Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 05, 2018 10:34 am Hi, Hoping for some greater understanding around decision making builders use to work out how much to cut a block? We have a sloping block (back to front) and we are looking at building with a slab so need to cut in to the block but want to minimise this as much as possible as we have rock. We have to split the house but wondering if we can increase number of steps in the split so that they don't need to cut into the block so much. Also does anyone know the maximum driveway gradient allowable to avoid scraping of bottom of the car? I know this is one of the reasons why we need to cut the block as well We are in Sydney NSW. Wondering if we should get our own engineer report to assist us. Thanks Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 2Jun 07, 2018 10:56 am KittyKat2018 Hi, Hoping for some greater understanding around decision making builders use to work out how much to cut a block? We have a sloping block (back to front) and we are looking at building with a slab so need to cut in to the block but want to minimise this as much as possible as we have rock. We have to split the house but wondering if we can increase number of steps in the split so that they don't need to cut into the block so much. Also does anyone know the maximum driveway gradient allowable to avoid scraping of bottom of the car? I know this is one of the reasons why we need to cut the block as well We are in Sydney NSW. Wondering if we should get our own engineer report to assist us. Thanks You could approach a few builders (say at a display village) and request for "initial siting" for one of their standard designs. This 'siting' should be provided free of charge and it will give you an idea of the complexity due to the slope. I am currently building on a sloping block and had received different responses from different builders at the initial stage. Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 3Jun 07, 2018 11:08 am IamSAM KittyKat2018 Hi, Hoping for some greater understanding around decision making builders use to work out how much to cut a block? We have a sloping block (back to front) and we are looking at building with a slab so need to cut in to the block but want to minimise this as much as possible as we have rock. We have to split the house but wondering if we can increase number of steps in the split so that they don't need to cut into the block so much. Also does anyone know the maximum driveway gradient allowable to avoid scraping of bottom of the car? I know this is one of the reasons why we need to cut the block as well We are in Sydney NSW. Wondering if we should get our own engineer report to assist us. Thanks You could approach a few builders (say at a display village) and request for "initial siting" for one of their standard designs. This 'siting' should be provided free of charge and it will give you an idea of the complexity due to the slope. I am currently building on a sloping block and had received different responses from different builders at the initial stage. Hi there, Thanks for your response. We have spoken to a few builders and receiving a siting but the problem is they cant say with certainty the split of the house, drop edge beams and actual depth of digging required until they have a contour survey. I guess we could get our own contour survey done and approach them on this basis. If you done mind me asking, who did you choose for your build? Thanks Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 4Jun 07, 2018 12:36 pm KittyKat2018 IamSAM KittyKat2018 Hi, Hoping for some greater understanding around decision making builders use to work out how much to cut a block? We have a sloping block (back to front) and we are looking at building with a slab so need to cut in to the block but want to minimise this as much as possible as we have rock. We have to split the house but wondering if we can increase number of steps in the split so that they don't need to cut into the block so much. Also does anyone know the maximum driveway gradient allowable to avoid scraping of bottom of the car? I know this is one of the reasons why we need to cut the block as well We are in Sydney NSW. Wondering if we should get our own engineer report to assist us. Thanks You could approach a few builders (say at a display village) and request for "initial siting" for one of their standard designs. This 'siting' should be provided free of charge and it will give you an idea of the complexity due to the slope. I am currently building on a sloping block and had received different responses from different builders at the initial stage. Hi there, Thanks for your response. We have spoken to a few builders and receiving a siting but the problem is they cant say with certainty the split of the house, drop edge beams and actual depth of digging required until they have a contour survey. I guess we could get our own contour survey done and approach them on this basis. If you done mind me asking, who did you choose for your build? Thanks Oh, I assumed you had the lot contours. We were provided the contours by developer at initial booking stage. After land registration, the builder carried out a formal contour survey. Which area are you planning to build in ? www.practicalhomes.com.au Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 5Jun 07, 2018 3:28 pm KittyKat2018 Hi, Hoping for some greater understanding around decision making builders use to work out how much to cut a block? We have a sloping block (back to front) and we are looking at building with a slab so need to cut in to the block but want to minimise this as much as possible as we have rock. We have to split the house but wondering if we can increase number of steps in the split so that they don't need to cut into the block so much. Also does anyone know the maximum driveway gradient allowable to avoid scraping of bottom of the car? I know this is one of the reasons why we need to cut the block as well We are in Sydney NSW. Wondering if we should get our own engineer report to assist us. Thanks Yes you should get an engineer for an opinion so you are well informed however there are several issues. Firstly are you going to sacrifice good siting and build your house too high because you want to avoid excavation in rock. No problem so long as you know. Secondly excavation in rock is going to be a provisional sum in the contract and this is where builder can mage good extra money. It is unlikely builder will be helpful to avoid that. I once had a case where client was hit for 45k for rock and most of it could have been avoided if the slab was raised 150mm, but the builder had no incentive to do so. I recommend you have pre contract review before signing your building contract. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 6Jun 07, 2018 3:58 pm Gone are the days you would trust a consultant & Builders when they say " I'll sort it out later during the process" Now you are likely to have your "Pants pulled down at every stage and on view" on Forums & Social Media for all to G̶o̶o̶g̶l̶e̶ goggle Pre contract reviews & Building Stage Inspections are now part of everyday building in Australia and it won't be long for Pre-Builder selections... before you hand over any deposit Where you will have your own approximate sketch,engineering, Geotech, Data, Quants, contour, costs and then good hunting. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Considerations for how much to cut block? Engineer repor 7Jun 08, 2018 10:32 pm You could also consider cut and fill rather than straight cut.This may cost you more in earthworks, retaining walls and piers for your slab but save you on significant rock issues. Ideally you would engage a landscaper to give you some insight what they may need in the space to make your vision come to life… 1 13646 3 6414 The engineering is the engineering. It's irrelevant how much material you have. Unless it fits the requirements of your design the engineer can't "make"it work. You might… 7 9693 |