Footings Problems - Any help appreciated

mugsie93

I have planning consent to enlarge my kitchen into an existing conservatory (no planning consent for that and over 20 years old)
This is on my boundary and I need to check the current footings to placate my Build Regs Council Office.
PROBLEM - My ground floor level is 8ft above my neighbours ground floor level as we live on a hill.
I cannot get to my footings externally without digging up my neighbours driveway - not an option.
Any suggestions as to how to check current footing without digging a 12ft dep hole in my conservatory and removing 20 yards of earth.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Mugs!

polybear

Hi,
Try posting on the Screwfix website ("Talk" section, then builder's talk). If they don't know then no-one does.
ps I reckon you'll need a good shovel....

polybear

HugoSP

I think that you need to dig a hole.

Are your neigbours friendly and would the be prepared to suffer the inconvenience?

In any case you need to consult the Party Wall Act. This can be complicated and expensive as surveyors need to be appointed and you need to foot the bill for the whole lot as the 'Building Owner' who is benefitting from the work.

However the Party wall act also overrides difficult neighbours' actions to be obstructive.

http://www.nfh.org.uk/law/party_wall%20_act_1996/index.php

http://www.rics.org/Property/Propertymanagement/Easements/Partywallsurveying/pr_partywalls020806.html

mugsie93

Thanks Ploy Bear

Do Screwfix sell 'em along with a navvy to dig it?

Mugs

mugsie93

Thanks HUGO,

I managed to get to the Grand Designs Show at Excel London today and was advised of the "party wall" line.
I will "dig" further.

Thanks for the advice

Mugs