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You must be a northerner then Woody?

That’s kinda what I’m asking here. Why do the guides like one linked above (which is specifically for a hard standing) all seem to say it’s necessary?

I’ve just been reading this guide which says you must use a membrane. I’m confused about which is the right answer here!

I did wonder why it was necessary, but when we built the hot tub base a few years back that’s what I was told to do. looking at guides on shed bases, they say to use one too. Is it different as nothing is going to be placed on top?

Hi, I’m looking to widen a parking area by creating a hard standing concrete area where there’s currently a strip of grass. There’s two ways I’ve seen that this can be done. 1. Dig out, line with membrane, fill with big pieces of hardcore/rubble, pour concrete over the top (done this before...

Sorry, what does this refer to? Is this cement:aggregate? If so, what sort of aggregate am I looking for? I also need to mix up concrete for fence posts and a hot tub base, if you can provide any guidance on those. Same ratio? Or not? thanks

No point. It’s being poured in sections

Hi, I am going to be mixing concrete (using a mixer) which will be used for trench fill foundations. Building control have advised GEN1 or GEN2 which means nothing to me. Can anyone advise on a suitable ratio please, and also explain what type of aggregate is best. Thanks

This method was given by a structural engineer. 600mm wide footings and quite deep (final depth of concrete TBC), interconnected with reinforcing bars. Structure is a single storey extension with flat roof, so not excessively heavy.

Should've mentioned - it's soft clay and we're building very close to neighbouring foundations for an extension and retaining wall.

Hi, I am due to start digging foundation trenches very soon, and it will have to be done in sections due to being in quite soft clay. What I'm trying to figure out is: what is the easiest way to ensure the tops of all the concrete foundations are perfectly level with each other, so they all...

Hi all, I am planning an extension and just trying to work out material costs for the electrics. The extension will house a relocated kitchen, which is moving from the front to the rear of the property. My intention is to install a 2nd consumer unit in the rear extension which will be connected...

Thank you all for the quick replies. You have confirmed what I suspected all along, that cavity trays are the way to go!

Hi, I have been given (by two builders) completely contradictory advice. I am building a single-storey, flat roof extension, and where the roof joins the back wall of the house I have been advised on two methods. 1. Cut a narrow slit across the brickwork to push lead flashing into. 2. Remove...

I think also the major difference here (as well as potentially shallower footings) is that this is a very heavy two storey building, and what I'm digging next to is supporting a single wall forming the side of a timber conservatory. The weight difference between these two is vast.

Thanks for all the replies. I have since spoken with a very experienced builder who said as long as we're not digging lower than or under, to just crack on with it but don't leave it open for any long period. The risks come when you take support from under the existing foundation, not alongside.

Thanks for your reply. I'll be running this by the building control guy.

Hi, I'm currently planning a single storey extension on my house and it is my intention to build right to the boundary. On one side this will mean digging footings along the property boundary - right alongside my neighbour's existing extension. I have dug a small hole to check their foundation...

Thanks for the advice people. I'm going to play it safe and get a ready mix delivery instead, didn't realise you could get deliveries of such a small amount. Fingers crossed this should be easy now!

Aargh this is confusing, I can't get a definitive answer anywhere online. I did one of those calculator things and it said I needed 1440kg of ballast. This seems ridiculous for a 2x2m base. Tearing my hair out with this, everyone seems to tell me a different way of doing it. Absolutely no idea...