countryplan cottages for home addition?

[catfish]

I've got a very small old house, and my family has outgrown it (A second bathroom would be nice, and I've got two daughters who do NOT like sharing a bedroom, so this might be a chance to build a nice big master bathroom, too.)

Don't have enough money to move and what with the economy that's not an option right now. What I do have is an extremely huge concrete back patio that some previous owner had poured for some reason. It's bigger in area practically then the rest of the house, level, and is about 12 inches off the ground. Seems like it would make an ok slab to build on.

I looked on here for information on using these plans to make home additions, but so far I haven't come up with anything.

[ScottA]

If you post some pictures and sketch out what you want to do I'm sure the folks here can help you work it out. But first...Are you in an area requiring permits? If so they will most likely want to see a set of plans.

[MountainDon]

  catfish!

As Scott mentioned, first things first. Are you in an area that requires improvements such as this to go through a permit process? If so a set of plans showing everything would be a necessity. Even if you are not I feel a set of plans can help figure things out and prevent problems during construction.

Whether or not that concrete patio will make a suitable base for building upon is the second important question. Many concrete patios will not have proper footings or sufficient footing depth/strength to be used for building a residential structure/addition. Even if there is no code, no inspections, I'd be careful of that.

So where are you located? Permits needed? What's the frost depth? Do you know what the patio footings are?

[catfish]

Thank you for the replies! That was fast.

I don't know about the patio footings. As for frost, I live in Memphis, TN. There is code enforcement here.

We've had frost once or twice. Nothing major. I was planning on buying plans if we chose to do this, and also to  I've never build any shelter bigger than a dog house, but I've built a couple of boats, and I have yet to sink so I figure I can manage it.

[MountainDon]

I don't know about the patio footings. As for frost, I live in Memphis, TN. There is code enforcement here.

Then two things... [1] check with the building dept to see what's required for footings [2] dig a hole and see what you've got. If it's like the patios I've seen around here the edges won't be much (any?) deeper than the slab itself. G/L.

[catfish]

Thanks. Looks like I have some reading, and digging to do this weekend.

[Redoverfarm]

catfish again 

You originally stated that your slab is 12" above the ground.  With a little exploration you might have some luck on your side.  That is pretty high for a non-footing slab or at least a monolific(sp?) pour.  As most parts of Tn there is virtually no frost line in that a 2 day frost on the ground usually is not prolong enough to freeze deep.  But a check with the proper regulatory body should answer your question on the frost depth required and whether you can build on the slab. 

Another problem that you will encounter if everything is a go is what you are going to do with the plumbing,  Although supply lines can be routed in the partitions from the existing house the waste lines cannot as they will not be able to make an incline. So at some point you will either have to cut the concrete to allow the waste lines to exit the room and empty into your already existing sewer line or situate your fixtures near the intersection of the room and your existing house with minimal routing.

Just some food for thought and my $.02 worth.

[glenn kangiser]

May not be of value, but you can explore existing concrete footing thickness with a rotohammer.  You can drill and record the depth of the footings - walls - floors etc.  then just patch the holes when done if desired.