Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Sep 17, 2009 3:32 pm Let me explain... We are interested in a rather unique house that is built from mud bricks, just single course. The thing is I noticed that inside the flooring was mostly "pavers", nicely done and I didn't think too much of it, there is some floor boards and creative tiling in the bathroom (mosaic of sea horses etc). I don't doubt that it's a nice solid house but I now know it wasn't built on a slab. Just wondering what future implications that might have, if it's anything to worry about? Say we wanted to re-do some of the flooring, would I potentially be looking at some sort of extra costs because it's not on a slab or traditional stumps etc? Pretty sure the mud brick walls would be on footings. I have a brief building inspection that the current owner had done, and it's all good, but I tend to think I'd probably get another inspection done anyway just for peace of mind. Cheers Re: Buying a house with no slab? 2Sep 17, 2009 9:20 pm I used to live in a lovely little muddy in Kinglake with a brick floor. It was certainly a little up and down in places, which I always put down to subsidance of the earth underneath. But I think it was a pretty amateur job, so that might explain that amongst a lot of other problems. If the house is at least 10 years old (i.e. it's had time to subside) and it's looking good and it gets the okay from a builder, I'm not sure I'd be that concerned. Re: Buying a house with no slab? 3Sep 18, 2009 2:59 pm It's about 8yrs old, so I was guessing that any problems in general would have showed up by now, but the other half of me was thinking that perhaps they were about to start! Thanks I think I was just after a bit of assurance. I guess get the inspection is worth it for that extra piece of mind, even if it just confirms that it's all aok. Besides when I come across something new that I don't know much about I generally like to research the hell out of it until I'm happy! He he, I guess it's hard not to be critical after having just built a brand spanking new house where we are living right now! Re: Buying a house with no slab? 4Sep 22, 2009 12:37 pm You guess an inspection is worth it !? An eight year old house is almost brand new. I'd get the most comprehensive inspection available ! Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves. - Dale Carnegie Re: Buying a house with no slab? 6Sep 22, 2009 4:34 pm A muddy usually has big posts and beams as its structural support. They can be built on slabs, although I've seen a lot with brick floors (no idea what was under that.... ). Apart from the uneven floor issue, I'd be concerned about moisture coming up thorugh pavers etc and associated problems with mould. I love their character, but I'd definitely get it inspected before buying. Especially since so many of them are built by owners without any construction qualifications. Re: Buying a house with no slab? 7Sep 22, 2009 5:01 pm I'd be hoping the mudbricks are on strip footings. But I'd be inclined to remove the soil against them inside and out and reveal the footing. There is no problem pouring a floor in a house.. In fact 'tis what I will be doing. Where you are coming from is where you are going to... Yeah I don't know why I came to a forum. Place is full of wierdos/pedos thought internet may help but I suppose I'll try my luck with someone in person. Cheers. I tried… 0 6447 13 6632 Petercurtis You able to contact the certifier and get a copy of your structural plans, if they are not in your contract. If your home was approved via CDC then they… 1 20185 |