Hello, we are considering installing a concrete foundation for a new porch. We are thinking about going with 16' x 20' or something like that. We have an existing patio foundation that I figured we would need to jackhammer and remove. Can someone tell me if sometimes better to expand an existing patio or jackhammer it and build all new? Our existing patio is about 10' x 10'. It just seems like if try to expand existing patio, might have issues with not knowing how the patio is currently tied in with existing foundation, not knowing how thick the patio is and if would support adding on a room, etc.
Also, I would like to compare costs for building a patio foundation that would be suitable for adding onto the house, which is a one-story house, or suitable for some kind of porch covering with walls open, or just simply a concrete patio with no walls or roof.
Our city's building permit website says they go by the International Residential Code. Does anyone recommend some alternative, detailed specifications that are more in layman's terms and you don't need a lawyer or doctor's degree to understand? This information would include width and depth of concrete footings, soil preparation & vapor barriers (if applicable or necessary), method of installing steel rebar and method of tying in rebar to existing foundation if decide to go with home add-on foundation versus simple patio.
Another good thing to have would be good estimates of cost whether doing myself of hiring it out to someone else and maybe recommended contractors in the North Dallas Texas area if decide to hire it out.
Thanks,
Greg
Also, I would like to compare costs for building a patio foundation that would be suitable for adding onto the house, which is a one-story house, or suitable for some kind of porch covering with walls open, or just simply a concrete patio with no walls or roof.
Our city's building permit website says they go by the International Residential Code. Does anyone recommend some alternative, detailed specifications that are more in layman's terms and you don't need a lawyer or doctor's degree to understand? This information would include width and depth of concrete footings, soil preparation & vapor barriers (if applicable or necessary), method of installing steel rebar and method of tying in rebar to existing foundation if decide to go with home add-on foundation versus simple patio.
Another good thing to have would be good estimates of cost whether doing myself of hiring it out to someone else and maybe recommended contractors in the North Dallas Texas area if decide to hire it out.
Thanks,
Greg