[sheree99]

We want to add an addition on a cinber block house if possible making the addition a raised level can this be done(safely)?

[ballengerb1]

Raised level or a second floor? People use the term cinder block a lot but true cincer blocks were replaced with cement block long ago, what do you have?

[sheree99]

We were told cinder blocks because there was a cinder block factory(?) not sure what they called it-here
In our town-1 block from the house and several in town were made from cinder blocks-is there a way to find out for sure by looking at them? No not a second floor.We want an addition but my husband wants it a raised level.

[ballengerb1]

Where do you live, have you contacted a building contractor, architect, or building inspector department?

[ma0641]

Practically anything can be done. Cost may be prohibitive but can be done. Are you considering a block or frame addition? The industry term for "cinder block" is CMU-Concrete Masonry Unit. Major difficulty tying together is getting a sufficient bond. Usually the contractor will cut out a wall block to form a tie in base. Using a frame addition is simpler but you need to be careful attaching the wood framing since there are a lot of void space in a CMU. I just helped clad a block house with Hardie, lot of work but looks great.

[sheree99]

@ ma0461-thanks we are going with frame/wood additionI know it will be a tough project and finding a contractor who can handle this may be a challenge also.
@ballenerb1-no not yet I know we will but we have been hearing conflcting help from people who say it can not be done to a good result so when I saw this blog I thought I would ask people who would know.We live in Illinois thanks for your help too.

[ballengerb1]

OK where in Illinois? There are state and international building codes which must be followed. Many homes built with old cinder block have a crawl space, do you? Since you are not building a seconds story the old foundation is not a big issue. You have to dig a new foundation with a basement floor and a raise, split level or bi-level above the basement

[sheree99]

There is no crawl space it is on a cement slab -Hanover ,Illinois-not hanover park we get confused with that all the time thanks

[ballengerb1]

Yes, hanover not far from Galena. Try calling Keith Arnold in Elizabeth. He can bid the project.

[sheree99]

Thanks! Where are you from and do you know Keith or just his good reputation

[ballengerb1]

He did my home at a lake 20 minutes from your house. He used to be in Stockton but moved to Elizabeth 2 years ago.

[sheree99]

I think he was ahead of me in school,I went to Stockton.My husband thought Keith retired from construction so I will have to check it out.Where do you live now? I have haerd good things about Keith.Thanks again