ᐅ Building a Garage Foundation (Including Frost Protection) Yourself

Hello everyone,

I am going to build a garage myself. The structural engineer is still working on the plans, which I will receive shortly.

I have already started planning the foundation including the frost protection edge, and I have rented a 2.6t mini excavator for just ONE DAY next week.

I want to work as efficiently as possible. Here is my plan:

• First, I would dig the trench for the frost protection edge, leaving only one strip (yellow) intact.
• Then, I will cut down the inside by 15cm (6 inches), but leave a 30cm (12 inches) edge all around.
• My tipper truck can then dump the gravel roughly in place over the remaining strip.
• Next, I will remove the remaining strip (yellow) with the excavator.
• After the concrete edge has been poured, I only need to remove the 30cm (12 inches) edge inside by hand and then fully spread the gravel. This way, I save myself a second day with the excavator.

Good idea or any objections? Did I forget anything?

Regards,
Michael

I have some doubts about whether everything will hold up as you plan. Otherwise, not your worst idea.

You definitely have never done any excavation!

And a 30cm (12 inches) frost skirt? From where is that measured?

If the gravel doesn’t fall into the trench when dumped, even with an edge... It probably depends on the truck driver.