Replacing an existing raised patio with a basement room. What roof?

6 years ago

It looks like we have managed to secure a lovely house in the perfect area for our family. However, in our existing home we have a kitchen/diner/family room and a separate lounge for myself and my husband. We have had to give up the lounge for my elderly parents so they have an annexe, so I am looking at replacing the existing raised patio with a basement level extension that would then be paved on top. I am unsure though what materials to use on the roof that would be strong enough to support a paved patio. I would be seeking to keep the stairs in the same place, but have a room that goes across the whole back of the house which would contain a lounge opening onto the garden and an office. The first image is the existing rear elevation, the other photos are similar ideas to my thoughts. Any ideas on roofing materials? Thanks in advance.

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Comments (4)

mayfly182
6 years ago
This is why structural engineers, architects and the like exist! They will be able to specify materials based on the measurements of your new room and what you want on the patio. There may be more than one option but it's certain that what you're asking is possible as plenty of other people have done it.

This isn't really a useful question to ask in a forum.
PRO
User
6 years ago
I agree with Mayfly182, although maybe a little harsh. I'd approach an Architect in the first instance and they will be able to advise on the structure of the building required as a whole, it won't just be the roof that they will concentrate on. It will entirely depend on many, many factors, not least of which, would probably be underpinning of the existing structure and of course drainage. It's not just an extension, the underpinning is what adds thousand to the project. ( as in literally doubles it )

I don't know what your budget is, however, it would be much, much cheaper to extend at current ground level to the left or right of the existing building. Have you explored that as an option?
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angelavdavis
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for the posts.

We have been talking to experts, they all have different suggestions of the treatment, hence my asking for experiential feedback on here (as none of these have so far materialised with client references).

There is no scope to extend at the sides which is why we were seeing how feasible this would be.
PRO
User
6 years ago
Well, it sounds like you're doing all the right things. All you can do is ask they experts. Unfortunately, many will have differing opinions. I would say one thing though. If you are having a basement, then light will be an issue. Putting a stone patio with stone steps coming down over the top of it, will block the light ( where the steps are that is ). If you were to take a different approach and have a raised deck, with a wooden staircase, it would not block so much light. It would also negate the roof argument, as technically it's not attached to it, so it won't matter what the roof is made of underneath. Just a thought!

Replacing an existing raised patio with a basement room. What roof?

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mayfly182

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Replacing an existing raised patio with a basement room. What roof?

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mayfly182

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