Foundations

[slithytove]

How can I find out what type of foundations I have before accepting a builders estimate?

Is there a difference in cost for raft foundations?

Thanks

I've been told that the only way to check is to dig down & take a look which is what the builder will do when he starts. Only then will you get a realistic quote. Apparently you can also go onto your local councils website & look for any historical planning requests on your street as that may give an indication as to what foundations neighbours have. But that's what my planning office told me & I couldn't work out what I was looking for on their website!

do you mean you are having an extension built?

If your house is 50 years old or less, there will be plans on file at the local council. Old ones might not be online but you can apply to see them.

If there are houses of similar age to yours nearby (often whole streets were built) then the foundations of similar houses will most likely be the same, and neighbours will have had similar extensions, so you can look up their plans, and ask them if they remember.,

Yes am having an extension built, and want to get a quote rather than an estimate. How can I access filed plans please?

I am in Cheshire east

plans are probably at Borough council rather than county.

Go to www.MyTownName.gov.uk or wherever you are, and search "planning"

or maybe www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/view_a_planning_application/view_a_planning_application.aspx

Thanks that's brill. Looks as though I'm in a brine area so it's definitely a raft needed.