Discussion
This is exactly what I was hoping to do. Even buy an off the shelf oak framed building to self assemble. Sadly it won't be happening because the house is listed, in a conservation area and an AONB. Every hurdle you don't want, I have! Now our architect has drawn a single level double garage with bedroom/bathroom and a workshop all on one level. There is talk of piling, so I'd be keen to find out what you've been quoted for those?
Best of luck with it, I'll be watchimg.
Best of luck with it, I'll be watchimg.
Good news from the building inspector, well I guess in the scheme of things it is good news, we have finally come to an agreement that 2.5m depth all round is acceptable. It’s pushed up the concrete costs but if all goes to plan will still be considerably cheaper than piling. The JCB driver is a little worried due to the depth, my stress levels are through the roof. Roll on the day when we are out of the ground.
On a more positive note the site is now completely clear, all the old footings and floor slab were pulled up, two grab lorries took away all the masonry and concrete and I loaded my trusty old pickup and took two loads of guttering, tree roots and timber to our local tip.
An old oil drum was acquired, 5 minutes spent putting ventilation holes in it then a day spent burning all the old roof timbers and batten.
Digging trenches starts in earnest tomorrow. Reports to follow.
On a more positive note the site is now completely clear, all the old footings and floor slab were pulled up, two grab lorries took away all the masonry and concrete and I loaded my trusty old pickup and took two loads of guttering, tree roots and timber to our local tip.
An old oil drum was acquired, 5 minutes spent putting ventilation holes in it then a day spent burning all the old roof timbers and batten.
Digging trenches starts in earnest tomorrow. Reports to follow.
It came down to NHBC guidelines I believe. The structural engineer worked it out according to a reasonable height conifer. The building inspector said we had to presume they were 20m maximum to allow for future growth. There is no way they would ever grow that tall, but I guess that actually he is correct. So the depth was worked out presuming that the conifers were massive.
100mm more isn’t the end of the world.
I’m trying to do everything exactly right, hence the borehole, structural engineer, and council building inspector.
The last thing I want is any problems further down the line.
100mm more isn’t the end of the world.
I’m trying to do everything exactly right, hence the borehole, structural engineer, and council building inspector.
The last thing I want is any problems further down the line.
At 2.5m deep how will you bottom out the trenches?
What if a bit falls in? The JCB will not be able to reach.
I really hope you do not send someone or go down yourself.
You talk of doing it right but have you considered H&S at all?
You have said you will be using clay master, how will you install this without going in the trench?
If you or anyone go into the trench you are seriously putting lives at risk. I am not exaggerating.
What if a bit falls in? The JCB will not be able to reach.
I really hope you do not send someone or go down yourself.
You talk of doing it right but have you considered H&S at all?
You have said you will be using clay master, how will you install this without going in the trench?
If you or anyone go into the trench you are seriously putting lives at risk. I am not exaggerating.
I totally agree with you, I have just retired after 30 years as a frontline firefighter so believe you me I take health and safety very very seriously. No one will be going down any trenches. The jcb has more than enough reach , and he has bought a toothless bucket for the final bottoming out. The claymaster boards are 2.4m long so can be put in from the top. If we do get collapses then it’s lots of shuttering and props. Fortunately my digger driver is an old school leave nothing to chance operator.
Your comments are appreciated and taken on board and I can assure you everybody on sites safety will be of the utmost importance.
Setting out this morning, then digging
Wish me luck
Your comments are appreciated and taken on board and I can assure you everybody on sites safety will be of the utmost importance.
Setting out this morning, then digging
Wish me luck
GSDGPW said:
I totally agree with you, I have just retired after 30 years as a frontline firefighter so believe you me I take health and safety very very seriously. No one will be going down any trenches. The jcb has more than enough reach , and he has bought a toothless bucket for the final bottoming out. The claymaster boards are 2.4m long so can be put in from the top. If we do get collapses then it’s lots of shuttering and props. Fortunately my digger driver is an old school leave nothing to chance operator.
Your comments are appreciated and taken on board and I can assure you everybody on sites safety will be of the utmost importance.
Setting out this morning, then digging
Wish me luck
Great. I’ve seen lads down excavations this deep and no one cares until there’s a collapse. Your comments are appreciated and taken on board and I can assure you everybody on sites safety will be of the utmost importance.
Setting out this morning, then digging
Wish me luck
Just a hint- Use really dry mix for the bottom meter to stop the clay master lifting when you pour the concrete.
If you use a wet mix you will find the clay master floats. Ask me how I know!
paulrockliffe said:
At that foundation depth, have you considered excavating that redundant lump of earth in the middle and adding a basement? It must be a relatively cheap option if you're already into massive foundations.
What he said ^^^ 
I'd definitely be looking into it... (the big hole in the ground that is!)
Regarding a possible basement, would it be worth excavating and putting in the relevant structure/foundations for a basement to future proof the build? That way, at least at a later date it would be something that could be considered whereas if you don't put in the necessaries now it'll be nigh-on impossible later on. As said too, at least inspection pits could be considered with foundations/excavations that deep?
lrdisco said:
Just a hint- Use really dry mix for the bottom meter to stop the clay master lifting when you pour the concrete.
If you use a wet mix you will find the clay master floats. Ask me how I know!
Years ago I worked on a site with footings and claymaster, we used metal rods (cut from reinforcement mesh I think) to "nail" the claymaster to the wall of the trench to stop if floating about.If you use a wet mix you will find the clay master floats. Ask me how I know!
AJLintern said:
Whatamdis?Tell me more.
When I finally get my life sorted out (so never) I'll start a post about my triple garage with overhead accommodation build.
PP granted, building regs plans submitted, money in place, Brinno cameras saved in my Ebay watching list.
Builder is the current issue, plus, as OP has hinted, having a big build it isn't a calm and peaceful process.
For mine we would need to move out for a few months as there are also internal works.
Anyhow - tell me more about this basement lift thing.
We're currently planning on digging down to give around 3m ceiling height for a 4 post lift.
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