ᐅ Terrace on a Sloped Site Supported by Stilts – Which Is Better: Wood or Steel?
Created on: 3 Jun 2018 15:05
Z
Zaba12
Hello everyone,
I need your input because our eastern neighbor has disrupted our landscaping plans. We had planned to stabilize the area with two rows of 1 meter (3 feet) L-shaped retaining walls. Now, our neighbor intends to build three full stories facing the garden, meaning they will want direct access from the basement to the garden.
This makes our original plan obsolete since we intended to add fill while they plan to excavate. This would leave us with 2.5 meter (8 feet) tall L-shaped retaining walls on the side, which none of us want.
So now the question is, do you have any idea what it would cost to construct the terrace on a supporting framework, possibly including the tool shed? See the screenshot. We would need to expose the basement wall facing the garden, but then we wouldn’t need to install the L-shaped retaining walls, which would cost around €26,000.
Would wood or steel be advisable?
I need your input because our eastern neighbor has disrupted our landscaping plans. We had planned to stabilize the area with two rows of 1 meter (3 feet) L-shaped retaining walls. Now, our neighbor intends to build three full stories facing the garden, meaning they will want direct access from the basement to the garden.
This makes our original plan obsolete since we intended to add fill while they plan to excavate. This would leave us with 2.5 meter (8 feet) tall L-shaped retaining walls on the side, which none of us want.
So now the question is, do you have any idea what it would cost to construct the terrace on a supporting framework, possibly including the tool shed? See the screenshot. We would need to expose the basement wall facing the garden, but then we wouldn’t need to install the L-shaped retaining walls, which would cost around €26,000.
Would wood or steel be advisable?
I spoke with the first metalworker today. The initial cost estimate is between 25,000 and 30,000 euros net for the latest sketch with WPC decking.
This depends on whether the pier foundation and other elements are included in the civil engineering work. Then he started talking about a code-compliant railing, where the spacing between the bars at that height may only be 2cm (approximately 0.8 inches). That was the first time I gave him a strange look.
According to his references and pictures, he has already built a terrace exactly like the one I have in mind. This one is also to be made with different dimensions. Well, what can I say, somehow I didn’t feel comfortable with this person. When I want a consultation, I expect to be advised, not just to hear “we will build whatever you want, as long as you have enough money.”
Additionally, my wife is in contact with an acquaintance who might be able to take our excavated soil and “spread” it on their farmland. I’m curious about the volume and price they would offer to take the soil.
This depends on whether the pier foundation and other elements are included in the civil engineering work. Then he started talking about a code-compliant railing, where the spacing between the bars at that height may only be 2cm (approximately 0.8 inches). That was the first time I gave him a strange look.
According to his references and pictures, he has already built a terrace exactly like the one I have in mind. This one is also to be made with different dimensions. Well, what can I say, somehow I didn’t feel comfortable with this person. When I want a consultation, I expect to be advised, not just to hear “we will build whatever you want, as long as you have enough money.”
Additionally, my wife is in contact with an acquaintance who might be able to take our excavated soil and “spread” it on their farmland. I’m curious about the volume and price they would offer to take the soil.
kbt09 schrieb:
A quick question about the 1m (3.3 feet) wide section at the top of the plan... will there be an exit to the property there?
Otherwise, you should definitely plan the railing so that you can add a staircase later on. I think you’ll want one at some point. Not from this side—it would only be accessible via a paved path leading to the kitchen terrace door. The plan was to run the staircase along the carport.
I also have a second appointment with the metalworker now. Price estimate including railing and WPC boards with tongue and groove joint and a small rain drainage starts at 20,000€ net. Now I roughly have all the additional costs. All net prices.
- L-shaped retaining walls for carport 4,500€
- Filling behind retaining walls 800€
- Shaping the corner 400€
- Substructure with gravel for carport 2,200€
- Machine excavation 1,250€
- Excavation removal 13,000€
- Raised terrace 20,000€
- Floor/ceiling of storage room 2,000€
- Plastering basement facade 6,000€
- Attaching insulation 2,000€
- Paving terrace below 2,000€
- Staircase on carport side 2,000€
= Total 67,000€ gross
So, even if we use up our contingency buffer, we’re still short about 20,000€. Plus, we would be out of funds.
After receiving the boundary cuts from the neighbors yesterday, we will likely invest the 27,000€ gross in retaining walls instead of what was previously planned. The situation will look a bit unusual: on the access road, the neighbor’s land is higher than ours, but further into the garden, we will be higher. Since the neighbors plan to keep the slope as it is—3.1m (10.2 feet) drop over 21.5m (70.5 feet)—and we will add 1m (3.3 feet) retaining walls and slope the ground up by another 60cm (2 feet), the extra costs will be our responsibility.
I will discuss everything calmly with the architect on Monday and then we’ll see how to proceed. I now expect to submit the planning application for the detached house within the next three weeks.
...what I still have to note is that none of the acquaintances who agreed to ask farmers about the earth removal have gotten back to me. It’s somewhat disappointing when you urgently need support (just asking promptly), and no one is available. As if it were such a big effort to just make an inquiry.
kbt09 schrieb:
A quick question about the 1m (3.3 ft) wide section at the top of the plan... will there be an exit to the yard there? When you think of a terrace, you usually imagine having coffee or sunbathing; an exit to a kitchen garden is often overlooked.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
[QUOTE="Zaba12, post: 264918, member: 29788if you urgently need help (only ask in time), nobody is there..[/QUOTE]
Hello Zaba12
Get used to it.
Many people are willing to help with talk. When it gets serious, few or none stick around.
My (ex) brother-in-law helped me tremendously. He had the opportunity to get materials at a better price. He drove 240 km (150 miles) to bring the materials, which were dozens of tons, came every Friday for weeks, worked like a maniac until Sunday evening, and then drove back home. That is rather the exception.
Well, over 30 years ago I helped him build his house during three months when I had no work, working every day 8-10 hours. Still, I am infinitely grateful to him.
Steven
Hello Zaba12
Get used to it.
Many people are willing to help with talk. When it gets serious, few or none stick around.
My (ex) brother-in-law helped me tremendously. He had the opportunity to get materials at a better price. He drove 240 km (150 miles) to bring the materials, which were dozens of tons, came every Friday for weeks, worked like a maniac until Sunday evening, and then drove back home. That is rather the exception.
Well, over 30 years ago I helped him build his house during three months when I had no work, working every day 8-10 hours. Still, I am infinitely grateful to him.
Steven
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