[Soundy]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

No I didn't think they would be cosmetic, however, I didn't think of them as being "structural" enough to require a permit--that's what I meant. And in any instance that I've ever encountered the word "permit", it implies "bend over"...

The addition of a loft in itself wouldn't be a structural issue, but as has been noted, SUPPORTING that loft would necessarily have structural implications. You can't just put some posts from it down to the floor, for example, if there's nothing directly under that floor to support that (of course, if it's a solid concrete slab, there's no issue).

Permits MAY NOT be needed for the renovations you want to make, but as has also been noted, if they are, and you don't have them, it can lead to all manner of other issues down the road.


You should ideally get quotes from at least three reputable contractors for how they would make these changes, and what they would charge. Usually, you could then contact the city planning department with the level of changes you want to make, along with the contractors' suggestions of how they would do it, and ask if these will require permits. It's possible, if the changes aren't too extensive, no permits will be needed... but at least then you've covered your ***.

[buck52]

Originally Posted by Soundy

(of course, if it's a solid concrete slab, there's no issue).
.

The footing required under any post, that is carrying a live load above, in most if not all cases would need to be much thicker than a standard slab pour

[hewee]

Originally Posted by buck52

The footing required under any post, that is carrying a live load above, in most if not all cases would need to be much thicker than a standard slab pour

Yep and be so thick and go down below the frost line and more if the load is more.

[buck52]

Originally Posted by hewee

Yep and be so thick and go down below the frost line and more if the load is more.

Hi hewee

the frostline is not an issue if the post is inside the existing structure but the width and depth as well as the rebar required is important

[hewee]

Originally Posted by buck52

Hi hewee

the frostline is not an issue if the post is inside the existing structure but the width and depth as well as the rebar required is important

Still if it is just a slab now you can not just put anything on top of the same no matter what the width and depth or how much rebar there is.

[buck52]

Hi again Hewee


you obviously didn't understand my post... read it again carefully...

[blues_harp28]

Hi guys here in the UK the minimum requirement would be to remove wooden or concrete flooring where the wooden? posts are to be installed.
And dig a hole at least 3-4 foot deep and 2-3 foot wide then fill with a concrete mix.
But that would depend on what lay underneath the existing wooden or concrete floor.
Not a cheap job and would no doubt require some sort of planning permission.

[Soundy]

Originally Posted by buck52

The footing required under any post, that is carrying a live load above, in most if not all cases would need to be much thicker than a standard slab pour

Ah, good point... but that too would depend on the design of the loft and the weight load. Another reason to get multiple quotes from multiple contractors, to determine that necessity.

Of course, if there are some existing load-bearing walls on a lower floor, perhaps the loft supports could be aligned with those...

[buck52]

Originally Posted by Soundy

Ah, good point... but that too would depend on the design of the loft and the weight load. Another reason to get multiple quotes from multiple contractors, to determine that necessity.

Of course, if there are some existing load-bearing walls on a lower floor, perhaps the loft supports could be aligned with those...

I agree... this thread was presented as a DIY project...
As I stated earlier it is very doable but there is much thought that needs to be put into it... no offense to farmgirl22 but the average Joe DIY'er would wakeup one morning with a loft on the floor below... and dispite JohnWill's silly coment about the wiring holding the house up it could very well burn to the ground before the loft collapses...

[Soundy]

Originally Posted by buck52

I agree... this thread was presented as a DIY project...
As I stated earlier it is very doable but there is much thought that needs to be put into it... no offense to farmgirl22 but the average Joe DIY'er would wakeup one morning with a loft on the floor below... and dispite JohnWill's silly coment about the wiring holding the house up it could very well burn to the ground before the loft collapses...

True about the DIY aspect... and you're right, it may be a little beyond what your typical DIYer should be wading into. Not that BUILDING the thing is that difficult, but there are just too many other "safety concerns" that come into play with this sort of project.

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by buck52

I agree... this thread was presented as a DIY project...
As I stated earlier it is very doable but there is much thought that needs to be put into it... no offense to farmgirl22 but the average Joe DIY'er would wakeup one morning with a loft on the floor below... and dispite JohnWill's silly coment about the wiring holding the house up it could very well burn to the ground before the loft collapses...

It's OK...it's not like it's a requirement to put in the loft--it was merely an idea that I had to help utilize some of that space. We aren't even set on buying the house, it was just something we were considering because we weren't finding any other houses in our price range.

We wouldn't actually BE the average DIY'er, because we would have professionals helping do it too--they would just be doing it as friends, NOT professionals (I merely asked you guys before I asked them about it). However, I actually had one of them (the one who does inspections) come through the house with us, and he said that he probably wouldn't even bother with the house--he said that if we wanted a money pit like that, we should buy a boat.

So I guess the thread is solved....thanks everyone for your help.

[Soundy]

Alright, glad that works out anyway Happy house hunting!

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by buck52

and dispite JohnWill's silly coment about the wiring holding the house up it could very well burn to the ground before the loft collapses...

I don't recall saying that you don't have to be careful or do the wiring properly, do you?

[buck52]

Just as I did not say the wiring was structural...

Originally Posted by JohnWill

I"m at a loss as how rewiring the house counts as "structural" work. Do you really think you're holding up the house with the wires?

[Farmgirl22]

C'mon you two!! Let's play nice, I think this is simply a matter of misinterpretation...it's not worth splitting hairs over. Now let's shake hands and make up. Unless ya'll are just joking around and this is normal for you two, in which case, carry on. Hope you both had a happy Easter, I know that I did!!