

A one-stop shop of information for people interested in self build - whether self building a complete home or undertaking an extension, renovation or modification.
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Use the string lines between the profile boards to mark out at least one side of the trench. Using bricks
to drop the string lines to the ground makes it easy to mark the ground using lime to mark out where the
trench is to be dug. Alternatively, use a can of
line marker spray paint if the earth is dry and firm enough to take the paint.
As well as checking the width and depth, the Building Inspector will check that the bottom of the trench is firm and that the concrete will be in undisturbed ground. Otherwise the trench will need to be dug deeper. |
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Getting the concrete footings nice and level, smoothish and to the top of the pegs, will ensure that
the bricklayers can get off to a good start when laying the blocks.
After one or two loads of readymix concrete, the final section of the trench to fill can be fairly accurately calculated - the readymix driver will then 'phone through the requirement for the final lorry. The amount of wastage is thus kept to a minimum - but decide in advance what you can do with any left over - if there has been any excavation of a driveway then this is as good as anywhere. |
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Use the string lines between the profile boards to mark out at least one side of the trench. Using bricks
to drop the string lines to the ground makes it easy to mark the ground using lime to mark out where the
trench is to be dug. Alternatively, use a can of
line marker spray paint if the earth is dry and firm enough to take the paint.
As well as checking the width and depth, the Building Inspector will check that the bottom of the trench is firm and that the concrete will be in undisturbed ground. Otherwise the trench will need to be dug deeper. |
|
|
|
|
Getting the concrete footings nice and level, smoothish and to the top of the pegs, will ensure that
the bricklayers can get off to a good start when laying the blocks.
After one or two loads of readymix concrete, the final section of the trench to fill can be fairly accurately calculated - the readymix driver will then 'phone through the requirement for the final lorry. The amount of wastage is thus kept to a minimum - but decide in advance what you can do with any left over - if there has been any excavation of a driveway then this is as good as anywhere. |
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