Width of trenches

[greenbanana]

When building a side extension (for an end terrace Victorian property) is a concrete trench the full width of the extension (roughly 1.8m wide) suitable? The structural engineer's drawing show that 600mm wide trench is needed but the builder has excavated the full width of the proposed extension ie 1.8m. Is there any problem with this.

[ProDave]

If you would post some pictures of all the things that are troubling you, people may be able to give meaningful replies.

[bassanclan]

The builder has probably dug down 300mm over the whole area of the extension to allow for insulation under the floor.

 

 

[greenbanana]

Ah the excavation depth is fine. We would just like to understand if there's reason for having a 1.8m wide trench rather than 600mm wide trench that was suggested by the structural engineer. The final side extension will be 1.8m wide.

2 minutes ago, bassanclan said:

The builder has probably dug down 300mm over the whole area of the extension to allow for insulation under the floor.

 

 

 

[Conor]

Probably because it might have been too difficult to cleanly dig the trenches if it's a confined / awkward spot. No harm in it, just going to cost you more in concrete. Photos would help. And ask your builder these kinds of things as it's good to communicate.

Edited April 8, 2023 by Conor

[saveasteading]

2 hours ago, Conor said:

going to cost you more in concrete

Or stone , or insulation?

[nod]

The short answer is that’s it’s easier and quicker to do this For HIM

If the concrete is in his price there’s no issue If your paying for it Ouch 

[Brickie]

How deep have they gone?

[greenbanana]

1.7m. I've just messaged you pictures.

 

[Thorfun]

4 hours ago, greenbanana said:

1.7m. I've just messaged you pictures.

 

you really should stop PMing people pictures. this is a public forum where many folk are willing to help. by sending pictures directly to individual members you lose out on the benefit of the hundreds of people on here who might have the experience and knowledge to answer your questions. you did the same in your other thread and it was mentioned there that it's better to anonymise the photos and post them up. you'll get much better help if you do.

[saveasteading]

23 minutes ago, Thorfun said:

you did the same in your other thread

Which was about the neighbour's house not yours.

Is this query also about the neighbour's?

[ProDave]

4 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

Which was about the neighbour's house not yours.

Is this query also about the neighbour's?

My impression is all his questions are about the neighbours extension, trying to find something "wrong" in what they are doing. But he won't post pictures for us all to see he just PM's some to those that ask.

[Canski]

I was building an extension for a great customer once and the neighbour flatly refused to allow me on to his property to point the faced brickwork that was facing his house. I tried and tried to explain that it would be better for him to allow me access but he was having none of it. I had no choice but to leave gravity defying snots hanging off the brickwork. the next day the ‘cowboy builders’ were exposed on social media. He’s. Still got the snots though. 😀 just saying.  I’ll now  join buttercup and grab my coat. 

[saveasteading]

Ok. Unfollowing the topic.

[Nickfromwales]

On 07/04/2023 at 21:43, greenbanana said:

When building a side extension (for an end terrace Victorian property) is a concrete trench the full width of the extension (roughly 1.8m wide) suitable? The structural engineer's drawing show that 600mm wide trench is needed but the builder has excavated the full width of the proposed extension ie 1.8m. Is there any problem with this.

Whose excavation / trench is it? 

[Temp]

Presumably he's not going to fully fill the foundations. Most likely he will pour a slab over the whole bottom of the pit or dig deeper trenches around the edges. Then build up in blockwork and install a suspended floor.

 

You might prefer a Beam & Block suspended floor with insulation and screed on top rather than a timber floor, especially if tiling any of it. 

 

Ask him what his plans are.

[Nickfromwales]

1 hour ago, Temp said:

Presumably he's not going to fully fill the foundations. Most likely he will pour a slab over the whole bottom of the pit or dig deeper trenches around the edges. Then build up in blockwork and install a suspended floor.

 

You might prefer a Beam & Block suspended floor with insulation and screed on top rather than a timber floor, especially if tiling any of it. 

 

Ask him what his plans are.

Unless I am mistaken, this is a follow on question from the members previous gripes about work going on next door to him?

 

 

@greenbanana

22 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

Whose excavation / trench is it? 

As above, can you answer please?

[joe90]

Well I am going to say it if others won’t! “Is @greenbanana just a nosy neighbour looking for trouble?  🤷‍♂️

[Canski]

7 minutes ago, joe90 said:

Well I am going to say it if others won’t! “Is @greenbanana just a nosy neighbour looking for trouble?  🤷‍♂️

Now that did cross my mind. It started with no foundations then too much foundation. 

[Brickie]

The OP DM’d me some photos which,at a quick glance,might justify their concern,but they are yet to post them up in the thread as yet,which I suggested. 

[ProDave]

My take is he is worried the works next door might be putting his own home in danger if they are being done wrong.  If only he would post the pictures for us all to see, we could either re assure him it is all normal and nothing to worry about, or tell him yes you do have a bunch of cowboys working there and give him some advice.

[joe90]

27 minutes ago, ProDave said:

My take is he is worried the works next door might be putting his own home in danger if they are being done wrong.

Ah Ok, is BC involved?

[ProDave]

3 hours ago, joe90 said:

Ah Ok, is BC involved?

Ask @greenbanana

[joe90]

4 minutes ago, ProDave said:

Ask @greenbanana

Yes, it was meant to be directed at @greenbanana

[Nickfromwales]

Was planning required? That's public info.

Is building control even aware / on the case?