What are acceptable repairs to foundations?

[Hugo Nebula]

On Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:35:34 +0000, a particular chimpanzee, Hugo Nebula randomly hit the keyboard and produced:

Oops! Should have read to the end of the thread before replying.

[Cicero]

================================== Since the inspector has effectively endorsed the use of a lintel I would suggest that you get your builder to tell you exactly how he intends to implement the job since the suggestion came from him originally. Personally I wouldn't want to risk any disturbance to the house footings by tying in new to old for something as minor as a porch.

It would be sensible to get a written statement / description from the builder to ensure that he accepts responsibility for the modifications made necessary by his error. Photographs would be a sensible precaution, although I doubt if there's any serious risk of things going wrong if the lintel is properly installed. I would ask your builder about my suggestion of a possible pier + block foundation at the mid point of the lintel since it appears that the lintel will need to be about 2.8 metres in length.

As far as the rubber trunking is concerned, I have no idea what it could be but you could try tracing it in a narrow trench until you find what it is - better to be safe than sorry.

Cic.

[Tim]

Yep it's because I'm changing the door to an internal door. By the sounds of things it's because internal doors don't have the same insulation properties, so the porch has to meet certain standards. To be honest I've had plans made up to those standards anyway and I'd rather it be inspected. Well worth the £325 for somebody who knows what he's talking about to review it at major stages.

Regards,

Tim

[Tim]

In all honesty, I really don't want to tamper with the existing footings. I'd have to give very serious consideration to even having the porch built if that was the case. Either that or reduce the porch to a much smaller storm shelter type thing or UPVC conservatory.

Fingers crossed.

Tim