New workshop layout and structural advise for digging.

**metalnwood** · 15th August 2008, 07:17 PM

Hi all, I didn't see a forum for 'your workshop' so I hope this is ok here.

I am trying to get a bit more space for my workshop. Right now I have my tablesay, jointer and spindle sander in one room under the house. Its 4x4M and really tight.

In another room with my metal equipment I store my bandsaw, drillpress and thicknesser.. I would like to move those out in to the woodshop. It's a no go because of space currently

I figure with very little work (thats relative) I could dig out a section under the house to give me an additional 8.5x1.3M and move some equipment there. It would be tight to use some of it but certainly usable. As they are all on wheels I can arrange the spacing between them easily enough if I need a bit more space for the jointer etc.. Firstly, it would be nice to hear if it's too tight a space, I doubt it and I guees many people work with less space anyway..

Secondly, and this is the more more important question to me, am I in any danger if I dig away some more dirt towards the foundations under the house.. In the picture you can see what is there. the length down the right hand side is 8.5M and the 'ditch' dug is already about 1.1M wide so I just need to make it consistent. If it was 1.3M wide then the distance to the foundations would be about 800mm. The pice of wood sticking up is at 1.3M and you can see the foundation to the left.

Would this be getting too close to the foundations without getting someone to look at it? Am I safe to square out the ditch and not worry? I realise this is a question with no gaurantees when asked on a forum but if the general consenus was safe, no worries then I might go ahead... Otherwise I probably won't.

Thanks,
Jason

**joe greiner** · 16th August 2008, 12:57 AM

First, as to the amount of space: A wider space may be advisable for solving the occasional "sliding-block" puzzle. A wider space could enable moving the tools past one another.

Second, as to the location of the space: The foundations will be less threatened if the soil slopes away from them, as well as from the footings for interior piers. The soil's natural "angle of repose" should be considered for the slope, and an engineer should be consulted. Footings can be underpinned, however, by new construction. There may be standard details for this work (I think Oregon USA has some, but I might be off-base about the source). Also, depending upon the framing and size of the rest of the house, the entire house can be lifted for a ball-park figure of about US$10-15,000; a masonry fireplace can make this awkward. An engineer can also advise on these matters.

Third, you'll need a disposal site for the dirt you remove. You may have enough space on your parcel. Otherwise, carting will be needed (extra $$$).

For all of this, your local council may have other thoughts and restrictions. Don't try to keep them in the dark.

Good luck (not facetious).

Joe

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