Breaking Ground: 2023 Extension Build Ep.1

Sam and Jen from SJ Ward Builders start a new single-storey side extension project.
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🎬 • Sam Ward
The Initial Stages of Building an Extension: From Groundworks to Concrete Foundations
Embarking on a home extension project is an exhilarating journey that transforms your living space and your lifestyle. Adding more room to your house might sound simple, but the groundwork leading up to the moment the concrete foundations are poured is intricate and requires meticulous planning. In this deep dive, we'll take you through the initial stages of building an extension, emphasising the importance of groundwork and pouring concrete foundations.
1. The Vision and Design Phase:
Before a single shovel hits the ground, it's crucial to have a clear vision for your extension. This involves careful considerations regarding the purpose of the space, the design aesthetics, and how it would integrate with the existing structure. Engaging an architect or designer at this stage can be invaluable, as they can provide expertise and innovative solutions to make the most of your space.
2. Site Survey and Assessment:
This step involves thoroughly examining your property to identify potential issues affecting the extension. A site survey determines the type, size, and depth of foundations required, factoring in soil type, nearby trees, and the water table level. This process often identifies possible challenges early on, ensuring no unexpected setbacks during construction.
3. Securing Permits and Permissions:
Depending on where you live, constructing a home extension might require planning permissions or building permits. Applying for these early is imperative, ensuring that all design aspects comply with local regulations. This can sometimes be a lengthy process, but ensuring that your extension is legal and safe is essential.
4. Groundwork and Site Preparation:
With permissions in place and a plan in hand, the actual construction work begins. Groundwork is essentially the process of preparing the site for the new extension. This includes clearing the site of any debris or vegetation, setting out the exact boundaries of the extension, and excavating the area where the foundations will be laid.
One crucial aspect of the groundwork phase is ensuring that the site is appropriately drained. Water accumulation can compromise the stability and longevity of your extension, so it's paramount to establish efficient drainage systems at this stage.
5. Laying the Foundations:
Foundations are the bedrock of any extension. They bear the weight of the new structure, ensuring its stability and durability. The type of foundation required depends on several factors determined during the site assessment. Common types include strip foundations, trench fill foundations, and raft foundations.
Once the trenches are excavated to the required depth (taking into account the frost line, soil type, and the load-bearing capacity of the ground), steel reinforcements might be placed in, especially for larger extensions or in areas with softer soil. These reinforcements add an extra layer of strength and stability to the concrete foundation.
The final step in this stage is pouring the concrete. It's vital to ensure that the mix is right, considering the specific requirements of your site. The concrete is then poured into the trenches, levelled, and allowed to cure. Curing is critical; it ensures the concrete reaches its desired strength and durability.
In conclusion, while a home extension might revolve around the aesthetic and functional benefits, the initial stages are grounded in rigorous planning, assessments, and meticulous groundwork. Laying a robust foundation - literally and figuratively - ensures that your extension stands the test of time, offering you a space that enhances your home and life.
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[@rbruce5270]

relieved to see it tamped length ways with a long straight edge after it was lasered in, great job, bricky will be happy!

[@JeffPorters]

Someone get that lad some summer snickers clothing 😊

[@amazing451]

This looks like it's going to be a great series and there's no stopping that girl Jen, she just loves it. 👏👏

[@SkillBuilder]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGS2h515iNOKr5I

[@garethjones6072]

Quality work that footings going to make the next stage of brickwork far easier and more enjoyable nice job

[@SkillBuilder]

That's the plan!

[@Wgnwtb]

Out of curiosity, what makes bad footings?

[@peterthebricky]

​@@WgnwtbThe worst I saw were 420mm out of level on a 10m run and there's nothing nicer than when the footings on an extension aren't gauge ( multiples of 75mm) with the brickwork on the existing house

[@Wgnwtb]

@@peterthebricky thank you)

[@beijingbond]

Brilliant first episode, guys. Looking forward to the whole series.

[@killbasa2000]

I am about to build an extension, the timing couldn't be better to learn few things, cheers!

[@vinnysurti]

Absolutely fantastic 👌🏽 Therapy to watch on a Sunday morning

[@nickhaley4663]

Nice job Sam. One thing that always gives me the wobbles though is seeing rebar stakes without safety caps, I know it's unlikely but if someone falls on one of them it could kill them. It has happened. That old concrete looked like hard work, we always get a digger with a pecker attachment now for that reason, it's money well spent if you have old paths or bases to take up.

[@hermand]

These lot look like perfectionists. My people! I swore id never do another DIY extension, but....

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Great stuff . That first bit of concrete out the chute wasn’t flowing was it 😬. Always a relief to eat the concrete In . Bring on the shite bricks 🤢🧱👍🏼

[@petemoring67]

Good to see 'Paddy's Motorbike' getting in on the Action 👍🤠

[@SyncMan172]

This is so nice to see. Looking forward to watching the extension progress. We want a 6ft x 10ft single storey extension out the back but so worried about how much it would cost. It's knowing who to trust too

[@Tom-Lahaye]

The laser receiver on the tamper is a great idea, equally you could use the markings if you use a laser without receiver.

