ??? or will
the slab rotate ?
4. Should I be using any additional additives in the concrete? I have
heard of some fibres which are stronger than re bar, is this correct /
advisable?
5. Can I mix slabs and trench foundations in the same build? (If so what
do I need to consider) re bars????
6. Can I build a trench foundation in a number of distinct phases i.e.
trench 1 & 3 which will eventually form a single trench, should I use
re bar to ensure the concrete strength is retained along the join?
7. Is what I have described a recommended method? If not what are the
alternatives
8. Is there any other way to build right up against a boundary without
impacting the neighbours land?
9. Any concerns the building inspector would have when they see this??


Thanks

Andrew

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