Expert: Dan Griffin - 2/1/2008

Question
My wife and I are attempting to add on to the old farmhouse in NE Oklahoma.  The plumbing for the bathroom is in slab and the majority of the rest of the house in crawl space.The builder states that water lines can be moved through the slab, is this accurate?Also, we would like to add a second story to the existing structure.Is this wise?  There are no signs of movement in the 60 year old house.  Maybe adding extra support would be the thing to do for a second story.  Thank you.

Answer
Kyle,
We're almost neighbors, I'm in OKC.

The copper water lines are underneath the concrete slab, not in it.  It should be one piece flexible copper, but any repairs would change that.  Copper work under slab should have silver solder joints in my opinion.  I assume you are talking about changing the location of an existing bath or some such.  It is also possible to re-route water lines so they come from above.

A second story addition is normal, but don't plan on living in that area of the house while the work proceeds - though even that is possible.  You will be subject to rain damage, etc.  A structural engineer will need to assess the perimeter footings, headers, studs, bearing wall footings, etc for the suitability of carrying a second story.  Almost all buildings of that vintage will be just fine, they may require a few extra studs at bearing points or a few pad footings for a center bearing wall.