Original 2 Storey Terrace Can Build Higher?

[Blooper 0]

Hi all,

I would like your expert opinions.

Are all original terrace houses built 30-50 years ago have pilings?

What if we decide to add another 1.5 level?

Is it safe?

Please advise.

Thanks.

[Synchron 0]

Hi all,

I would like your expert opinions.

Are all original terrace houses built 30-50 years ago have pilings?

What if we decide to add another 1.5 level?

Is it safe?

Please advise.

Thanks.

which area are u living in ? have to seek approval.. cus maybe nearby your area have sensitive area like army camp etc..

go to an architect they will know what to do.

just sharing my knowledge here.

[watchthewaves 0]

Blooper,

Posting in the private properties sub-forum will probably get more advice that you're looking for. There are some pretty knowledgeable and helpful regulars there. I'll just throw in my 2 cents here and hope its helpful.

Presume you already know that you are allowed to go that high (eg, you've checked URA's master plan or you already see houses in the estate that high) and your question comes from a practical point of view only.

Is it safe? Yes, if properly planned and built.

To add another level, no one except a professional who has done all the necessary checks can properly advise you. One way to get a general idea is to look for a recently done up house in your neighbourhood that has gone that high, and simply ask the owner what he needed to do regarding the foundation. If you want specific info on whether your house has a piled foundation, the plans can be bought from BCA.

The question though, is not whether there is an existing piled foundation, but whether the existing foundation in that soil condition can take what you would like. Even if there is an existing piled foundation, it may not necessarily be deep enough for what you would like to build.

Like Synchron said, best to start talking to some architects and builders to get a sense of what's needed to be done.

Edited March 29, 2011 by watchthewaves

[Blooper 0]

Blooper,

Posting in the private properties sub-forum will probably get more advice that you're looking for. There are some pretty knowledgeable and helpful regulars there. I'll just throw in my 2 cents here and hope its helpful.

Presume you already know that you are allowed to go that high (eg, you've checked URA's master plan or you already see houses in the estate that high) and your question comes from a practical point of view only.

Is it safe? Yes, if properly planned and built.

To add another level, no one except a professional who has done all the necessary checks can properly advise you. One way to get a general idea is to look for a recently done up house in your neighbourhood that has gone that high, and simply ask the owner what he needed to do regarding the foundation. If you want specific info on whether your house has a piled foundation, the plans can be bought from BCA.

The question though, is not whether there is an existing piled foundation, but whether the existing foundation in that soil condition can take what you would like. Even if there is an existing piled foundation, it may not necessarily be deep enough for what you would like to build.

Like Synchron said, best to start talking to some architects and builders to get a sense of what's needed to be done.

Thanks Synchron and Watchthewaves for the advice.

I am considering a house in the upper serangoon area.

Very old house. Thought can save some $ by building on top instead of re-construction...

Yes, think will as the architects too.

Thanks Thanks