Demolition of garage foundation - advice needed

davidclayton

Hi all,
When I bought my house 12 years ago, there was a very large concrete platform in the back garden. It turned out that it was a huge garage (big enough for a limo), and previously had corrugated metal walls, but the owner never applied for planning, so it had to be taken down.

We build a small block shed on the platform a few years later and paved the rest with patio slabs, and built 2 raised beds on it. We're rethinking the whole garden now and would like to demolish the concrete platform (except for the part where the shed sits).

I've started the prep and I'm removing the patio slabs and beds at the moment. I have no idea how deep the platform is, but was thinking that a micro digger with breaker attachment would be a good option. So here's my questions:

1. Do you think this would do the job? http://www.xcav8.ie/diggers-for-hire/micro-digger-hire/mini-digger-hire-dublin-dumper-truck-hire-bundle-1-tonne-weekly-hire (it's the only thing that will fit through the side gate)

2. I think the link above is for a self drive - is it easy enough to get the hang of, or should I be looking into hiring a driver?

3. How deep is it likely to be (given it was likely built about 15 years ago)?

4. I was thinking that I should cut a slice in the concrete around the block shed (about 6 inches out) so it gives a clean edge - is that a good idea? If so, what is the right tool for the job - large angle grinder or something?

Once the demolition is complete, the plan is to hire a professional to build a new patio, etc. All advice greatly appreciated!

JimmyMW

davidclayton wrote: »

Hi all,
When I bought my house 12 years ago, there was a very large concrete platform in the back garden. It turned out that it was a huge garage (big enough for a limo), and previously had corrugated metal walls, but the owner never applied for planning, so it had to be taken down.

We build a small block shed on the platform a few years later and paved the rest with patio slabs, and built 2 raised beds on it. We're rethinking the whole garden now and would like to demolish the concrete platform (except for the part where the shed sits).

I've started the prep and I'm removing the patio slabs and beds at the moment. I have no idea how deep the platform is, but was thinking that a micro digger with breaker attachment would be a good option. So here's my questions:

1. Do you think this would do the job? http://www.xcav8.ie/diggers-for-hire/micro-digger-hire/mini-digger-hire-dublin-dumper-truck-hire-bundle-1-tonne-weekly-hire (it's the only thing that will fit through the side gate)

2. I think the link above is for a self drive - is it easy enough to get the hang of, or should I be looking into hiring a driver?

3. How deep is it likely to be (given it was likely built about 15 years ago)?

4. I was thinking that I should cut a slice in the concrete around the block shed (about 6 inches out) so it gives a clean edge - is that a good idea? If so, what is the right tool for the job - large angle grinder or something?

Once the demolition is complete, the plan is to hire a professional to build a new patio, etc. All advice greatly appreciated!

1. Yes you can get those with mini rock breakers and will do the job
2. You need a driver if you are unskilled you will end up knocking the shed an all
3. that could be 8inch+ thick but its impossible to know without digging next to the slab to investigate
4. defo cut the concrete, most likely a steel mesh in the slab also, ensure this is also cut otherwise you could damage the portion you wish to keep, a consaw will do the trick. I would strongly recommend to get a professional to do the entire job.