Cool video. Looking forward to the tree video because 25m seems quite a distance. As a question, does it matter if the tree is at a lower level that the foundation. I mean do tree roots grow uphill?
Great question Fred! When you look at a tree, they can look harmless but the issue they pose is their water consumption and how much moisture they draw from the soil. 25m is quite far! it’s the upper limit to how far trees can still have an impact but they’d need to be one of the nasty trees like Conifer, Willow etc. The quick answer to your question is yes it matters. Depending on the tree, distance away and the difference in ground levels, a tree on higher ground is better than a tree on lower ground. I’ll explain this in the upcoming video.
Hi, I've just started digging for a foundation for a double storey extension and it's full of sand. Are you saying that's good? The sand isn't stable and keeps breaking the trench.
That’s be a nice easy dig. I’m saying each site is different as they all have varying factors and certain ground types are better in different situations. For example, sand is good if you have trees close by because sand isn’t affected by trees in the same way clay is and heave doesn’t occur in sand.
Hi Ben, just what I needed, straight forward info. I'm building next to a 7 foot high, established hedge thats a mete thick. Do I need to do the same as a tree? thanks
@@stevemcilroy.62 Hey! Glad you found the video helpful. Yes, treat your hedge the same as a tree and find out what sort of hedge it is. You can do this using the Picture This App (it’s free) to identify it. Then speak with your building inspector to advise you on foundation depths before you start digging. If you need more assistance, learn how I can support you more through ProjectWise by visiting beprojectwise.co.uk I hope your build goes well
Hi Ben, We are building a single story Pd extension however we want to dig the foundations for a double story extension if we decide on the future to build up … we are on clay would 2m x60cm be adequate for trench fill? Also is it possible to get it signed off for a single extension but for the building inspector to note the foundations are adequate for a double so I don’t have to do a test hole in the future ? The extension will be block 3mx2m ( only a little one 😉) Thanks Jake
@@jaysiddle2943 Hi Jake! 2m x 60cm is sizeable and you may not even need to go that deep but there are so many factors that can affect the depth, without seeing it I couldn’t tell you a specify depth. Typically footings for two storey are wider than single storey. Width for a double storey if you’re using a 150mm cavity would be minimum 650mm. If you don’t want to do a test hole in the future I suggest taking lots of photos of the dig before concrete showing depths and widths of the trench. You can also ask for the inspection report so you can show it when you build the double storey at a later stage. If you need more help drop me an email, you’ll find my email address in my bio. Thanks, Ben
Hi Ben can you build an outside brickwork skin to a house thats built with 9in solid concrete blocks in order to create a standard construction property.
Hi David, that’s an interesting question. Everything is possible with enough money and time. I would suggest you could do it but It’s something you’d want an architect to design and write a specification for. You may also need planning permission, it’d be wise to check with them first to see if they have any objections. All the best with it
How did you become a building inspector? what qualifications do you need? I have poor health and need to get of the tools soon, is this something a 50 year old joiner could get into. TIA
Hi James. I was able to make the transition as I knew another bricky who’d done it and put me in touch with an approved inspector. It’s definitely possible to make the jump from tools to building control. You have a lot of site experience which is a huge bonus. Your technical knowledge may need a refresh but I would encourage you to make the jump as it’s definitely possible! Be aware that pay might drop while you train for chartership status. Check out local authority building control in your area or approach approved inspector companies (Stroma + JHAI, Assent, Capita, to name a few), They’re easily googled. Being a building inspector consists of plan checking, site visits and answering technical questions from builders, homeowners and architects. Theres a fair amount of time on the laptop too so good IT skills are an advantage. It’s a fairly easy job but can involve a lot of driving! I wish you the best!
@@mickgascoigne4003 due to the angle of rapose a foundation must be dug down to the invert level of the pipe, if the foundation is within 1m. If the pipe crosses the footing, the trench can be stepped down in 300mm steps to achieve the invert. The pipe would then require shuttering and lintels over. This is so no load is put on the pipe
Ben you are a GEM 💎...thank you very much for sharing all these useful information....made my concepts clear....I am very thankful to you. ✨️
Thanks! I really appreciate the kind feedback and I’m pleased you found the video helpful 👍🏻
Cool video.