[@cglees]

Brilliant!

[@jayseabie215]

0:24 motorcycle boots?! That's a great way to ruin them! 😂

[@dave1secondago]

cracking vid guys

[@Mr_Ashley]

Motorbike boots….genius!

[@colinmiles1052]

Doing that pour is so stressful. The concrete bloke doesn't want to hang around but you've got to get it 100% correct. Think you've done OK. Great video - thanks.

[@lestercranmer2631]

I've never had a volumetric turn up on time, 6 hours late is my record, 5pm in december & planned to be power floated ,😄 & when they do turn up it usually breaks down.

[@Ultimate-roofing-square.]

Nice start to the job Sam. 🙌🏻. 😉

[@SJWardBuilders]

Thank you Dan

[@Ultimate-roofing-square.]

@@SJWardBuilders 🙌

[@therealdojj]

can you please talk through the various stages of planning that you would need to go through before you start things like the build over agreement etc i had to jump through so many hoops for mine it took the best part of 6 months and thousands of ££££ thanks

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

I assumed I would have to do a metre deep footings on my extension, I was dreading the building inspector coming round because my builder only went to the existing 6" depth. I had severe doubts, however the building inspector said it was fine. We have very rocky/ stoney ground.

[@Orgakoyd]

I definitely wish I had “rocky/stoney” ground in my garden where I’ll be pouring footings for a shed! (Short single skin brick wall with timber frame sitting on top). There’s a big Hawthorne tree that will be 1 metre away from the footing. The recommended digging depth is like 2.5 meter, but I doubt the existing (1 metre high) brick wall at the back of the garden that’s about 1 foot away from the tree and looks unaffected has 2.5 m deep foundations… so I will go a metre, maybe a little more.

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

@@Orgakoyd wow, overkill, 2.5m will get you a basement under your shed.

[@Orgakoyd]

@@tinytonymaloney7832 Yeah that's what I thought. I think the official NHBC guidelines assume worst case scenarios for soil shrinkage and are extremely conservative. After all how many times do people dig for an extension footing only to find out the 100+ year old house is sitting on footings a foot down from the surface, yet they have to dig 1m for the single story extension!

[@markbarton]

@@Orgakoyd A house we had in Norfolk - built in 1875 had no foundations - just sat on the soil.

[@Orgakoyd]

@@markbarton Wow! Do you know how far down the brick work/stone walls went below the surface?

[@Stratoszero]

I love how your videos always seem to echo what my future plans are! 😆 My proposed extension is around the back of the house with no heavy access - does it cost much more to have the concrete delivered to the point of excavation with a pump? Its not massive, just an 8x4 orangery, but it looks a lot to barrow it around!

[@SkillBuilder]

Pumping concrete is around £400 but you can sometimes find a truck with a built in pump which means just one guy and one vehicle so it is a bit cheaper. I would say it is worth it.

[@Stratoszero]

Thanks for the info. PS I didn't know so much effort was put in to levelling the founds so exactly - I always thought the sub-surface block courses tidied up small differences in level@@SkillBuilder

[@TheToolnut]

​@@StratoszeroAim for perfection because it makes the next step a lot easier. Follow that rule and you'll stay on the right track.

[@DixieNormous1]

That was some unusually dressed characters

[@PeterM0911]

I have never saw opensided bucket on digger before. Is it better for wet soil?

[@jackrussell9811]

i remember when i started in the building late 70/s , always had a vibrator on a concrete pour ,do they still use them ?

[@Czechbound]

You do see them on current USA videos with big concrete pouring.

[@drummerbod]

A poker. No requirement for domestic for decades. UK.

[@clonie9963]

Haha wife cleaning the windows

[@SkillBuilder]

You are so sexist. Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGS2h515iNOKr5I

[@TheToolnut]

And rightly so, she has to earn her keep.

[@tabathv1]

You did a video about ladder safety a while ago and recommended Hunter ladders, the company no longer seems to be in existence, can you recommend a ladder with similar safety features? Thanks

[@alec1113]

Sam , I see someone scalped you halfway through video 🙂 . Excellent work 👍

[@djburland]

Why did our building control require 1.5m footings for our extension?

[@Jamieporthouse]

May be due any trees or hedges nearby ..

[@SkillBuilder]

It varies according to the ground

[@TheToolnut]

The width is more important than the depth. On bad ground the wider the better.

[@suspicionofdeceit]

No horizontal rebar necessary in the footing?

[@SkillBuilder]

no, we dig deeper than the USA so we don't need the rebar except in clay

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Those surrounds are called a (fake) pediment and pillasters...for future ref...and are properly ugly and faux on a house like that. You should only have them on grand buildings. Don't know which architect thought they would suit . Pretentious. Rant over. Love these skillbuild series.

