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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

Does a Home Addition Have to Expand the Footprint?

by Jacob Reed

When you picture home additions, you probably imagine something that expands the house's footprint. This isn't always the case, though. Home addition contractors can often make use of the existing footprint.

Is this likely to be the case with your house? Let's look at some of the key factors that will determine if you'll have to expand the footprint.

Type of Addition

A relative light space may not need the additional support of an expanded foundation. If your addition is something like a conservatory or closed-in porch, for example, the addition might not require support. This approach may also work if you wish to do the addition as an overhang, such as a new bedroom over a carport. Conversely, heavier spaces like kitchens almost always require support.

Size of the Addition

Sometimes it's possible to cheat a little bit if an addition doesn't represent an entirely new room. A smaller addition, such as the expansion of an existing room, may fit within the existing footprint. Home addition contractors also can sometimes achieve more efficient space usage by making walls thinner and reclaiming a few linear feet in several directions.

A sizeable addition, though, will probably need an expanded footprint. Contractors usually install separate foundations for these new areas, and then they'll connect the new section to the existing structure to complete the job.

Available Footprint

Some homes have available space within the existing footprint. An attached garage is a classic place where the footprint can be appropriated for an addition. Similarly, some carports, porches, patios, and decks offer ways to reclaim part of the house's footprint for an expansion.

This approach is especially appealing if local regulations limit home additions beyond the current footprint. Even if it only avoids some types of permits, going this route can reduce headaches. It's wise to check with your local code compliance office before you take this approach, though.

Existing Utilities

If an addition requires access to certain utilities, you may be better off expanding the footprint if you can't reclaim another part of the house. For example, the addition of a bathroom will require access to the plumbing systems. It may be easier to run new lines into a new footprint than to run it through the existing foundation if there aren't already lines there.

You might be lucky, though. Suppose you want to add a second bathroom and put it next to the existing one. In that scenario, you could probably take advantage of the existing lines. If you need help with a home addition, contact a company like Cass-A-Bella Construction.

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