Tendering the ground works on a self build

raypallas

Hi there,
Just wondering has anybody any experience of tendering out the ground works of a self build?
Would it be worth while spending the money to get it out of the ground?

Metric Tensor

What's the alternative? Do you own your own digger or are you going to rent one?

Or are you including substructure in the "ground works" description - i.e. tendering to have the job brought from green field to foundation installed and rising walls complete?

raypallas

Could hire and drive myself but in the interest of progress looking for other peoples opinions, as i am working full time also.
Thinking of getting a builder to demolish the existing house, prepare/pour foundations and bring it to subfloor and install septic tank. At which point i could manage the project from there.

Metric Tensor

I could say it depends on your skill at driving the digger and strength of your back for driving the shovel because the tricky bits are as important - but I won't say that because I think it's a no-brainer with the winter coming.

Get it out of the ground either by employing 2-3 good subcontractors or just do as you're saying and get one contractor to do it all.

I reckon if you try to do it yourself and continue to work full time you'll be sitting in the rain in November up to you dangly bits in mud and muck instead of standing on your slab in your Sunday finest!

raypallas

You gave me a good chuckle over that one because its exactly what would happen! Ya i think its the best option. We have our notice to grant, have mortgage side of things started and waiting on construction drawings and obviously have to give notice to the council. Hoping to get it out of the ground before the weather turns to shoite! Hopefully its realistic!