Creating off road parking

Question

I want to strip out two levels of my front garden to create off-road parking, so lots of soil removal and shoring up a very high stone wall on one side, plus utility relocation (mains water, maybe some electrical cables). Plus remove four small-ish fir trees in the same area and a wall bordering the road (made of stones I'd like to keep to help repair other matching walls in the garden). Do I need an architect to design this, or a landscaper, or can builders do the whole job? Do I need a project manager? Is there an average price per square foot for such work? I know I need to involve the Council because of shoring up the high wall and taking parking spaces from the road. They have agreed in principle a few years ago. Since then nearly all my neighbours have done the same. Where do I start with such a project? What are the classic pitfalls I need to be aware of? Should I pay part or all cash? Many thanks for any advice.

James · Accepted Answer

A builder or good landscaper be able to carry out the project, I personally list every job I will carry out on my estimate after a site visit so drawings are not really required ,Start with the council get everything in writing agreed and ready to go , Invite 3/4 people to come provide estimates for the Job posting an advert on here is great way you can see profiles and feedback from previous customers.,There's no average price for jobs everyone is different detailed estimates are the best for accuracy, The biggest pitfall is selecting the wrong person make sure your both clear what you want/expect, Do your homework and research especially if they want money upfront, I personally take a deposit for bulk of materials in general if it runs into 0000s if it like under a 1000 I don't bother and pay it myself and invoice at a stage or job completion, Payments should be made at certain stages of the project agreed before anyone starts,If your paying cash your probably having no invoices and no guarantees personally cash payments are a pain for me means I have to pay them into the bank and prefer bank transfers.

Andy · Answer

You will have to apply to your local council about dropping the kerbs if they haven’t been dropped already …a builder or landscaper could undertake the job

Jeffery · Answer

Builders can do the whole job and you do not need a project manager.

Josh · Answer

Hi , as long as you have sorted with your local council , a builder can do the whole job from start to finish this is something I have done plenty times for customers quite a straight forward job , we usually do a payment stage where we meet and the client meets weekly to discuss the progress and do some payments

Adam · Answer

Hello 
If you want i can have a look and suggest some ideas to you. Free of charge 
Thanks Adam

James · Answer

I would suggest a structural engineer, as any large retain wall will need engineering design  for the loads it will be shoring up.  They often have different footing details and possible reinforcment requirements.

David · Answer

When you mention shoring, I’m assuming your house is raised from the road? This would require an engineer to design the retaining walls. If I’m assuming right??
Depending on how close the house is to the shoring? 
It’s always worth checking with a local structural engineer for there input,

Mark · Answer

As long as you have WRITTEN permission from the council to make your off road parking along with drop kerb permission then it's a go. You don't mention the height of your tall wall? You may need a structural engineer to check . Water can be altered as it's on your property and your side of the stopcock, but if it's your mains supply electric then that would be the electricity board to fit a new supply to your meter. As long as you have a clear idea of what you want in your head and your builders are competent and insured ,then you can save the added expense of a project manager!! Always get more than one quote and references of similar projects. I had a customer who used someone with good references at fencing but was a crap plasterer !! Paying cash is always a risk unless FULL receipts are given backed by a guarantee. A 5% retainer can be held back for up to 12 months in case of any problems but must be mentioned.

John · Answer

Hiya I would prefer a builder/bricklayer to come in and do it all for you as they can design and build at the same time iv had the same thing done on our barn conversation they designed and built the way we want them really ideal and so much value added to our property limit the trade person less to payout when one tradesmen can do it all save hireing loads of tradesmen to do the job he’s one builders email really good experienced guys  they are on sphook advertising brickwork specialist  send them a message

Creating off road parking

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