Hi everyone
It's been ages since I've made any posts, though have been keeping abreast of everything, so apologies that my first one in ages is to ask for some help! Actually, two bits of help, I'll post another separately (brace yourselves)
Pics attached of a levelling job I'm quoting for. Spec is to build 1.4m high sleeper retaining wall to extend existing lawn by 1.4x11.8. Strip existing turf, re-level and lay new. Replace steps with sleepers. Erect 3ft high picket fence along new boundary of lawn (to avoid bungy jumping young children). Scrape off surface of existing path & border at lower level and around shed and lay bark. Horrible access: steep slopes everywhere, steps going round corners, iron balustrades etc - yuch. I'll sub-contract the sleeper work, but will probably take on everything else. I can't take the level down at all, because of existing garden brick walls (not in picture) -- client realises they should have thought of all this in advance of very costly brick terracing/driveways completed last year - oops!
Anyway(!), my questions are:-
What are my options re materials to fill in the extended area? To use just soil seems expensive (though would still use soil of course to top, say, 6"???) Can't use hardcore etc because the topsoil would sink overtime??? Am I being thick? I'm not 100% clear on drainage either which would of course also impact (and also why I will sub-contract)
Currently cost is coming out at around the £5k mark but this seems horribly expensive to me. So, either I'm completely cocking up my quantities or it's a case of it is what it is.
Actually, reading all this, I imagine this is all to complicated to be answered easily without seeing the site. Do tell me to get a grip!!!
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Replies
Are you talking about sleepers on end or horizontal?
Personally, I would consider a 1.4m (4.5ft in old money) Sleeper wall 'Structual', especially if area is heavily sloped.
I would be looking for an professional help in understanding loading etc and best way to construct (posts, RSJ's, deadman arms etc)
There's been many threads on here with different view on what is/isn't the best way.
Not saying I know the best way, but have built a few and would not go that high without guidance or extensive experience...
If you do sub contract, just make sure they know what they are doing as you will still carry the liability as Prime.
Chris Auld said:
Thanks Gary - you're quite right this job (at least the structural elements) will fall to the experts - I'm backing away from this even more than I first thought which is no bad thing. I'll still run it all through my company as want to continue expanding portfolio. Have been, perhaps (definitely) embarrased to revert to client to say I need someone else to come and look at job before quoting as didn't want them to think I wasn't up to the job, or was in anyway 'cowboy bull-shitting" them when I visited. Gotta be stronger! Ooh, you don't wanna here my angsts - I'm clearing off now
Thanks again
Gary RK said:
Angela,
You should not be embarassed, far from it. The client should feel comfortable that you are taking the design/build sensibly and bringing in experts for specialised areas. It is not always possible or desirable to be a jack of all trades.
Take an anology, a Builder does not do all the work himself (he might know how), but he will defer to plumbers, sparks, plasterers etc etc.
Learn from who comes to quote with you so that next time you may be able to specify and quote and then sub out.
Angela Palmerton said:
hey good luck with it! I'm sorry if it's dead patronising and you know this but i just thought i'd mention in case that sleepers as steps are pretty but also pretty deadly. They are very slippy when wet so either make client aware if that is what they have thier heart set on or make other arrangements.
It have worked on a couple of gardens where clients have had sleeper based steps in and have moaned about how sliipy they are and how the landscaper never told them this etc etc.
Patronising I can cope with, especially if it's putting me right ! Yeah, though, I had covered the slippy surface with client and we're going with chicken wire. Any other thoughts do chuck 'em at me.
Thanks Simon
Simon Smith said: