Recommendations - Galway

Soldier

Hi Everyone,

Just starting a self build and i am going direct labour because i simply cant afford a contractor. im not sure where to start we are going to do the site clearance ourselves but I am looking for any one who can recommend someone who is good at doing foundations. i've tried looking online but I am not sure what to type in. is it a builder who does it? sorry im such a dope but im only learning. any one who can give me tips or recommend any tradespeople in galway i would reallyy appreciate it.

eire1977

What part of Galway are you building in????

smashey

If anybody has any recommendations, please send them to Soldier by pm.

Soldier

Im building in Menlough.

RKQ

Groundworks Contractor / Diggerman would suit you. An Architectural Technician could "set out " the buiding. Or an experienced builder / site engineer, could "set" it out. Reputation is important so ask local people / new neighbours for the name of a good diggerman...
Try your local paper for Groundworks Contractors / Digger hire etc. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Foundations are simple when you know what you are doing. Put A393 steel mesh, on pieces of conc. brick in the foundation. Sheets are usually sold in 16 x 8' size. The lighter mesh is not worth buying. Sheets of A393 cost about €60 each. Concrete costs about €90 a cubic metre. 28 -36 cubic metres would be average. Keep steel 75mm up off the bottom of trench, on bits of brick. Set out 300mm dept of conc. with a laser level, hired for a day, when the diggerman is on site. You'll need a Con-saw or angle grinder & generator.
Get 20' lengths of 20mm dia. steel bar. Cut to 450mm lengths. Tap 20mm dia bars into trench to maintain a depth of 300mm over all the foundation. Get Professional advice if you need to step the foundation!
You'll need a few friends, rakes and shovels on the day. Be careful, foundations can be the cheapest part to construct but the dearest thing to put right, should they fail.
Get a good Diggerman and do it properly.

gally74

hello soldier,

have some people if you want them, pm me,

p

Jill

Just had someone do foundations for us in Galway county - PM me and I can give you details

Soldier

Hi Everyone

Does anyone have a list of materials I have to price for a raft foundation?

I know I need
Steel
Concrete (30neuton?)
Radon Barrier

Is there anything else I need. Would anyone know where the best place in Galway is to get them for best price flynn's in lackagh, Tuam hardwared ??

thanks for all the help on the above

RKQ

I think you need a plan of the raft foundation, showing all steelwork. You should also have detailed drawings showing position of upstands, if any, sewer pipes etc.
A raft foundation is a specialised part of the building. It must be specifically designed for your house and your site soil conditions.
You should have plans, details, cross-section and specifications from your Engineer.
Depending on the design, your raft may form part of the ground floor construction, so you'll need details of heating pipe positions, insulation, radon sump and barrier etc. Casting and timber profile details etc.