Expert: Dave Johnson - 3/13/2009

Question
We bought our home 5 years ago, and it already had a screened in addition.  Unfortunately, the floor is rotten, and we need to replace it.  I'd like to enclose the addition, removing the outdated screens.  I was wondering a few things:

How far can I extend over the existing foundation if I want to add a little more space to the addition?

If the current foundation is concrete block, is it possible and advisable to extend the addition up to ten additional feet with concrete posts to support the added footage?


Answer
Hi Stacy,
If you're in an area that has a freezing climate, it may not be a good idea to do it that way. If you are in a frost free area, go for it.
The cold climate way would be to bury the posts to at least a foot below the local frost line. You can find out that info from any local earthwork people or even in  your city/town office.

Best of luck, and if you need more, please mail me again...
Dave