Deciding to build a granny flat is simple, designing and building the extension can be a lot harder. You'll have a lot of questions to answer along the way. Can you use a general contractor or is is better to use one who has built a lot of granny flats before? Is a template design better than a customised one? Should you let the person who'll live in the flat have a say in what it looks like? Luckily, I'm here to help. My name is Maria. We moved my Mum into a purpose-built granny flat last year, so I've had to answer all these questions and more. I thought it'd be useful for other people to see how we managed the process, so here we are — get reading!
How to Approach the Task When Working with a Mini Excavator
If you're going to build a sizeable garage in your garden and want to take on much of the work yourself, you will need to prepare the area carefully. You will certainly need to clear any vegetation, grass, shrubs or other obstacles out of the way and will need to dig down to a certain depth in order to lay the foundations. To tackle this first part of the job, you need a mini excavator. However, once you have rented this piece of equipment, what do you need to think of before you get underway?
Making a Plan
Even though a mini excavator can be relatively simple to operate, you need to go through a pre-work check before you begin. If you are working with others on the project, then you will need to talk this through with them, so that they can be fully aware of your intentions before you start the machine.
Starting off, look at the basics first. For example:
- how are you going to approach the job?
- where are you going to start?
- how will you proceed when everything is underway?
- where will you put the excess spoil once you have gathered it out of the trench?
Above all, make sure that the spoil is not in the way when you proceed to the next part of the project. You'd be surprised at how many people begin work in a relatively constricted area and find that they have boxed themselves in due to a lack of preparation.
Up and Down
Next, look up and be aware of what is below. Are there any wires or lines running across your garden in the general vicinity? While a mini excavator is quite compact, it may still touch an overhead obstacle with potentially disastrous results. You'll also need to make sure that you do not break through any underground utility lines, pipes or sewers and should get in touch with the service providers before you begin so that you know what you're dealing with.
Solid Footing
Always make sure that the machine is perfectly stable before you attempt to dig. It will need to be on firm ground and not close to the edge of any trench. In the worst-case scenario, the soil could shift, and the machine could tip over when you are trying to perform a difficult manoeuvre.
Smooth Operator
You will also need to be familiar with the controls. Always remain seated with your belt on whenever you are in charge of the controls and keep an eye on the display panel. If any warning lights come on, you should switch the machine off right away and get in touch with the rental company for their advice.
Finally, get used to operating the machine before you actually begin work in earnest. You'll be able to test the range of motion and know what you can and cannot achieve.
Getting Advice
If you have any doubts or are not sure if you can control the machine properly, bring in an experienced operator instead. Ask the rental company for their advice, and they'll be only too pleased to help.
For more information, reach out to a local excavator hire service.