Are you planning to renovate your basement or create additional accommodation? It is undoubtedly a great way to revamp your house and add more space, as well as increase the overall value of your property. However, this is certainly not an easy task to manage. You will have to consider different factors before you start the process; from planning permission to surveys, what equipment to hire to deciding how best to go about drying out the room (learn more here).
Basement excavation is rather tricky! So, a proper plan of action is required for this, go on reading to find out more. Also, you would require making decisions based on how big or small the place is. For example, if it is minor changes then you would have to look for something that is perfect for small excavating jobs.
Here are some points to consider for successful basement excavation:
Attaining Required Approvals
You won’t need any planning and excavation approvals if the construction or renovation of the basement won’t make any external changes on the property. However, you will need to get special permits if you are altering the external appearance of the property and if you are adding a separate accommodation. You must check with the planning authority of your area or go through the guidelines and standards by the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Getting Professional Structural Calculations
Seek help from an expert like rights of light surveyor for statutory requirements like party wall matters and building control issues. A professional will make the drawings and calculations for the overall work needed in the basement. These calculations will determine the conditions of the soil and support loads to figure out the materials and equipment required.
In a situation where you will be excavating near the building of your neighbor, the party wall act is applicable. This means you are obliged to inform your neighbours about the construction plans and get their consent. It is best to carefully explain the project to your neighbours, assuring them that there won’t be any damages to their property.
Hire Professional Equipment
To avoid any issues or damage during the excavation, you must use the right equipment and tools. It is recommended that you consider hiring professional equipment. There are options available for both wet hire and dry hire. The latter offers the machines without an operator, making it a more affordable option. It also gives you more control over the project. However, you must make sure that you know how to operate the machine as some can be challenging to function. If you already have experience with construction and renovation, then dry hire is the best option for you. Beyond this, consider the fact that you’ll be excavating and naturally lots of debris will be created. Looking for a company that specialises in handling construction site debris and waste removal is crucial if you want the workspace to be clear and so that debris can be effectively disposed of so you can get the job done on time.
Installing a Conveyor Belt
There are numerous ways of excavating your basement. You can temporarily remove a specific section of the wall to install a conveyor belt. This belt will make it easier for you to remove the soil you dug up and dump it outside directly. Otherwise, you will have to opt for the wheel-barrow methods where you make several trips to dump the spoil outside. The conveyor belt is a more convenient and time-saving option for basement excavations.
Determining the Best Drying Method
There was a time when all you needed was waterproof concrete for the underpinning process. However, there are plenty of advanced options available today to ensure that your basement stays dry and warm.
With a wide range of options available, you will need to determine the best possible solution depending on your needs. Do you want to use a tanking slurry or a waterproof membrane? Should you opt instead for a damp injection course? You can ask your neighbours how they tackled this issue or speak to one of your local basement waterproofing companies for some expert advice.
The basement underpinning and excavation is not an easy task, as it requires complex techniques and technical decisions. Therefore, you must be careful throughout the project. These tips will help you in getting better prepared for this major process and will ensure that you do things the right way.
