Addition to existing house

[riesesdad]

How is the footing for an addition usually connected to the existing house foundation? I imaging that the addition footing must need to be connected in order to keep it from separating.

This will be an attached garage with living space above it.

Thanks in advance!

[Rich]

There's only about one way to physically attach two pieces of concrete. Drill and epoxying rebar dowels from one to the other. The one major problem with making this hard connection is compaction under the new foundation. The ground has to be solid under the new footings. I suggest either not over excavating so they are placed on undisturbed soil.. or renting a plate compacter and placing 8" of soil, then compacting, another 8" lift, etc..etc.

[riesesdad]

Thanks. Would it be better to put the new structure on poured concrete piles, and not attach the concrete at all? Just the framing maybe?

This is an 80 year old house with a basement, so I imagine that it isn't going to settle any more than it has, so that's why I was thinking poured concrete piles.

[Rich]

That's not a bad idea if the home is that old. You'll be surprised once you get a new structure next to the old how much they will effect each other. I guess it becomes a cost issue as to what you really want out of it. I think if enough care is taken to not disturb the soil you would be fine.. but in most cases it's better to be safe than sorry.