Is an addition possible when the home is built on a slab foundation?

[Katrina Straight]

We bought a 2-story home built on a slab foundation - and it really lacks curb appeal. The home is rectangular shape, and I'd like to have a remodel addition to create an L-Shape as well as improve the asthetics of the home. Can an addition be added to a home on a slab? Here are pictures of front and back of the house. The rear of the house faces the Pacific Ocean, so we'd want the addition built toward the back of the house with the ocean view. The garage you see in the picture is detached - which we really don't like either. All guidance/feedback/ideas are welcome.

 

[Terry]

Yes, the slab doesn't prevent adding on. Maybe adding on behind the garage allows you do at least run a hallway to the garage, keeping you out of the wind and rain.
Where is the septic tank and drain field. That needs to be taken into consideration.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Katrina Straight]

Yes, the slab doesn't prevent adding on. Maybe adding on behind the garage allows you do at least run a hallway to the garage, keeping you out of the wind and rain.
Where is the septic tank and drain field. That needs to be taken into consideration.

 

[Katrina Straight]

Luckily, we are in city water and sewer. With an addition on a slab, is there a need for the separate slabs to be connected somehow?

 

[WorthFlorida]

That is quite a view you have.

The type of addition you're talking about will require an engineered set of drawings and stamped by a licensed architect to file for a permit. Foundation or slab requirements would be designed for local codes, if possible, adding a basement as part of the addition will cost more but you'll get usable space. A slab only foundation still requires a footing around the parameter below the frost level for your area. How it is attached to the existing slab is determined by the architect. Generally rebar is drilled into the old slab extending out to the new slab and gets buried when the concrete is poured. Any seismic codes in your area also determines how the slab is connected.

Another requirement to know is the set back. How far you are allowed to build out toward the property line?

 

[Jadnashua]

If you're in earthquake country, that will impose some more stringent requirements on the new slab, but as others have said, yes, you can add on to your slab to expand the house. The soil type, water table, and climate zone all will play into the requirements for the slab. Modern ones will also require some ground insulation and a vapor barrier which will help keep the slab from leaking as much energy to the earth. A basement might be a nice addition, but depending on the water table and whether you have big ledge or other rock might make it impractical to do a basement.

 

[Katrina Straight]

That is quite a view you have.

The type of addition you're talking about will require and engineered set of drawings and stamped by a licensed architect to file for a permit. Foundation or slab requirements would be designed for local codes, if possible, adding a basement as part of the addition will cost more but you'll get usually space. A slab only foundation still requires a footing around the parameter below the frost level for your area. How it is attached to the existing slab is determined by the architect. Generally rebar is drilled into the old slab extending out to the new slab and gets buried when the concrete is poured. Any seismic codes in your area also determines how the slab is connected.

Another requirement to know is the set back. How far you are allowed to build out toward the property line?

 

[Katrina Straight]

I don't know about the set back specifically, although there are many newer builds that are much closer to the beach - where it looks like the lots were split into two. Our lot is not split - it's a 1.5 acre rectangular lot extending from the paved road straight out to the beach. It's the west coast, so earthquakes are always a possibility, and it's definitely a tsunami zone.

 

[WorthFlorida]

Set backs are different in just about every jurisdiction and you cannot determine it by looking at your neighbors structures. A call to your local building department would be the first place to get information. If your design plan exceeds the set back, usually a variant can be filed but without guarantees. An expansion to the front of a home is determined by the building line and it maybe drawn on your lot survey.