Three things to know
- Clarify the purpose and existing foundation condition first.
- Arrange required assessment and the technical brief before ordering execution.
- Agree earthworks, inspections and subsequent repairs as defined packages.
Contents of this guide
- Describe the purpose, not merely the excavation
- Prepare available information about the house and foundations
- Involve a structural engineer and define the technical brief beforehand
- Separate earthworks, specialist inspections and subsequent trades
- How to report differences between documents and reality
- What to send for an initial discussion
Describe the purpose, not merely the excavation
Explain whether you are addressing a utility connection, surrounding ground alteration or exposing part of a structure for another specialist. 'Dig around the house' conceals different goals and interfaces. The contractor needs the result required and the reason for disturbing the ground.
If damp or masonry condition is the issue, excavation alone does not determine the right repair. The responsible specialist must address the cause and proposed solution. Ordering earthworks does not replace waterproofing, drainage or remediation design.
Prepare available information about the house and foundations
Attach the design, survey and previous alteration records if available. Identify cellars, extensions, retaining structures, services and previous nearby excavations. Add known building changes or defects relevant to assessment.
If foundation depth or material is unknown, say so openly. Do not check missing information by improvised digging. Have the method for obtaining information and any investigation determined during specialist preparation.
Involve a structural engineer and define the technical brief beforehand
Work beside foundations may affect surrounding structures. Clarify required assessments with a designer before execution. Where building or nearby structural stability may be affected, obtain an appropriate structural assessment and method design. A generic guide cannot supply a safe distance, open-section length or depth.
The contractor handover should define scope, the designed method and inspections. Resolve unclear documents with their author before starting. Machine power or size does not replace a technical solution.
Separate earthworks, specialist inspections and subsequent trades
Clarify who supplies instructions, who checks exposed conditions and who decides whether to proceed. Identify beforehand who follows once the structure is accessible and their handover document requirements. These belong in the brief, not a phone call from an unfinished work area.
Describe soil transfer, temporary storage and removal separately. Handling must match approved work arrangements. Do not assume the space beside a house can simultaneously accommodate an excavator, pile, truck and another contractor.
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
| Information | Who clarifies it | What it allows you to order |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose and subsequent solution | The client with the relevant specialist | A precisely defined work package |
| Assessment of the existing structure | A structural engineer and other specialists where needed | Scope and method for the actual situation |
| Handover and inspection points | Responsible contractors according to the design | Coordination between stages |
| Access and handling | The client with the earthworks contractor | Feasible project arrangements |
How to report differences between documents and reality
Agree beforehand who receives reports of different foundation materials, unknown structures, water or newly found services. If reality differs from the brief, clarify the next steps before continuing. Do not assume the original follow-on date automatically remains valid.
For illustration, an owner wants part of an external wall exposed for another contractor but has no foundation records. Describing the purpose and arranging specialist preparation is a useful first step; ordering excavation along the entire wall would not resolve the missing brief. This is not an actual SORTI project.
What to send for an initial discussion
Send the municipality, brief purpose, available documents and photographs of the house and access. State whether you have a structural assessment and who provides the subsequent design or repair. Mention missing information too.
Available documents help clarify further preparation and the requested earthworks scope. A quote must not imply confirmation of stability or automatic provision of other specialist trades. Resolve the actual technical brief before execution.
Frequently asked questions
How close to foundations is it safe to dig?
There is no single distance for every house. Scope and method must follow assessment of the actual structure and location.
Is a shallow or short excavation automatically acceptable?
That description alone does not establish feasibility. Position, building condition and the relationship to foundations and nearby structures matter.
Does excavation include house waterproofing or remediation?
Only explicitly agreed scope can be included. This guide concerns earthworks preparation, not a waterproofing or remediation offer.
Can I enquire without building documents?
Yes. Explain what you want to address and what is missing. Unknown information then needs completing through appropriate specialist preparation before ordering execution.
Sources and further reading
Send documents for the proposed intervention
Explain why excavation is needed beside the house and attach available records. State specialist preparation status and subsequent contractors.