Hello All,
I am in the early stages of starting a side extension on my home. We know our house is built on piled foundations and ring beam, however, the plans from that were released to us from Barrett Homes (house approx. 12 years old) shows the layout of ring beam and piles but no associated measurements of depths etc.
We recently had an architect and structural engineer visit the property and concluded that before any plans are drawn it would be best to conduct a ground survey to locate the depth of the ring beam, location of drains and pipe size and type of soil.
Estimated cost of the top of there heads for someone to do this this was up to £2500.
They did stress that this survey was optional but would be preferred by them so they know what they are dealing with.
My question; is there anything I can do to minimise the cost of this? Or are there other options where I can find the information they are looking for from other records?
If I clear the land and dig a trial pit, dig down to the waste pipes (toilet waste) and expose them clearly, would this minimise the cost? They did mention that an auger would be needed to bore down for soil samples, which I cannot do but if there is anything I can do I would be grateful if someone could shed some light.
Thank you in advance.
I am in the early stages of starting a side extension on my home. We know our house is built on piled foundations and ring beam, however, the plans from that were released to us from Barrett Homes (house approx. 12 years old) shows the layout of ring beam and piles but no associated measurements of depths etc.
We recently had an architect and structural engineer visit the property and concluded that before any plans are drawn it would be best to conduct a ground survey to locate the depth of the ring beam, location of drains and pipe size and type of soil.
Estimated cost of the top of there heads for someone to do this this was up to £2500.
They did stress that this survey was optional but would be preferred by them so they know what they are dealing with.
My question; is there anything I can do to minimise the cost of this? Or are there other options where I can find the information they are looking for from other records?
If I clear the land and dig a trial pit, dig down to the waste pipes (toilet waste) and expose them clearly, would this minimise the cost? They did mention that an auger would be needed to bore down for soil samples, which I cannot do but if there is anything I can do I would be grateful if someone could shed some light.
Thank you in advance.