Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
Welcome To Ask The Trades!
Mar 28th, 2024, 9:21am
Quote: 24 hours in a day and 24 beers in a case. Hmmmm.....


Page Index Toggle Pages: 1
Send Topic Print
Increasing the height of a planned new build house (Read 2656 times)
buildynovice
Newbie
*
Offline

Ask The Trades
Posts: 2


Total Thanks: 0
For This Post: 0



Increasing the height of a planned new build house
Oct 3rd, 2017, 12:12pm
 
I have permission for a new Chalet style house (bedrooms in the roof with Velux windows).

I've been advised that if I lower the foundations by digging down, it will gain me more height in the roof and therefore more space upstairs. I've heard this from a number of sources, but am not sure (technically) how to go about this.

I am aiming to complete as much of the work myself and would appreciate any advice regarding digging down to lower the foundations.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post  
IP Logged
 
thescruff
Global Moderator
Trade Member
Author
*****
Offline

Who said plumbing was
easy.
Posts: 6037


Total Thanks: 147
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Trade: Plumber



Re: Increasing the height of a planned new build house
Reply #1 - Oct 3rd, 2017, 6:33pm
 
I assume you mean lower the ground floor to below ground level.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
woodsmith
Global Moderator
Trade Member
Author
*****
Offline


Posts: 4395


Total Thanks: 135
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Trade: Joiner

Re: Increasing the height of a planned new build house
Reply #2 - Oct 4th, 2017, 11:19am
 
If you are thinking of lowering the floor below ground level I would advise against it. It's very costly and can be problematic in the future. A good architect should be able to advise you how to get the most useable space from a loft room.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
CWatters
Super Member
*****
Offline

"Daddy fick it" says James

Posts: 5150


Total Thanks: 58
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Re: Increasing the height of a planned new build house
Reply #3 - Oct 7th, 2017, 11:05am
 
You need to be aware that the building regulations require a level entry which usually means no stairs up/down to the front door.

The proposal to lower the foundations/ground floor might work but a lot depends on the terrain. If it's sloping then partly digging into the slope can achieve what you want to do. As could lowering the whole site or a large part of it.

Building a full basement would also get you more floor area but at considerable cost

Another option would be to change from a hipped roof to a gable.

Can you post a link to your plans?

Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
Page Index Toggle Pages: 1
Send Topic Print