Lowering ground level outside extension

[Kaymo]

It was hard to get a good angle so I have included a few pics to try and give a sense of the lie of the land here. The windows in the first pic on the extension have failed and need replace and what we would like to do is to replace these windows for folding doors that open out so that you can walk straight into the garden. As there is no point in having doors opening out into a brick wall, what I am thinking is to take away the wall, extend the patio by about a metre, then slope it up into the lawn with a rockery and steps, made in part out of the old sandstone we kept from the two chimneys that were recently replaced.

My question here, what I don't have any experience in, is in the lowering of the ground level. Is this likely to be straightforward enough, or are there things I should consider/get advice on. I am presuming that this shouldn't affect the foundations of the extension, but there is also the outhouse to the left in the first pic etc.

My plan was to hire a man and mini-digger to do the excavation, then maybe play around with the rockery/steps myself, but is this type of thing likely to require any specialised help.

Any advice/criticism/suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Ian H]

The only thing I could think is that the wall could control any water running off from the lawn, so without the wall you may have a bit of water trouble.

 

[Kaymo]

Thanks Ian, I considered the run off, but there is a rainwater drain on that patio that could handle that if it was a problem.

My concern is that I don't really have an understanding of potential impact of lowering the ground levels to that extent near structures, or what first steps to take. With the volume of earth and rubble I would probably get someone in to do this, but not sure if this is just a case of hiring someone with a mini-digger, or if there would need to be someone to do an evaluation first. Also wondered whether it would be a good idea to dig an exploratory hole first to find out whether I am dealing with soil or rock once I get down that deep.

 

[Notch7]

I don't see any problems

Mini digger and skip loading dumper.

if there is enough spoil and you have room out the front a muckaway is cheaper than skips.

When you work out the volume of soil multiply by 1.5 for skip volume.

You probably dont want to lower the ground down that far adjacent to the outhouse -unless the foundations are down that low.....

 

[^woody^]

That should be a simple task to do, even to DIY. There will be no issues with proximity to buildings (assuming you are keeping the path and steps adjacent to that outbuilding), and no issues with rainwater run off.

The ground will not be rock!

Just ensure the design is well thought out - allow for enough patio area, and not just a case of straight out the doors and up the steps.

Steps should be on proper foundations not plonked on the ground, else they will move. Also ensure that the sandstone is of the type that is not quickly susceptible to frost damage and algae - unless you like the weathered algae look.

 

[Kaymo]

Thanks all, this is helpful, I'll have a good think about the layout before I get started