Lowering ground level

Question

Hi, I've had a damp survey done on a house I'm in the process of buying and it has recommended that the ground is lowered at the back of the house to prevent water splashing from the patio tiles onto the walls (and hopefully exposing the air bricks so that the sub floor is ventilated). I think the job would involve slicing off some of the patio tiles, digging down to the appropriate depth, laying down a membrane and then filling in with gravel. I'm not sure which is the most appropriate trade to do this - would it be something a general handyman could do?

Andrew · Accepted Answer

Yes, General handyman/woman can do it,  there are lots of different variations and you need to look at different methods and also if the land is leaning down to the back of your property, try to keep pooling or flooding, sometimes its a good idea to put a drainage channel and tie it in with an existing water channel like a rainwater drain,   with a grill on, this allows it to run into the water system and cause no problems,

Daryn · Answer

Your ground level should be 2 courses below your damp course

Louis · Answer

A general handyman could do that but a ground worker would be the best man for the job.

Zec · Answer

You know how to get a job done.  To assist you, the builder needs to come and see the work to be done.

Dana · Answer

This is a difficult one to answer without looking at it. If your air bricks are covered, then the whole patio area needs to be removed to a level lower than the air bricks and the new one needs to be sloped away from the house. Putting in a membrane and then gravel on top will not solve the damp issue, as the water will only collect in the trench. If the patio is higher than the ground level beyond that, a trench could be cut along the house, around the patio to the lower ground level and perforated pipe put in and covered with pea shingle. The water will flow through the pea shingle, into the pipe then off to the lower ground level. I would have to look at it to give the best answer.

Joey · Answer

You are looking for a ground worker and this should be no problem I am an exground worker and now do handyman but depends on there previous trade it’s a common problem lowering ground and it’s should take 2-3 days max depending on depth needing to go down

James · Answer

You're probably right in what you have said, can I ask what soil type are you on, is it clay, sandy, chalk etc.? Depending on the ground soil around your property, what you have suggested might not be enough. You might have to run soak away pipe, as the water might still sit next to your house. 
I think using someone with no experience, means they might not be able to assess the situation correctly and end up costing more money in the long run.

Daniel · Answer

Ground worker or landscaper. I would personally use a groundworker that hasexperience. Landscapers seem to be more experienced in plants etc

Marius · Answer

Hi there, you need a proper skilled tradesmen who has good experience in foundations, brick/block work and paving.There are a few things he must to check carefully before taking any decision. if you have further questions please feel free to contact me. Kind regards Emek

Lowering ground level

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