Additions with basements

[Mam-Moo]

I have a 2002 Power house by Caviler homes. I am thinking about adding an additon to it later. We never plan on moving from this home as it is on family land so we feel this type of addition would be worth it to us. I know it has to be on its own foundation but this is what I have in mind. The house is 28 x80 and I would like to add 20x40 on the back of the house. I dont like a slant roof so we would like it to be in the "a" shape...I have talked to a contractor who has experiance in manufactured homes and he says this can be done. However, I would like to dig a basement underneeth the addition only. He said that he wasnt sure if that would be wise as digging so close to the houses foundation could cause the house to collapse. I was wondering if instead of digging the basement under the whole addition would it work to make the basement 15x40 that would make it 5 feet away from the houses foundation. Would this work? thanks so much! Hollie

[David Oxhandler]

The answers you seek depend on soil conditions and the foundation system on your existing home. Most building permit authorities will require an engineered sealed drawing to issue permits. You should seek the advice of a local engineer who is familiar with the local codes and conditions. Any thing short of an engineered plan is best guessing.