How To Set Out For Building an Extension

This extension project is a series following the build of a side and rear extension on a semi-detached house. In the first instalment, Roger provides an overview of the project and explains the setting-out process.

Setting out footings for an extension

“It’s very important when you’re building anything that you set things out correctly because if you get it wrong at the setting out stage it has implications throughout the job.

“In other words, if you start right; you finish right".

“It doesn’t matter if you spend a day setting out footings for an extension, this is an investment.

“This setting out stage is not the line of the brickwork – that can be done at a later stage using a laser level, this stage of setting out footings for an extension focuses on working out the line of the brickwork – in other words where it is going to be and how far away from the existing building so we can get it in an absolutely straight line.

“Start by taking a couple of battons and work out where the extreme edge of the brickwork might be but use something more substantial for the cross piece to avoid rocking because if it rocks even slightly you could throw your brick line off.”

“Take the drawing and work out how far away from the building the line needs to be and stick a skrew into the form at this spot. We know that the brickwork is 300mm overall: 100mm for brickwork, 100mm for cavity and another 100mm for brickwork so we can also mark the inside edge of the wall on our cross piece.

“Repeat this step at the other end. Run a line in between the skrews at the outer edge of each forms. Then run the inside line; the lines should then be parallel and the same distance off the building – if they are not it is possible the building is not straight in itself.

“The next thing we do is mix up some mortar, slap it onto the foundation and take our spirit level, line it up and mark it off at the bottom.

“We can then begin to put the corners up on either end of the building and then get the laser level and level through and then run the brickwork between the two corners laying to the line.”

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[trentflooring]

Ive seen your face a few times roger, but im hooked in watching all the videos now, im doing my own extension and when i get stuck im gonna ask people i know and if need to hire someone in, i will do. what made me write this comment was the part "if it takes a day to mark it out, its an investment" and thats the best attitude!, We've always kept this attitude, shot myself in the foot plenty of times each time its a learning curve.

[johnbullock]

hi I could listen to roger all day, and the bricklayer Mark; the way he lays his mortar bed is amazing!

[andrewfleet]

Without this video (and the whole series) I would never had realised the great skill and ingenuity that builders.

In all my years of working in an office, I never met anyone who had mastered their profession as fully as Roger knows his.

[johnbullock]

Being off work I have just discovered these videos and I`ve found them so absorbing, and so well presented as other people have commented.

[allmostmedieval]

well done on another really helpful vid.
im doing all the groundwork and prep/foundations by myself with a shovel
(no diggers will be harmed in the digging of these foundations) as I need a to save a ton of money to
complete my build your videos are the best well done and thanks again!

[JamesOStanworth-Wang]

Thanks. Nice straightforward and clear introduction.

[nate]

This guy is an inspiration. I like his passion and knowledge is second to none. Would love to shadow a man like this.

[MrMagsimus]

Hi I’ve been watching your videos and they are fantastic. The way you present them is 👍 great, thank you very much for giving us DIY people the information and confidence needed, cheers pal 👍👍

[webber]

Take time setting out. Best advice ever

[gerryduggan]

Ive also being i the building line
For years but it's true we learn all the time, Well done mate very well explained Thank you brill vid

[redcmdr]

Such clear concise and practical advice, Brilliant. Thanks

[tsp]

Thank God for a construction video that does not use only feet and inches in its explanation

[PizzeyTechnology]

Nice video. It's great to see some British building!

[allansmith]

great down to earth teacher, i could work with thank's for the confidence.

[Shukovsky]

Top stuff, apprentice electrician, thanks for showing us the setting out mate, I’ll keep up with the extension

[ThePeriquito]

GREAT STUFF YOU ARE THE BEST...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[CheckFred]

Yeh .... I started at #10 and worked backwards suitably Impressed, I have to say. Spent my working life on mainly sites, (perhaps 20% extensions), nice job all the way through :-)

[brizercorbz]

Been doing this for years but still learning all the skills great job

[darrenwebtser]

Gonna try this with my own extension. Thanks.

[fixedoddsbetting]

These videos are great 👍 just great. A god send.