Building an extension
We are contemplating building an extension to the back of our house. We have a 45 ft long backyard. Our house is attached to our neighbors on both side. Consequently, we can’t build a proper foundation since equipment can’t come into the back. However, we were told that we can dig a 3-ft foundation and…
We are contemplating building an extension to the back of our house. We have a 45 ft long backyard. Our house is attached to our neighbors on both side. Consequently, we can’t build a proper foundation since equipment can’t come into the back. However, we were told that we can dig a 3-ft foundation and build a couple floors up. Is this true? If so, what is the maximum number of floors we can build using this method? Thanks!
Oh yes, one should do whatever they want wihout any regard for the neighbors and the community now, shouldn’t they? Build extensions, high property walls, shine backyard lights into your neighbors windows, play loud music, whatever. That’s a real nice way to live especially in a city. Who cares about the neighborhood and property values.
I am an architect currently working on a project similar to what you describe in Brooklyn. It’s a two-story plus basement apartment and cellar. We’re gutting the building and adding about 12 feet to the rear. There was no problem hand digging the foundations to 4 feet below grade, and there was absolutely no problem with the FAR.
In my experience, most rowhouses and brownstones are not built to the maximum FAR. If you’re willing to send me your address, it would most likely be very easy to figure out the FAR issue.
As for the rear yard, 45 feet is not considered shallow. 30 feet is the minimum allowed by code.
If you’re interested in discussing this further, please email me or call me at (917) 593-3038.
Thank you.
I just finished a 1 story extension in the rear of my fully attached building. Excavation can be done manually and not that expensive or time consuming. 3 guys did mine in 2 days… we went below frost line ( 5 feet down)……
if available FAR permits, you have an as of right to build..don’t pay any mind to your neighbors should they complain about the loss of light, etc.. the same neighbors will complain whether you do an extension, paint your gate, play a radio, or do anything they disagree with.
Our neighbor built a wood frame extension on top of a pre-existing cinderblock extension, without the FAR to do it. It doesn’t take away much light since the backyard faces south, but it’s like living in a canyon for us.
Our neighbor built a wood frame extension on top of a pre-existing cinderblock extension, without the FAR to do it. It doesn’t take away much light since the backyard faces south, but it’s like living in a canyon for us.
Anon 6:30 am has a point. My electric bills have gone up since my next door neighbor built an extension. I now have to turn on lights several hours earlier than I used to because I’ve lost the sun in the afternoon.
Your shallow yard leads me to believe that you may not be zoned to expand anymore…check your FAR first.
Check out http://www.huduser.org/Publications/pdf/strdesign.pdf
Page 16
in order to calculate a frost-line depth – I don’t know how reliable this is; however, it suggests the 3 feet you were told could be ok. You’ll have to check whether these numbers match with NYC code which may require more depth to be on the safe side…
There are plenty of people who can dig this out with shovels. It’s not the end of the world. Concrete, gravel, sand and other materials will have to be brought through your house which will create a lot of mess (assuming you have no other access route to your backyard).