Cool video. Looking forward to the tree video because 25m seems quite a distance. As a question, does it matter if the tree is at a lower level that the foundation. I mean do tree roots grow uphill?
Great question Fred! When you look at a tree, they can look harmless but the issue they pose is their water consumption and how much moisture they draw from the soil. 25m is quite far! it’s the upper limit to how far trees can still have an impact but they’d need to be one of the nasty trees like Conifer, Willow etc. The quick answer to your question is yes it matters. Depending on the tree, distance away and the difference in ground levels, a tree on higher ground is better than a tree on lower ground. I’ll explain this in the upcoming video.
Hi, I've just started digging for a foundation for a double storey extension and it's full of sand. Are you saying that's good? The sand isn't stable and keeps breaking the trench.
That’s be a nice easy dig. I’m saying each site is different as they all have varying factors and certain ground types are better in different situations. For example, sand is good if you have trees close by because sand isn’t affected by trees in the same way clay is and heave doesn’t occur in sand.
Hi Ben can you build an outside brickwork skin to a house thats built with 9in solid concrete blocks in order to create a standard construction property.
Hi David, that’s an interesting question. Everything is possible with enough money and time. I would suggest you could do it but It’s something you’d want an architect to design and write a specification for. You may also need planning permission, it’d be wise to check with them first to see if they have any objections. All the best with it
How did you become a building inspector? what qualifications do you need? I have poor health and need to get of the tools soon, is this something a 50 year old joiner could get into. TIA
Hi James. I was able to make the transition as I knew another bricky who’d done it and put me in touch with an approved inspector. It’s definitely possible to make the jump from tools to building control. You have a lot of site experience which is a huge bonus. Your technical knowledge may need a refresh but I would encourage you to make the jump as it’s definitely possible! Be aware that pay might drop while you train for chartership status. Check out local authority building control in your area or approach approved inspector companies (Stroma + JHAI, Assent, Capita, to name a few), They’re easily googled. Being a building inspector consists of plan checking, site visits and answering technical questions from builders, homeowners and architects. Theres a fair amount of time on the laptop too so good IT skills are an advantage. It’s a fairly easy job but can involve a lot of driving! I wish you the best!
Ben you are a GEM 💎...thank you very much for sharing all these useful information....made my concepts clear....I am very thankful to you. ✨️
Thanks! I really appreciate the kind feedback and I’m pleased you found the video helpful 👍🏻
Cool video.
Looking forward to the tree video because 25m seems quite a distance.
As a question, does it matter if the tree is at a lower level that the foundation. I mean do tree roots grow uphill?
Great question Fred!
When you look at a tree, they can look harmless but the issue they pose is their water consumption and how much moisture they draw from the soil. 25m is quite far! it’s the upper limit to how far trees can still have an impact but they’d need to be one of the nasty trees like Conifer, Willow etc.
The quick answer to your question is yes it matters. Depending on the tree, distance away and the difference in ground levels, a tree on higher ground is better than a tree on lower ground. I’ll explain this in the upcoming video.
Hi, I've just started digging for a foundation for a double storey extension and it's full of sand. Are you saying that's good? The sand isn't stable and keeps breaking the trench.
That’s be a nice easy dig.
I’m saying each site is different as they all have varying factors and certain ground types are better in different situations. For example, sand is good if you have trees close by because sand isn’t affected by trees in the same way clay is and heave doesn’t occur in sand.
Hi Ben can you build an outside brickwork skin to a house thats built with 9in solid concrete blocks in order to create a standard construction property.
Hi David, that’s an interesting question. Everything is possible with enough money and time. I would suggest you could do it but It’s something you’d want an architect to design and write a specification for. You may also need planning permission, it’d be wise to check with them first to see if they have any objections. All the best with it
Sod the construction advice, how do you look so you after 20 years in the trade lol
I find the trick is plenty of water and to shave before i film
How did you become a building inspector? what qualifications do you need? I have poor health and need to get of the tools soon, is this something a 50 year old joiner could get into.
TIA
Hi James. I was able to make the transition as I knew another bricky who’d done it and put me in touch with an approved inspector.
It’s definitely possible to make the jump from tools to building control. You have a lot of site experience which is a huge bonus. Your technical knowledge may need a refresh but I would encourage you to make the jump as it’s definitely possible! Be aware that pay might drop while you train for chartership status. Check out local authority building control in your area or approach approved inspector companies (Stroma + JHAI, Assent, Capita, to name a few), They’re easily googled.
Being a building inspector consists of plan checking, site visits and answering technical questions from builders, homeowners and architects. Theres a fair amount of time on the laptop too so good IT skills are an advantage. It’s a fairly easy job but can involve a lot of driving!
I wish you the best!