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Foundations, underpinning and piling are complex, technical services that require the know-how of specialist groundworkers and engineers. More than any other part of your home, it pays to invest in solid foundations, so find a professional you can trust today.
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Underpinning, piling and foundation construction – Rated People
When it comes to foundations and underpinning, the name tells you everything you need to know about their importance to your home. This specialist groundwork quite literally provides the base your home is built on. And that’s why it’s absolutely vital the professionals you use are experienced experts who know what they’re doing.
The complexity of foundations (and underpinning or piling, if required) depends on the structure you’re building, and the state of the ground your home or plot sits on. Basic foundations involve filling trenches (dug precisely according to plans) with a layer of solid concrete and then building blockwork up to ground level. Alternatively, an entire trench can be filled with concrete to just below ground level before adding damp proof coursing.
Piling is becoming an increasing popular alternative to standard footings or foundations. It involves driving piles into the ground, which are made from steel, concrete or even wood. A ground beam then sits atop the foundation, which your structure can be built on.
Underpinning is required when existing foundations have become defective, and to counter issues like subsidence. The appropriate method will be recommended by an experienced groundwork specialist and potentially a structural engineer too. The standard approach to underpinning involves excavating specific sections below the footing and reinforcing them with concrete. Piling techniques provide an alternative to traditional underpinning and can be used in situations where there’s restricted access. Not only is piling faster than standard underpinning, but it has a higher load capability and less disruption. Those benefits come at a cost though, and you’ll find piling is significantly pricier than standard concrete underpinning.
Cost of foundations, underpinning and piling
It pays to invest in foundations, but quite how much you’ll need to invest depends on the type of foundations you require. Basic foundation laying involves the following steps (excluding site clearance and the setting out of footings):
- Excavation: £7-£10 per sqm
- Laying foundations (concrete and blockwork): £40-£60 per sqm
Piling costs are typically significantly higher than standard foundations – anywhere from 2-3 times more expensive than the concrete and blockwork method.
Similarly, underpinning costs vary according to the issue that needs to be resolved, and the method selected. For mass concrete underpinning you can expect to pay between £1,000-£2,000 per linear metre.
How to build a foundation
Basic foundations follow a fairly simple process. After you’ve consulted a structural engineer and have all the necessary plans approved, the first step is to dig out trenches. Your groundwork professional may recommend a ground survey before any digging begins. This process involves creating trial holes to ensure the foundation method you plan to use is appropriate. With (or without) that survey complete, footings can then be dug to the agreed level.
The next phase involves laying concrete into the base of the trench to at least 250mm in depth. Blockwork is then built up to floor level. This method is called a strip foundation. Alternatively, a technique known as “trenchfill” involves (unsurprisingly) filling the trench with concrete to just below ground level. Both methods are completed with the application of a damp-proof course onto which the ground floor can be installed.
How does piling work
There are three main piling techniques: screw piling, pile and beam, and piled raft.
Screw piling is the simplest piling technique to execute. A small crew of ground-workers can install screw piles and brackets by hand or with the assistance of a small excavator. This method is well-suited to walls and larger structures, when used with supporting brackets. Screw piling offers a number of benefits, including ease of installation, lower costs and reduced environmental impact.
The pile and beam method involves installing mini-piles either side of a wall. Brickwork can then be removed below the affected wall, and a reinforced concrete needle beam inserted to connect the piles. The pile and beam technique is well-suited to homes on smaller plots, or with restricted access. It’s also faster and less messy than traditional mass concrete underpinning and is capable of bearing high loads.
Finally, there’s the piled raft approach. Piled raft foundations are required when an entire building needs to be underpinned, when foundations can’t be accessed or where soil conditions aren’t suitable for any other method. Piles are placed into the ground and needle beams are installed to help bear the load. A ring beam links the needles together and the structure is then filled with concrete.
When does a house need underpinning?
Cracked walls, ceilings or flooring are the tell-tale signs that you may need to have all or part of your home underpinned. Diagonal cracks, or those that reach a quarter of an inch or larger, are classic symptoms of faulty foundations, or problematic ground conditions. More severe warning signs are walls beginning to buckle. Underpinning, either using the mass concrete method or any of the piling techniques outlined above, can help to remedy these problems.
While underpinning is usually associated with foundation problems, it can also be required if you’re planning to add another floor to a building, or if it needs to stand up to increased load-bearing requirements.
The qualifications your foundation, piling or underpinning professional needs
Foundations and piling or underpinning will almost always require the expertise of a structural engineer. They will be able to advise on load bearing considerations, as well as the most appropriate technique to use (taking ground and soil conditions into account). Choose an experienced professional who holds chartered status from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The groundworkers carrying out your excavation work should also be experienced, though they won’t need formal accreditation. A diploma, City and Guilds qualification or evidence of completing an apprenticeship is always helpful, but ultimately you should look for a proven track record of delivering groundwork services to a high standard and complete customer satisfaction.
Planning permission for foundation, piling or underpinning work
How and where you lay foundations will be determined by the planning permission you’ve been granted. This will be decided by your local planning authority, and unless an unforeseen issue crops up you’ll need to stick closely to what you’ve been given permission for.
When it comes to underpinning, you won’t require planning permission to remedy a fault with your foundations. The only exception here is a listed building, which may have certain limitations.
