Mr Skill

From time to time every property owner decides to attempt a small building project, perhaps a retaining wall, small shed or built-in barbecue. Inevitably, some sort of foundation is required. This article is about preparing a trenched foundation – throwing a slab is a separate subject. A small foundation can be a perfect weekend D.I.Y. project. For anything larger, rather find a tradesman on Mr-Skill.

o First, determine what is required in terms of local building regulations, and obtain local planning permission too. It may be tempting to avoid what may seem an unnecessary delay, however fines are high and you will often benefit from a building inspector’s experience.

o Mark out the trenches to be dug using pegs and brightly colored string. If your dimensions are flexible, adapt them to the size of the bricks or blocks you plan to use, remembering to allow for mortar between. This avoids the irritation of cutting small pieces.

o Did out the foundations to the width required by your local building regulations, setting the soil aside for later use. Be especially careful to avoid collapsing the sides, as this will result in extra concrete when you pour. Good London tradesmen know the trick of keeping the soil moist as they dig, to prevent the sides crumbling. Hammer in a few metal rods so that just the pour-depth part remains above the bottom of the trench.

o When you have prepared the concrete mix (or at least the first batch) moisten the trench lightly. The idea is to prevent the cement leeching out of the concrete mix, not to add more water, so do this carefully.

o Pour half the required concrete throughout the trench. Add any reinforcing bars and then top up to the markers that you hammered in. Work the concrete thoroughly with a spade using a chopping motion to settle it well and get it level too. The next day you can begin to build.

That is not too difficult, is it? However, please do not be tempted to take on too large a job. Rather shop for tradesmen quotes on Mr-Skill.