wadswob

I am starting a project that involves a rebuild of a house destroyed by fire. The owner is hoping to reuse the existing foundation but wants to add a second story to the new house. The existing foundation is a crawl space, but rather than a typical footer and stem wall, the wall is a single triangular pour that tapers from app 8 inches at the top to somewhere between 12 and 18 at the bottom. The house was built in 1915 but according to county records, a remodel was done in 1946. The foundation appears to be in very good condition, which suggests that perhaps it was poured as part of the 1946 remodel? Has anyone ever seen this type of footer/wall? Any idea in which years it was common and whether or not it likely has rebar in it?

JustaFramer

I have seen rebar in Seattle structures built in those times and some that are not. However it may not be in a residential structure. The only way to now is x-ray and core drilling to know the strength on the concrete.

I figure it is cheaper to excavate and demo the structure. Rebuild. First see what Seattle city building department wants.

Also just because rebar was used doesn't mean it meets current code. I know for a fact that the rebar spacing is minimal and wouldn't meet code from the 80's.

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Chris Johnson

I take it an engineer has approved re-using the foundation after the fire? I would start with him, if he seals the deal than approach the 2 storey question to him.

I always found it was easier and cheaper to replace a foundation since the original is probably out of level and square, which makes it frustrating to get going.

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