What drainage requirements on side of house?

[wearingshoesinv]

Hi there,

I want to transform the side of my house (see first pic) into a blue stone paver area with dichondra ground cover (see second pic for info).

Currently, my plan was to put top soil down and place the pavers as normal.

1. Water never pools there, but is there anything I need to do to make sure it's safe for plants? When I dig a hole into the dirt there is the slab foundation that seems to slope outwards from the slab towards the fence. I'm guessing this is on purpose to assist with drainage away from the house?

2. I'm not sure about soil against the bricks? It seems in the second picture they have done soil directly against the render of the house? So is it OK?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[wearingshoesinv]

Thanks Dave for jumping in on this.

So soil on top of this foundation is ok? It seems to be slanted towards the fence line so water would not pool.

Also, is using a shovel to dig it ok?

No chance of compromising it?

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @wearingshoesinv 

Ahhhhh I have had a fair go with a sledgie at foundations over the yeras..... Yeah I always loose and the foundation is solid as So no issues with a shovel

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @wearingshoesinv 

It's perfectly ok to use a shovel on your foundation, it's solid concrete and the only way to damage it is to use a jack hammer. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[wearingshoesinv]

Thanks all you have been tremendously helpful. 

As the foundation seems quite low, I will need my soil to sit slightly above it against the brick. Is this ok? I don't see any other option 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @wearingshoesinv 

A little soil shouldnt be a problem, tho I wouldnt make it deeper then a bricks height.

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @wearingshoesinv 

That's an excellent suggestion from @Dave-1. I suggest using a builder's line to give yourself a guide, so you know exactly where to stop.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric