Expert: Dan Griffin - 4/20/2010

Question
Hi!  We want to build a small post and beam using the foundation (probably from 1950's) of a mobile home.  The main foundation is approximately 40 - 50 feet in length, two ends are 12 feet wide and the middle section is 25 feet wide.  Crawl space with well head on one end and basement connecting to crawl space on opposite end.  Probably want to replace sills and build post %26 beam as a 1.5 to 2 story and possibly extend foundation to 25 foot wide x 40 - 50 foot long foundation.  Kitchen, living room, master bed and master bath + half bath on first floor, and master bed and master bath + storage + guest bedroom on 2nd.  Any advice or recommendations on this sort of house?

Answer
Cat, I don't know if the foundation that you have now is adequate for new construction.  the only way anyone can tell would be to dig it up at several places to verify depth, width, attempt to verify type of concrete, and make some effort to verify reinforcing.  I would hate to see you limit the scope and scale of a new structure to the limitations of an existing footing.  Design the new structure for your wants and needs.  The costs involved with footings are minimal in the geater construction picture.