Hi im looking for some help as had conflicting advice from 2 builders. I have an existing wall constructed of thin stones laid flat approx 300mm wide 500mm high holding up a flower bed. I want to build a deck resting on a wall where the old wall is. the deck height would be approx 1.1m with 2 tiered flower beds in front, both about 1m wide the first 1m high the front one 500mm. One builder said the existing wall looks good and has been there with no problems for 50 years, so level up the top and blocks laid flat on top. The other said need to dig it all out dig down a further 500mm and pour 450mm 450mm foundations. As it happened i couldnt affford either so as retired im doing myself. I intended to do the safe second builders solution. Hired digger removed most of existing wall but beginning to realise if i remove all and 500 mm further im in for a lot of work and a lot of blocks. I wondered if the first builder had something right in that as 1m of compacted soil each side no need to dig down a further 500mm, so question finally. Does the fact we will have im of soil either side negate the reason for digging down further and could i either stop and pour a shuttered foundation over the existing wall now probably 1-200mm with foundation which seems very strong, or if i take last out could i level and provide 450mm by 450mm foundation with shuttering, wich would start about 100mm below old ground height in front of old wall and then compact earth against both sides wall. any quick response would be appreciated as back at it tomorrow morning. hope all i clear.
cheers jon
cheers jon
