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Floor level problems in extension... What would you do?

8 replies

Bahhumbug83 · 20/04/2022 19:05

I've been nervous about this throughout our build and it seems my fears may have been justified. Apologies if this seems convoluted but I'll try to explain as best as I can!

We are having a 3x4m rear extension which adjoins two rooms. It is essentially squaring off the existing L shape.

One of these rooms (current kitchen) has a step down to it of about 40mm.

Our plans include levelling the floor to align to the rest of the house, so include raising the current kitchen floor.

I spoke to the bricky on a couple of occasions as it looked to me that he was using the kitchen floor level as his guide for the new build.

I was told, no it was fine. It would all be raised when the slab and screed go down.

He also then built the opening for our French doors in line with this seemingly lower level. Again, I queried it and the main contractor said he had allowed for a tolerance so there would be room to raise the floor and fit the doors too.

Having been out to measure this, the door opening is currently 2100mm. The doors we have ordered are 2050mm. This leaves 50mm to play with.

I was reasonably OK with this explanation... But once the knock through happened it became clear that the difference in floor level is actually closer to 100mm. This is to the top of the concrete slab.

I cannot for the life of me see how this will work. We can only come up a max 50mm to finished floor based on the window opening.

We are also planning on having wet UFH so the floor level will come up even more.

What on earth could the solution be? Make a bigger door opening, which would presumably have a knock on impact on the steel and roof above it, or try to lower the floor in the existing part of the house?

I really don't want to have a step half way through the open plan kitchen diner. I'm not even sure it would work as we are having an island in that space anyway.

OP posts:
Bahhumbug83 · 20/04/2022 19:05

I should add that the shell to the new build has been built. Not plastering done yet, but roof on and waterproofed (it's a flat roof)

OP posts:
sarahb083 · 20/04/2022 19:53

I'm not sure, but @pigletjohn might be able to help :)

PragmaticWench · 20/04/2022 22:25

Do you have plans your builder is working to that detail the floor levels? Do you have a contract or any emails/texts/letters that discuss the levels?

Bahhumbug83 · 21/04/2022 08:33

@PragmaticWench we have a contract and the builder is working to our architects plans/building Regs Drawings.

There are notes on there that state that the floor is to be raised in current kitchen and levelled across the downstairs. It doesn't go into specific depths though.

OP posts:
Bahhumbug83 · 21/04/2022 08:36

I have email correspondence where I have queried the floor level. The builder replied the brick level would be raised (?!) I don't recall this happening. He tends to avoid saying too much on email and prefers to discuss onsite.

OP posts:
Bubbles456 · 21/04/2022 09:27

As I understand it, you are looking to be 50mm off - but could this be the height of the bottom side of the door frame? If you're having UPVC doors then the frames are sometimes very thick and there's a possibility that your builder plans to recess the bottom edge of the frame slightly under the interior floor level, so that you don't have to step over the frame to go outside.

Just a thought and hope that makes sense - we had the same concern when extending so I totally get it!

PigletJohn · 24/04/2022 15:30

I think you need to get out your plans and your measure and see hous the "as built" conforms.

then have a serious discussion with the main contractor.

you may want to consult your architect, preferably before the conversation. If their contract does not include build supervision (which is very expensive) there may be a charge for their help.

accessflooring · 21/04/2025 10:45

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