What type of builder or company do I need...

RD42

Hi All,

I have a detached house that is set back about 8m from the road, raised up about 2m. There are 2 sets of steps to get up to the house. I currently has a 2 car drive that has been cut out of the front garden, with an ugly breeze block retaining wall.

I am looking to renovate the the front garden of the house, creating parking for 4-5 cars. I spoke to the local council, and in principle they said the project sound OK to them.

As far as I can tell, this project would involve:

- Full planning (we are in a conservation area)
- Digging out the driveway & removing the spoil
- Potentially moving the gas / water supply to the house deeper underground.
- Building of a retaining wall (foundations?)
- Facing the retaining wall with nice looking stone
- Filling in the drive with a base of material, then topping with gravel.
- A stone mason to build new steps from the drive level to the front door of the house.

Is there one type of company that could do this type of work (from getting planning permission to completing the job)? It seems more than I would expect a "new driveway" type company to deal with, but perhaps I underestimate them.

Any input on how I might proceed to get this kicked off appreciated.

Hoploz

I'd go down the landscaper/builder route rather than the driveway route, myself.

Have a look on Checkatrade or similar. Companies say what sort of work they do on there. Look through reviews to find whether they've done much similar work.

Furts

You do not want a "one type company" but if you are determined to follow that ethos the job could end up dissapointing, or defective, or both.


You should follow everyday procedures. Engage anArchitect to design, a Structural Engineer to design the retaining wall, and then seek an experienced, competent, groundworks contractor to do the works

RD42

Furts wrote: »

You do not want a "one type company" but if you are determined to follow that ethos the job could end up dissapointing, or defective, or both.


You should follow everyday procedures. Engage anArchitect to design, a Structural Engineer to design the retaining wall, and then seek an experienced, competent, groundworks contractor to do the works

Ah - "groundworks contractor" seems to be the phrase I was looking for, thanks. I think the apporach you outline is the sensible one.