lowering floor to increase head height

[Anonymous]

i have just removed the flooring including joists from our 3 bedroom detached 1920's property and have noticed how 'high' the floor is. ..

Where do we stand with regards to building regs and the affects on the property ie damp. we would like to lower the floor from its current 2.4m to 2.6-2.8m. It seams such a shame to have the floor at its current height.

FYI we will be installing underfloor heating (the floors will be slab)

 

[Anonymous]

Not enough information there. There are lots of issues eg. how will the proposed new floor level relate the outside ground level and the dpc, what are you going to do about doors etc. etc. Mike.

 

[Anonymous]

the inside and outside floor levels are almost level, except for the back area where a slight bit of excavation will be required to keep a uniform level around the perimeter of the property.

there are 7 courses of brick work and then the dpc is visable.. now do i have to keep the upper level of the floor inline with the dpc ? or is there some sort of way that i can lower the floor by 3-4 courses ?

the house is completely gutted so wiring, plumbing, door furniture and even the staircase isnt a problem

thanks

 

[Anonymous]

If I understand you correctly you could form some sort of tanking on the wall below dpc. I must say that I don't really trust things like this. However, if lower the floor you must, talk it over with your building inspector and get his advise. Most of them are really helpful guys. Mike.

 

[Anonymous]

Also, bear in mind that your windows will be a lot higher, too. We've just removed a foot and a half on concrete floor in our house to get the floor level back to the original. The windows were not far off the floor before and the difference in height is incredible, albeit that they are now at their 'correct' height.

Jaqy

 

[Anonymous]

i know what you mean jaqy ( the difference is incredibel ) <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=""> hence the reason i am so intrested in doing it, but not at any detriment to the house

i'll take a couple pictures tomorrow, im going to get the building regs guy around to give some advice, at the end of the day he is going to have to pass it when its done

i was thinking of some sort of membrane they would use in a cellar or basement ?

 

[Anonymous]

** i was thinking of some sort of membrane they would use in a cellar or basement ? **

No good asking me anything about this, I'm afraid. I'm one of the 'Buildings Must Breathe' gang!! The concrete floor we've just removed is being replaced with LECA / Limecrete with UFH and NO membrane )

Someone else may be able to help you, though. I'd be interested to see the pictures.

Jaqy