Is it okay to expand house over porch slab? - DIY Chatroom

darsunt · 10-15-2009, 02:06 AM

In our backyard we have a 20' by 15' patio made of a slab of concrete. Would it be possible to enlarge the house by attaching sole plates to this slab and building walls over it?

Or would this be considered unsafe and not to code?

This house is in Long Beach, CA

Thanks

Bob Mariani · 10-15-2009, 08:09 AM

The foundation for a patio would not be sufficient for the weight of an addition in many cases. This would need to be verified. You would need a permit, and this process will guide you as to what the building department will need.

**Scuba_Dave** · 10-15-2009, 08:51 AM

Yes, contact the Building Dept
Possible since you are in CA you could pour a footer/small foundation around the perimeter
Do you know how thick it is at the edges?

ARI001 · 10-15-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Yes, contact the Building Dept
Possible since you are in CA you could pour a footer/small fpundation around the perimeter
Do you know how thick it is at the edges?

Not if they want to enclose it. Most porches do not have the required vapor barrier under the slab.