Remove and compact pond

Hello Findus

I am of the opinion that a house without a basement is not a "real" house. And if half of the earthworks have already been done, why fill in and not plan a basement right away? Of course, a basement costs more than filling in. But a basement can be used purposefully. Steven

I also belong to the basement supporters; I don’t even know where basementless contemporaries store their diving/surfing/skiing/whatever sports equipment. Then you might also have hobbies, books, record collections, tools & household replacement items. Wine, various accessories, children’s/grandchildren’s/guest stuff; dog pool, baby pool, garden furniture, roof boxes, camping equipment.... And NO I don’t have EVERYTHING listed there ...

well, the pond is only 1.80 meters deep in the middle - it will just be a proper natural pond... I would first put it in the classifieds so that people can pick up aquatic plants and possibly animals for relocation - save as much life as possible (I just have a green heart). Then drain the water, remove the liner, and then have it built without a basement. For the foundation, they will dig at least trenches anyway, so you can backfill the small 1.80-meter part on that area.

Is there a soil report?

and houses without basements are also very livable. Tools, wine, pool, garden and car stuff belong in the garage; I won't build an expensive basement for that. You can easily store the rest inside the house; if not, you have too much stuff. The only exception: building on a slope, then of course with a basement.

Do I understand correctly that the pond is located on a spot on the property where the house will now be built? Then proceed as follows:

[*]Decide whether a basement is desired (not based on financial aspects, but on preference). [*]Have the excavation contractor propose a solution [*]Request an alternative solution from another company [*]Decide who gets the contract

It would be nonsense to build a basement if you don't want one, just because there is already a hole and the unwanted basement seems like a bargain.