Existing Conservatory Foundations

[jeannamacs]

I am making the first steps in trying to replace a conservatory (4 x 3) I with a kitchen extension. I need to know if I would be able to use the existing foundations. We aren't able to contact original fitter but we remember they seemed very deep. I believe it can be done by digging down at the side.
My problem is who do I get to do this properly.
Is it a brickie or someone from building control at the council? Not sure if a building company would do that on its own ,as dont want to get quotes until I know if existing be used.
Thanks

[beegeebee]

Go to your local Planning department, as the previous owner should have obtained planning & building regs approval

[TonyV]

Are you doing extension under permitted development? I doubt that conservatory foundations will be wide enough to build a double skin wall on. Ask building inspector at council for advice and possibly a site visit.

[Old_Geezer]

If my experience is anything to go by, if you can convince the council expert it's a good foundation, yes.

[TonyV]

OK OG would you be happy building a wall without a foundation wide enough? It is not about convincing council official just whether foundation is deep and wide enough to put a brick structure on. Building control will be able to give answer.

[Old_Geezer]

What I'm happy about is neither here nor there. My builder said the existing foundation was good enough, the council expert looked at it, asked if I was happy for it to be used rather than replaced, and then allowed it.

[jeannamacs]

Thanks for replies, I think maybe building control will be the way to go. I really don't want to go to extent of starting all over again ,if so I will leave the conservatory. My husband thinks they are deep enough. My problem is which tradesman or whoever do I go to , to get an accurate measurement..? Thanks

[The Builder]

I'm afraid I've only just seen this. (I do wish AB didn't have so many categories.)

Anyway, much the same as the others have said. First, ask Building Control if there is any record of their involvement in the construction of the conservatory. If so, then records should show Approval for the foundations.

If not, then, to answer your question, Anyone can dig the hole for you. It's a bit of a faff though. You'll need an excavation at one point on the perimeter. Where the conservatory joins the building would be best. You can then see the depth and its relation to the building's foundations.

If that's a problem, then pick a spot halfway along one side ....... and dig.

You'll need something like 600mm wide (2'), and around sufficient perpendicular distance from the conservatory to actually get in there to dig.

Gardens are usually pretty easy going. One chap should be able to do it in a couple of hours.

Grab a passing Young Farmer, or anyone beefy enough for a bit of digging. :o)

[Atheist]

I sort of agree with Builder. Whatever BC say, the only way to find out what you've got is to dig down and see what you find.