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Building Homes or Extensions/Buying a property in an Oldd Chalk pit(Quarry) in Kent

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Expert: - 11/15/2007


Question
Dear Bruce,
I am currently thinking of buying a new property in a new development in Medway Gate near Rochester in Kent. I have been told that the new development is set in an old chalk pit(quarry) and was wondering if you can tell me the major disadvantages of buying this type of property before I throw money down the drains.
Many Thanks.

Answer
Hi Valentina,
Not sure if this question is for myself or Bruce.

Anyway i'll answer it.
As long as your happy with the location then I wouldnt be worried.
Nowdays when land is being checked for building it is investigated  thoughrely by Construction labratories doing bore holes and soil investigation tests.
Once the results are obtained they are anylysed and a foundation design is calculated and developed.
This can be ground improvement, such as piling or cementious grouting or rafted foundation techniques.
Once this is designed then construction can proceed.
I am quite sure if its a reputable builder your purchasing from you can ask to see these details and documents.
As its a chalk pit I would ask for Geological reports as well .
Hope this helps.

Regard's
Bill  

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Questions on UK construction from Setting out Projects through to completion. Mainly concreting ,drainage ,bricklaying, masonry,carpentry and decorating,plaster work ,render/roughcasting.From new build construction to historical restoration, renovation. How to set out ,levelling and survey matters.

Experience

Timeserved bricklayer , developing to Construction Site Manager and Educated to Site Engineer. Having been in the Industry for 35 years carrying out all types of general construction . renovation and historical renovation and remedial works.Now mainly on luxury dwellings to the value of £2M. Having been self employed and advising main Contractors and Developers through Construction phases and managing the works from concept to completion.Having a broad spectrum of experience.

Education/Credentials
Scottish Apprenticeship in the crat of bricklaying. Scottish Construction Industry Site Managers Site Civil Engineering Construction and Surveying Set out. Scottish Civil Engineering Analysis of Concrete and Mortar Asbestos encountering. Scaffolding Inspectors Certification Planning, Programming and Management

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