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Groundwork & Foundations

How do I find out what is below ground and how do I get around it?

Anonymous user 15/03/2024 - 2.50 PM

Hello, Newbie here, I am hoping to build my first new build (Have done a few renovation before). I have a plot of land which is in the middle of a town with a very small house on it already and a large shed. I am hoping to demolish it and build a larger building. My question is, is there a way to find out what is below ground like sewer pipes etc before I start digging? There is a manhole in the shed. Or do I just start digging to find out? If I do find something which will interfere with foundation or a possible basement, what's the procedure to getting around it? Thank you very much in advance.

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

You could get the drawings for the land and that will tell you everything you need to know about services, sewers and if they are where your footing is going I know some places put large ducts round them they do on some sites any way
Answered24 July 2019
2

Space Build & Design Ltd

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Birmingham
Start digging good sir. You can pre empty some things. Sewers Etc. You should have the gas ‘electric and water disconnected at the footpath prior to starting. Be aware you’re sewer may also be shared with neighbours.
Answered24 July 2019
0

Anonymous user

It is practical to apply both the previous replies to you question, in other words, get the services plans for your site and start digging at the same time. Anything can be built around with proper engineering specification once the detail of requirements can be shown. The proper approach to digging makes this possible. Shared sewer lines will need preliminary camera inspection before overbuild according to engineer's specification. All the best Jacob
Answered25 July 2019
0

Anonymous user

Hi, The best way is to do trial holes 1m x 1m x 1m is the usual spec. plus hand dig any potential services etc.
Answered25 July 2019
0