[@ogribiker8535]

Agreed 💯. To think people actually thought they looked good!!!!. Should be a requirement of any alterations to remove them.

[@jc-fy1wl]

This is the Bucket residence don't you know dahling. Very classy indeed.

[@piee683]

Is rebar not needed or is that just for heavier loads

[@SkillBuilder]

You don't need rebar on a deep trench unless there are tree roots or clay.

[@m4fsj]

Hi, Just wondering do you need to use a vibrator for the concrete footings to eliminate air bubbles?

[@SkillBuilder]

Not in a foundation, we usually use them in ground beams and cast floors

[@TheToolnut]

You should really, Makita do a nice cordless one.

[@samsingh2042]

This area looks familiar 🤔, looks like pinner

[@tooley124]

Would A393 mesh not be required for the foundation? Maybe not ,im not sure?

[@bumnutz09]

Only if the grounds shite or the building inspector is a knob head.

[@jimjam1934]

No

[@stoveguy2133]

Might have been a home there 500 yrs ago. But dirt/land is same “age” in England and the US.

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

I assume filling a 1m trench with ready mix is less expensive than pouring 150mm of concrete then laying trench block to ground level.

[@SkillBuilder]

It is quicker so you save a day on labour and have a better job.

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

@@SkillBuilder so 5X the amount of ready mix is less cost than and extra day's labour for the bricklayer plus materials. Not sure about the better job comment.

[@gdfggggg]

@@MARTINA-gc3tqit’s so much quicker to fill up the trench. Two blocks down is ideal. Much easier .

[@gdr88]

the home of greek gods lol!

[@SteS]

6:02 😳

[@kiwigrunt330]

No steel in the footings?

[@SkillBuilder]

Not required in the U.K. We dig a lot deeper than the USA. If the ground is unstable you may require reinforcement

[@AC-gm6bq]

No Hilti tools in sight!!

[@anthonyworthington6495]

That footing for the column was a bit excessive, or is it for future plans?

[@SkillBuilder]

It is what you have to do. All the foundations are the same depth for a good reason.

[@anthonyworthington6495]

@SkillBuilder what is the columns made of? I thought they were made of plastic or fiberglass

[@Smithb83]

​@@anthonyworthington6495he said the column was going to be structural, so I'm guessing they are concrete/stone?

[@anthonyworthington6495]

@Smithb83 yes but what iam saying its excessive for a pillar holding up a small lean-to roof

[@SJWardBuilders]

building control wanted it because of the shrubs in the neighbouring property!

[@petemarshall7784]

im glad you decided to not dirty your staff by putting it in your hole on camera

[@michaelfraser5723]

YOU ROTTEN SODS, YOU SET THOSE ANTS IN CONCRETE

[@SkillBuilder]

But they got their ten seconds of fame. Many ants die without ever hitting the big time

[@Shandybrother]

Where’s James?

[@disklamer]

11:02 A bit overdressed aren’t we 🤣

[@jamesvaughan7274]

Distinct lack of hearing protection in use

[@SkillBuilder]

You are right

[@SJWardBuilders]

Pardon.

[@bryanwilliamson7778]

that concrete at the start and the very end looks like utter pish. maybe your concrete truck driver did not mix the concrete very well since the middle stuff looked decent

[@rapid8067]

Its a volumetric truck its mixed as it pours so the first barrow is always dry and the last barrow is him clearing the shoot usually just gets tipped and not used in the pour

[@bryanwilliamson7778]

Cheers for the explanation, I did not realise volumetrics were still used, aas I've not seen one where I live for the past 15 years. So I've never worked with them

[@rapid8067]

@@bryanwilliamson7778 no problem I only ever use volumetric. the firm i use will barrow it for you for an extra £25 a cube

[@JK-yf9sx]

Frustrating camerawork. Subject matter of the very good explanations was hardly ever in frame. Nonetheless, householders are really lucky to have secured such competent builders.

[@SkillBuilder]

Abe is in his first year of camerman and video editor and we think he has done really well but I am sure he will take on board any comments.

[@Nath8737]

Relax mate it’s KZbin not Hollywood 😂

[@jimgeelan5949]

Get over yourself matey its a building site and I thought it was a great camera overview of the job

[@JohnStowers]

I thought the camera work was brilliant. Really well edited together to keep the video interesting too.

[@keithbrueton]

You've got to love a man that takes his wife out

[@SkillBuilder]

She takes him out, you are sooooo old fashioned.

[@michaelfraser5723]

dID YOU ASK THE OWNER'S PERMISSION ?

[@yngndrw.]

It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission

[@andycrask3531]

They going to be pissed when they get home 😂😂

[@bugtusslealien3931]

It looked odd the guy bent over talking near the woman's ass.