The big dig?
#1
03-05-03, 07:40 AM
The big dig?
So I have an old house (170yrs) with only a crawlspace on the one side. I want to add an addition to that side and need to gain access to the mechanical systems. I have had a couple of tradesmen in for other work and mentioned this work coming up to them. They all say I can at least double cost of work due to crawlspace. 
Two have now mentioned to dig it out would probably not cost too much more. I have looked into this and it doesn't seem to daunting a task - very sandy soil and direct access to outside for a conveyor. 
My question is how far to stay away from old stone foundation and if block retaining wall would need footing?
Two have now mentioned to dig it out would probably not cost too much more. I have looked into this and it doesn't seem to daunting a task - very sandy soil and direct access to outside for a conveyor. 
My question is how far to stay away from old stone foundation and if block retaining wall would need footing?
#2
03-05-03, 05:54 PM
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Two different problems here. If you dig it out, try to stay as far away from your existing foundatation as you can. Sandy soils are very bad, and can become unstable very easily. Yes, did out for your mechanical work. As far as for your addition, talk with your permit people. You may not be able to use block. They may want a solid pour with a large wide footing. See what they say. Good Luck
#3
03-06-03, 10:54 AM
clarification
Thanks for the answer Jack, but I think you misunderstood one thing. The addition is a future job - not too worried about it as yet.
What I want to know is would the retaining wall within the existing house foundation need to have a footing or just a good level starting base? Poured wall here is not possible without more expense and headaches. We plan on maintaining approx 3' away from existing foundation, then build retaining wall at this point, with only inner area excavated outer area undisturbed.
What I want to know is would the retaining wall within the existing house foundation need to have a footing or just a good level starting base? Poured wall here is not possible without more expense and headaches. We plan on maintaining approx 3' away from existing foundation, then build retaining wall at this point, with only inner area excavated outer area undisturbed.
