Kennel Move/Build - Ground Preparation

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

I'm hoping someone with a bit of building/groundwork knowledge can help out with a few suggestions for me.

 

Basically, this is the top of my garden now...

 

 

The raised section where the dog kennels are now is approx 28' x 12' and the raised sloping section beyond that where the weeds are growing is 28' x 5'.

 

Now my plan is to make use of that wasted sloping weed area by moving the small wall 4' towards the house so that the sloping section is now 28' x 9' and the flat section where the dogs are is 28' x 8'.

 

I will then flatten the ground and make the 28' x 9' into a concrete base to put the dog kennels on (going to have 3 Galv Runs with kennels inside and get rid of the wooden kennel and run) and also put a 8' x 6' shed on there for kids stuff and gardening stuff etc.

 

My main concern is what to do with the fencing at the back, the ground behind it is level with the top of the sloping bit, if i flatten the sloping bit then the fence will need dropping down, then the ground behind will be on the fencing.

 

Do I need to get longer posts? Or knock the posts in 2' more, get another gravel board so there is 2' of gravel boards and then take 2' off the top of the fencing?

 

What would you lads suggest?

 

Cheers

 

Gaz

[paulus 26]

possibly dig out the raised section, put 9 foot slotted posts in and build up with gravel boards untill level with the gound behind, then slot in whatever height fence pannel is need , if that makes sense.

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

Thanks mate.

 

Just been out to have a dig and a measure up.

 

If I increased the step up to double what it is now then that would only mean digging down 6-8" and fence could stay where it is.

 

Does anyone know what them bricks are called?

 

They are 36" x 10" x 5" approx. Cant find them for love nor money.

 

Cheers

 

Gaz

 

[Chid 6,794]

you on about the kerbstones that surround the kennels?

[R.A.W 1,987]

concrete blocks?

[paulus 26]

Thanks mate.

 

Just been out to have a dig and a measure up.

 

If I increased the step up to double what it is now then that would only mean digging down 6-8" and fence could stay where it is.

 

Does anyone know what them bricks are called?

 

They are 36" x 10" x 5" approx. Cant find them for love nor money.

 

Cheers

 

Gaz

use old railway sleepers

[Chid 6,794]

concrete blocks?

dont think theyd be concrete blocks at 3ft long ....

without a better picture im sure there kerbstones

[skycat 6,174]

Just a small thing, but I think the lurcher would be happier if she could see a bit of the outside world, rather than just the other dog's run. If she spends most of her time in the kennel while you are at work, being able to see the birds flying past, and the garden, will give her a more relaxing life than staring at the bars of the other kennel. I don't know which way South is in your garden, but it is good to let dogs get the sun on their backs, so South facing is best, providing the dog can get into shade in the summer when it is hot.

[R.A.W 1,987]

concrete blocks?

dont think theyd be concrete blocks at 3ft long ....

without a better picture im sure there kerbstones

 

I think you can get them made to that size if you need enough.

[Tiny 7 1,694]

If i was you and your going too go too all that trouble, Id build a full size shed block built and have the dogs run and kennel in that.Own pens drains ect ect ect a work area for you too sort game out with hot cold water freezer space , And a good lump of it for the family garden stuff ect, Maybe do the out side like a wood cabin or what ever?

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

Just a small thing, but I think the lurcher would be happier if she could see a bit of the outside world, rather than just the other dog's run. If she spends most of her time in the kennel while you are at work, being able to see the birds flying past, and the garden, will give her a more relaxing life than staring at the bars of the other kennel. I don't know which way South is in your garden, but it is good to let dogs get the sun on their backs, so South facing is best, providing the dog can get into shade in the summer when it is hot.

 

Youre spot on Penny and south facing is the way that the terrier is now. As soon as ive flattened that ground at the top and sorted out what im doing with it I will install drains and a concrete base and build my kennels on there - all south facing.

 

Im hoping to be finished in 6-8 weeks.

 

Cheers

 

Gaz

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

you on about the kerbstones that surround the kennels?

 

Yes mate I was. They are in fact called Kerb Stones ive just found out

 

Now just need to find some

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

If i was you and your going too go too all that trouble, Id build a full size shed block built and have the dogs run and kennel in that.Own pens drains ect ect ect a work area for you too sort game out with hot cold water freezer space , And a good lump of it for the family garden stuff ect, Maybe do the out side like a wood cabin or what ever?

 

I was going to have brick built kennels mate. Weighed up loads of pros and cons.

 

I accidentally stumbled across the Galv Bar Panels last week when I had to split my lurcher and terrier up and i really like them. They look smart, even better with galvanised roof and the dogs have got a decent run area and a cosy wooden box to kip in.

 

I have got a double garage to the right of the kennels which is my "man building"

 

In there I've got a fridge, freezer, sink, running water etc for preparing dogs food etc. Butchers block for skinning and gutting.

 

Im hoping to move the terriers 2m x 1m on to the new raised platform and build an additional 2 runs of 2m x 2m for my lurcher and a spare

 

Cheers

 

Gaz

[Guest cookiemonsterandmerlin]

If your going to move that bank under the fence your going to need to make a good quality retaining wall to hold back the soil behind your fence.

 

Then becasue the 8 foot concrete H posts will be 8 foot long you have to kango hammer out the old post and put 10 maybe 11 foot H posts the worst thing it looks from the picture that the fence pannels cross into next door land .

 

It sounds like the cost and hassle will out weigh the gain IMHO if you do it get a local 360 degree mini digger driver in and have the soil grab away.

 

Kerbstones laying is two man job and is alot harder than it looks

 

ATB Cookie

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

If your going to move that bank under the fence your going to need to make a good quality retaining wall to hold back the soil behind your fence.

 

Then becasue the 8 foot concrete H posts will be 8 foot long you have to kango hammer out the old post and put 10 maybe 11 foot H posts the worst thing it looks from the picture that the fence pannels cross into next door land .

 

It sounds like the cost and hassle will out weigh the gain IMHO if you do it get a local 360 degree mini digger driver in and have the soil grab away.

 

Kerbstones laying is two man job and is alot harder than it looks

 

ATB Cookie

 

Thanks for the advice mate.

 

I have decided to move the first line of kerbstones that you see in the picture (between the grass and the dogs) and put them on top of the line at the back (between the dogs and mound of land). This will give me a 20" or so step up and HOPEFULLY i wont have to shift too much of the mounded up soil etc and wont have to move the fence.

 

AS you rightly say, the fence is ajoined to the neighbours and it would be a hassle replacing all of the posts and panels and building retaining wall etc just to gain 5' of land turning the 43' garden into 48' - negligable gain really.

 

However if i can get away with not having to move the fence and just move the kerbstones then i dont mind that, couple of weekends work for me and my mate.

 

I will then repace the stolen kerbstones from between the grass area and the dogs with railway sleepers - cheap and should look ok.

 

Cheers

 

Gaz