Digging a Basement with a Mini Excavator

My last big project of the season, the big dig! It's time to excavate the basement. I saved major money borrowing equipment and digging it myself.
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[@ConstructionFamilyUA]

Interesting video and you! Thanks for sharing!

[@bobbybjornstad201]

You are definitely a perfectionist, am looking forward to the basement build. Happy Holidays from North Dakota.

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Thanks! I lived in Watford City for two years servicing oil rigs. It was an experience for sure!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Awesome job on the basement, Looks good! Don't like the snow! LOL! I live in Florida now!!

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

I could've done without the snow for a couple more days. Winter waits for no one. Thanks for watching!

[@hpw59]

that sure is some neat dirt work👍 thanks for sharing your cost.

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Thanks, I don't mind sharing. I'll share all the costs of the project next year.

[@Rob_Dob_Bob]

Now if only I had those machines, shame that I don't.

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

They aren't my machines. I operate for a living and I'm lucky enough to be able to borrow them. But to be fair, you can rent equipment cheaper than hiring someone to do it for you.

[@grifonks]

Happy Holidays Grumpy! lol!

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Thanks haha, I appreciate it! Happy Holidays to you too.

[@ConstructionFamilyUA]

we also started late autumn and already have foundation. Hope to get AAC blocks for walls next week (it is too much mud on the site now after hard rains)

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Very cool, I've never seen AAC Blocks used around here. I hear the lighter weight is easier on your back. I'm sure I'll think about that as I drag around my big heavy CMU blocks 😆

[@ConstructionFamilyUA]

@@GrumpyToadCreations weight of one fresh AAC block 60x40x20cm up to 30 kilos, so it is not so easy for your back =)) I always use back belt. Btw price of AAC here up to 100usd per 1 cubicle meter (include shipping). As for me, i never used blocks like your. Think that it possible to use similar blocks for front fence. What do you think about it?

[@ConstructionFamilyUA]

@@GrumpyToadCreations weight of one fresh AAC block 60x40x20cm up to 30 kilos, so it is not so easy for your back =)) I always use back belt. Btw price of AAC here up to 100usd per 1 cubicle meter (include shipping). As for me, i never used blocks like your. Think that it possible to use similar blocks for front fence. What do you think about it?

[@flowerstone]

Is there a reason you didn’t firm up and power the walls for the basement? Less chance of leaks and quicker to be done. I priced it here in Oregon and it was less expensive to do concrete. Even with a couple more people helping. Mostly friends. 😊

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

The reason is just that I want to do it myself with no help. I also don't want to build or acquire the forms. It'll be nice to get a good block project under my belt just to get more masonry experience. I'll put a parge coat and a membrane over it, so there shouldn't be any leak points.

[@lilychen8369]

How deep will the basement be?

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

It's an 8' basement wall. 16 inches will be above ground in the back, and 4' of the basement will be above ground in the front.

[@brianwestveer9532]

So why aren't you going with a poured wall

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Only because I can do the blocks myself. I'm trying to do as much of the labor I can to save money. It can be done well if you take your time.

[@randythayer8440]

Too expensive, too much labor.