How will I know if my property will support a garage extension?

Question

We want to extend our single garage to a double and possibly build over it later on. How do we find out whether the existing foundations and walls are up to it, and who checks that?

John · Accepted Answer

Hello Karen your going to need a structural engineers report. just browse local structural engineers. This I would do first before planning or building regs. you could probably dig a test hole yourself to find how deep your footings are. lf the garage walls are double skinned then you should have no problem building on top. It will probably all depend on your footings and planning.

Steve · Answer

You would need to contact a structural engineer and they would be able to come tell you

Dragos Daniel · Answer

The first step would be to have the existing garage structure and foundations assessed by a structural engineer. They can determine whether the existing walls and foundations are suitable for the proposed extension and, importantly, whether they could support an additional storey in the future.

In many cases, trial holes are dug alongside the existing foundations so the engineer can check their depth, width and condition. They will also assess the existing brickwork/blockwork, roof structure, ground conditions and how the garage connects to the main house.

If you are considering building above the garage later, it is worth designing the extension for this from the beginning. The new foundations, walls, steels and other structural elements can then be specified to accommodate the future additional load. This can avoid expensive strengthening or rebuilding later.

You should also speak to your local planning authority regarding planning permission and involve Building Control for Building Regulations approval. Depending on the location and proximity to neighbouring properties, the Party Wall etc. Act may also need to be considered.

I would recommend getting a structural engineer involved before obtaining final building quotations. Once drawings, structural calculations and the required foundation specification are available, builders can provide much more accurate and comparable fixed quotations.

Stewart · Answer

You would need to dig down the side of the existing footings and then you could take pictures and measure depths and building control will let you know if they are sufficient
Thanks Stewart sk landscapes and building

Mark · Answer

Hi KAREN, you need to dig an inspection pit against the outside wall of your garage and find the foundation concrete. Dig down until you are below the foundation and take a measurement from the bottom of it to ground level taking note of ground conditions ie is it chalky, clay soil or contains flint take a few pic's for proof and Relay this information to your proposed structural engineer. He will calculate what is required and draft a plan of the required works.. We can help you with this. Inspection pit.

Robert · Answer

An architect when submitting plans will tell you your depth of foundation

Richard · Answer

Hi Karen,

Depending on your location, you can dig two trial holes and pay for the local councils building control officer to visit and inspect them to ascertain whether the footings are sufficient.

Regards,

Richard.

Ashraf · Answer

The first step is to arrange a site inspection by an experienced builder or structural engineer. They will assess the existing garage, including the foundations, walls and roof structure, to determine whether they can support an extension or an additional storey.

In most cases, a structural engineer may recommend trial pits to inspect the depth and condition of the foundations, along with calculations to confirm whether the existing structure is suitable. If the foundations are not adequate, they can often be strengthened or new foundations added as part of the project.

If you're planning to build a room above the garage in the future, it's worth designing the extension with that in mind from the outset. This can save both time and money later.

A professional survey and structural assessment before starting any work is always the best investment, as it ensures the design is safe, compliant and cost-effective.

Paul · Answer

Dig down by the side of garage it will need to be inspected by council that will determine what course of action and it’s generally the builder that does the work PGoode

Clayton · Answer

The best way to find out is to have a structural engineer assess the existing garage. They can inspect the walls and foundations and, if necessary, arrange trial holes to determine the depth and condition of the foundations. If you’re planning to build over the garage in the future, the engineer will calculate whether the existing structure can support the additional load or if strengthening or new foundations will be required. Once you have their report, a builder can price the work accurately, and Building Control will check that the design complies with current regulations

How will I know if my property will support a garage extension?

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