Looking forward to the tree video because 25m seems quite a distance.
As a question, does it matter if the tree is at a lower level that the foundation. I mean do tree roots grow uphill?
Great question Fred!
When you look at a tree, they can look harmless but the issue they pose is their water consumption and how much moisture they draw from the soil. 25m is quite far! it’s the upper limit to how far trees can still have an impact but they’d need to be one of the nasty trees like Conifer, Willow etc.
The quick answer to your question is yes it matters. Depending on the tree, distance away and the difference in ground levels, a tree on higher ground is better than a tree on lower ground. I’ll explain this in the upcoming video.
Hi, I've just started digging for a foundation for a double storey extension and it's full of sand. Are you saying that's good? The sand isn't stable and keeps breaking the trench.
That’s be a nice easy dig.
I’m saying each site is different as they all have varying factors and certain ground types are better in different situations. For example, sand is good if you have trees close by because sand isn’t affected by trees in the same way clay is and heave doesn’t occur in sand.
Hi Ben, just what I needed, straight forward info. I'm building next to a 7 foot high, established hedge thats a mete thick. Do I need to do the same as a tree? thanks
@@stevemcilroy.62 Hey! Glad you found the video helpful. Yes, treat your hedge the same as a tree and find out what sort of hedge it is. You can do this using the Picture This App (it’s free) to identify it.
Then speak with your building inspector to advise you on foundation depths before you start digging.
If you need more assistance, learn how I can support you more through ProjectWise by visiting beprojectwise.co.uk
I hope your build goes well
@@BerkleyBuildsThank you Ben. New subscriber 👍
Hi Ben,
We are building a single story Pd extension however we want to dig the foundations for a double story extension if we decide on the future to build up … we are on clay would 2m x60cm be adequate for trench fill?
Also is it possible to get it signed off for a single extension but for the building inspector to note the foundations are adequate for a double so I don’t have to do a test hole in the future ?
The extension will be block 3mx2m ( only a little one 😉)
Thanks
Jake
@@jaysiddle2943 Hi Jake! 2m x 60cm is sizeable and you may not even need to go that deep but there are so many factors that can affect the depth, without seeing it I couldn’t tell you a specify depth. Typically footings for two storey are wider than single storey. Width for a double storey if you’re using a 150mm cavity would be minimum 650mm.
If you don’t want to do a test hole in the future I suggest taking lots of photos of the dig before concrete showing depths and widths of the trench. You can also ask for the inspection report so you can show it when you build the double storey at a later stage.
If you need more help drop me an email, you’ll find my email address in my bio.
Thanks,
Ben
Hi Ben can you build an outside brickwork skin to a house thats built with 9in solid concrete blocks in order to create a standard construction property.
Hi David, that’s an interesting question. Everything is possible with enough money and time. I would suggest you could do it but It’s something you’d want an architect to design and write a specification for. You may also need planning permission, it’d be wise to check with them first to see if they have any objections. All the best with it
How did you become a building inspector? what qualifications do you need? I have poor health and need to get of the tools soon, is this something a 50 year old joiner could get into.
TIA
Hi James. I was able to make the transition as I knew another bricky who’d done it and put me in touch with an approved inspector.
It’s definitely possible to make the jump from tools to building control. You have a lot of site experience which is a huge bonus. Your technical knowledge may need a refresh but I would encourage you to make the jump as it’s definitely possible! Be aware that pay might drop while you train for chartership status. Check out local authority building control in your area or approach approved inspector companies (Stroma + JHAI, Assent, Capita, to name a few), They’re easily googled.
Being a building inspector consists of plan checking, site visits and answering technical questions from builders, homeowners and architects. Theres a fair amount of time on the laptop too so good IT skills are an advantage. It’s a fairly easy job but can involve a lot of driving!
I wish you the best!
I thought you had to dig 300mm under soil pipes
@@mickgascoigne4003 due to the angle of rapose a foundation must be dug down to the invert level of the pipe, if the foundation is within 1m. If the pipe crosses the footing, the trench can be stepped down in 300mm steps to achieve the invert. The pipe would then require shuttering and lintels over. This is so no load is put on the pipe
Sod the construction advice, how do you look so you after 20 years in the trade lol
I find the trick is plenty of water and to shave before i film