Backyard excavation

So, we decided we need to remove a load of dirt from the backyard before the block behind us starts building. It costs a lot more if there is no access to where you are excavating.

So, to comply with council we could take 600mm out up to 1metre within each boundary without having any approvals. so this is what we did!

The backyard is not shaped nor complete, but gives a better indication of what it will look like.

Leveled off

No, that's not the start of a retaining wal! They are just there to block the mud when it rains :)
However, this is where the retaining wall will go when we get to that point 

Finally some turf!

Well, only the nature strip but it makes a huge difference.

The front steps are now completed also.

I was only going to do the soil today but decided to leave early for the turf farm and pick up some buffalo to complete the job. Am happy with the results! Also got enough to fill in between our boundary and the neighbours driveway,

Initially I thought I would use 2.25 cubic metres of soil but decided to order 4, and use the rest up the top.. It doesn't go very far! I used all 4 metres on the nature strip.

Had to do some fancy 'grading' to ensure the wall height was below 900mm to satisfy council.. so there is a bit oif a dip into the NBN comms pit.

4 Cubic metres of soil delivered

62 Sq Metres of Buffalo - Pixkup

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Hopefully, next week we can start on the top section!

Front steps oh so close

Almost there! Our landscaper was back to complete the steps today. all that was remaining was the treads and pavers on the landing. Unfortunately, there was a couple of the bullnose pavers missing, so he will be back on Wednesday to lay the final 2 steps.

Oh, and I think I'm gonna need a bigger boat! Picked up the new car on Tuesday.

Landing and final steps built

Our landscaper completed the landing and the final three steps to the patio yesterday. He is coming back this morning to finish the concrete on the landing and then the final step will be the pavers for the step treads and landing which will occur next week sometime when the concrete has set!

More retaining wall :)

More work this week on the stairs, and also had the landscaper push the mound of dirt down to fill behind the blocks that we core filled and backfilled on the weekend. He also started the excavation for the rest of the stairs and laid the footings.

Looking better with the fill pushed back down

Block cores and backfill

Concrete truck arrived just before 8am. Straight in to it.

The backfill ended up a little too wide which meant we ran out of backfill a little early, but we managed to scoop some back up.

Was too busy to get any photos in progress, but this is the end result

Dean and Chris giving a hand

Cores filled

Done. Scraped some back up to increase the height

Big shout out to My FIL who came to give a hand, and neighbours Chris and Dean who seen the work happening and came over to lend a hand. Cheers guys! Beers are on me tonight!

Now, the side walls are going to be a PITA as we cannot get a truck anywhere near to close. Will all have to be carted in by barrow.

Retaining walls awaiting core and backfill

Well that's it. Blocks are laid and awaiting core filling and backfill with no fines concrete.

Engineer is booked for Friday inspection and concrete will arrive 8am Saturday!