Q We're planning on building a single-storey extension above our garage but our builder has told us that we might have to knock the garage down and replace it. Is this the only option if the foundations are weak?
The big unknown with any project that involves building over garages or extensions is whether the existing structure is up to the task of supporting the additional loadings.
A lot of older garages were cheaply built with little by way of foundations, so the advice from your builder may turn out to be correct. But in my experience, builders often feel happier taking down and rebuilding old walls, ceilings and outbuildings etc rather than tackling renovation work with the risk of hidden costs. From the builders' perspective it obviously makes sense to stick to what they do best. However, if it is possible to retain your garage you could reap significant savings in lower wall construction and groundwork.
HOW OLD IS THE BUILDING?
To judge whether a garage is worth incorporating as part of the new extension a lot will depend on its age. As a rough guide, garages built within the last 30 years are more likely to be fit for purpose, particularly if they were constructed as an integral part of the original house with the same depth of foundations.
THE RIGHT TYPE OF WALL
Denne historien er fra June 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
