The Barn Project - Page 2

The top picture shows the site from the corner of the plot showing, in the distance, the wheelhouse, small timber shack and dead tree to remove.

We have taken advice to clear the site and level it where you can to create an area for vehicles, a site cabin and materials.

Although we have only had the barn for 7 days, the need to organise your space and time is very apparent. You need to have a clear understanding of the tasks ahead. Our thoughts are to ask advice where needed and try to learn as much as we can. If the job is not cost effective, too challenging or it needs professional qualifications, leave it to the experts. Our very helpful architect is David Ransom at AFR Designs in Leyburn on 01969 622242.

The second picture shows inside the building, where we needed to dig a couple of trial holes to establish the footing of the building and from here we can decide whether underpinning is necessary and the condition of the ground beneath. We found approx 800mm of footings below the ground, sufficient not to underpin. The floor will be dug out and a layer of hardcore and concrete will create a raft for the insulation and screed to go on top. The levels and all structural data has been provided by Whapples Consulting near Harrogate and they are available on 01765 677488.

5 days in, and the third picture taken shows we have listened to the sound advice and services of Alan Huffy of Huffy Groundworks in Hessay, York, contactable on 07944 233887. The weekend hire of his excavator shown on the right coupled with the experience of a good groundworker, easiler 'cleaned' up the site so we could now see the wood not the trees. We divided the plot into sections detailing areas for timber to be burnt, top soil to be used at a future date, rubbish to be cleared when sufficient had been gathered and scrap metal for recycling. If you are wanting this sort of inital clearance, we cannot recommend this enough.

The old wheelhouse has been cleared to reveal the main barn and ground around it. From here we can plan the drainage and garage position easily. More information and details to follow.

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