Should I be concerned about the lack of foundation over a very nice livable sunroom?
Question:New home purchase includes a large sunroom that is essentially intergrated into the home. The sunroom originally a deck which was sealed finished, and an entire new roof line was put on the house to accomodate it. It has double pane windows, heat, air and electricity. Basicially I'm saying it would be a huge waste and headache if its condition were to deteriorate. It was done in the 80's I believe. Everything appear sound and straight now, but the lack of foundation concerns me. It is currently sitting on the deck legs which are bolted to several spots of concrete of unknown depth. Is this a done deal that I have to just hope holds up, or can something be done to ensure the integrity of the structure?
Answers:
Without knowing the entire situation, it's impossible to give a thoroughly knowledgeable response. However, given the fact that it still appears sound, with no movement, coupled with the fact that the deck posts seem to be mounted on concrete footings, I'd guess this is a safe situation.
Normally, people do not bother to put a deck on concrete footings without digging those footings deeply enough to insure stability. If the concrete footings are deep enough in the ground to be stable, you have, in effect, some sort of foundation on which the entire room rests.
To be sure, consult with a qualified contractor who may be able to examine the depth of the footings, as well as the condition of the underlying structural framework of the deck.
Without seeing any of this, it bothers me to answer.
I think you'd better hire a good, well known contractor and get some estimates in advance of a future foundation. Ask them what it would cost, etc. And then of course get an, or several, opinions.
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