Conservatory to extension - foundation upgrade?

Question

Hi all,

I'm considering buying a house with a large (5x5m) conservatory. 

The grand plan would be to convert the conservatory into a 'proper' extension - brick walls, tiled roof etc.

I've read people on this forum saying "yes, if the foundations are adequate, check this by digging a pilot hole". 

My qu is - if the foundations are inadequate, can they be 'upgraded'? Is there much saving in converting a conservatory vs just building an extension from scratch? I'm looking to get a very rough feel for how much it would cost to convert a conservatory of this size to a 'proper extension'. Does not involve kitchen or bathroom work.

Many thanks in advance.

Marcus · Accepted Answer

It depends on a few factors such as single storey ( 1 Floor) and the foundations, From my experience (5+ years in refurbishments) If you’ve got a conservatory already once it’s knocked down or converted etc if it’s just a single story ext you’ll be fine. The weight etc shouldn’t amount or surpass the previous however ‘upgrading’ your foundations shouldn’t cost a lot so don’t get messed around. All you’ll need to do break out existing and go 500mm deeper. Hope that helped all the best.

Dan · Answer

Hi Lewis,

Does the Conservatory have a dwarf brick wall and the then the frame built on top or is the frame built straight on the concrete slab? Any pics?

If first option it is possible to build straight on top of the dwarf wall; however you would need to excavate and couple of trial pits for a structural engineer to confirm the foundations are ok, if not under pinning is an option to beef them up or there is a resin designed to be inject underneath and strengthen.

If it is built straight on a concrete base You would be starting from scratch.

Let me know if you want to talk it through.

Kind Regards Dan

James · Answer

Hi there yes do a pilot hole to determine how deep foundation are and assuming they are 200mm deep this will be fine for slatted roof

Charlie · Answer

Will definitely need foundation work due to added weight, best to check with an engineer or local regulations

Robert · Answer

The conservatory is usually not sufficient for extension. That would need to be dag out and soil tested. There are different requirements for foundation depth. The hight of the new extension,soil type ets all this can have impact on it.

Federico · Answer

Hi, my name is Federico, director of LFP construction.
In order to convert your conservatory into a solid extension, the foundations are the most important part. They can be reinforced if they are not strong enough. Another important thing ti take in consideration is to properly anchor the new extension to the main body of the house. If this operation is not properly done, the extension could "slide" and separate from the main body of the house.

If you would like to discuss further or you are interested in a quotation, please let me know.

Best regards,
Federico Minichelli

David · Answer

Yes that is correct you should look at digging 4 pilot search holes on each corner then inform a  building inspector to call out to assess which you would require anyway as you are going up a double floor extension this would definitely have to be passed off before any works is carried out also yes if they are not adequate you would be looking into the underpinng and extending of the footings which can be rather expensive all depending on the sort of earth below in the immediate area ie clay , all dependant o  type of soil 8n local area

Conservatory to extension - foundation upgrade?

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