Insurance for foundation, piling or underpinning work
It’s crucial that your professional holds public liability insurance, to cover your property against damage. Such is the importance of this work, most structural engineers will also hold professional indemnity insurance, protecting them in case anything goes wrong with the services they’ve provided.
Questions you should ask your foundation, piling or underpinning professional
- For standard foundations, which method would they use (and why)?
- Will they be using a strip or trenchfill foundation?
- For underpinning, which technique would they advise on (and why)?
- For piling, what is the most cost-effective option available?
- Can they provide a warranty (or do they have professional indemnity insurance) to cover their work?
Family run business. Have been a bricklayer for 30 years and now my son has followed in my foot steps. I have always been proud of my work especially conservation. I have recently joined rated people because I have had enough of the site work and feel its time to slow down and offer my experience to private work. I have done private work in the past and always ensured works were completed on time,at a reasonable rate and took pride in my work. I am a registered company and can be found on company house. I can supply my registration number for any checks.
Excellent work. Highly recommend
With an esteemed 15-year tenure in construction, I offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to elevate your residential spaces to unprecedented levels of sophistication and functionality. Specializing in block paving, loft conversions, spotlights, and painting and decorating, I blend technical prowess with creative vision to bring your ideas to life. From meticulously executed projects to innovative design concepts, trust in my commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client satisfaction to exceed your expectations at every turn. Experience the assurance of quality and the promise of transformative excellence as you embark on your journey with me, your trusted partner in crafting spaces that epitomize luxury, comfort, and timeless elegance. We specialise in- -drive way/patio installs and or jet wash & reseal -interior decorations -plumbing works -hard flooring -loft conversions. And a range of other things.
The guys were great,did what was required,all done in a day. Thumbs-up all round
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Fortune Construction was funded in 2005 by CEO Zygmunt. In 2014 the CEO partnered with Anna to implement the business on providing a stronger customer-focused approach, services and a constant quest for top-class quality, which has enable the company to sustain leadership in its major line of business. Fortune Construction is based in South London but works all around London on general building and refurbishing.
Thanks for installing the shelves so quickly for us - we are delighted with the results!
I have been established for 13 years and cover all aspects of building. We specialise in extensions from footings to completion. We have extensive experience in structural steel work and jobs that are potentially difficult due to limited space. We have completed work for new customers to view and by contacting us we can arrange the nearest job for you to view. We cover all of Essex and are also happy to travel to London and Kent.
Graham and his lads were great. Would highly recommend for your building works. Was always open book about costs and plan of action, spoke on the phone regularly and was always easy to get hold of to give you that piece of mind. Full kitchen extension 5m x 3m from start to finish. Trusted with access to the property and never had any issues.
CH constServices takes great pride in the work we do and the competitive prices we offer. We are always aiming to make sure our customers are satisfied and that they return to us. We are fully guaranteed on any job we do and willing to work any size job.
Very pleased with the finished results of our flat renovation.
A professional team of bricklayers and extension shell builders. With over 15 years experience in building extensions and contract bricklaying. An honest approachable firm with full liability insurance for your peace of mind.
Russell did a lovely job replacing my garden wall. He was meticulously thorough and the wall is beautifully finished. I am very pleased with his work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
Hi My name is Conor and i am a member of the chartered institute of builders which is the highest accolade achievable within the industry, I also have an nvq 6 in construction which is the equivalent to a masters degree. We are a well established company since 1999 and have a vast experience in painting and decorating, kitchen fitting, bathroom fitting and building refurbishment, roofing, listed building refurbishment, reactive maintenance loft conversions and extensions. We guarantee you the utmost service as can be verified by our previous clients testimonials We offer a one point of call for all trades for domestic and commercial customers .We previously completed painting/decorating , kitchen fitting , bathroom fitting and refurbishment works to listed buildings, schools, Universities ,hotels, restaurants , pubs, Hospitals, shops, nursing homes along with many prestigious new builds, bcp contracts and private works. We provide a 1 point of contact, complete service with all our other trades if required. Resulting in the client only having to deal with one person, who project manages the team throughout the course of the works. We also provide a kitchen/bathroom fitting service ,and a reactive maintenance package for landlords and commercial customers and have a vast portfolio having completed over 500 projects.
Emerald Builders removed old carport roof & replaced with new. Courteous & competent staff, left tidy site & did a grand job extending the life of the car port, thank you.
We are a family firm and have been established for forty years. All aspects of building, all your needs under one roof. Free estimates and a very friendly service
Absolutely perfect job, discussed, what need to be done, brain stormed, best way to do job, floating floor best option, discussed price, booked job, for 3 weeks later. Very professional, good price, did job, cleaned away rubbish, absolutely perfect experience
started buisness in 2008 after 24 years employed on site for 3 construction companies we specialise in extensions new builds loft conversions garage conversions refurbs and renovations timber frames all building trades in house from groundworks to finished product ,city and guilds qualified citb registered your one stop company
Exceptional service - clean and quality job at a very competitive price. I totally recommend these guys.
I have been in rhe building trade for over 45 years as carpenter/joiner, foreman carpenter and site manager until i branch out in building extensions/ loft and garage conversions, refurbs ect. Since 1986.
Robert and his team were excellent. Work done to a great standard
i have been a self employed builder since 1997 i have one employed labourer but i am able to get all trades as i do extentions, my main work is roofing but am also a good general builder, i am based in stockport but have worked all around greater manchester
Hi I have been in the building trade for over 25 years I have run my own business for 15 years I am very honest and totally reliable as my rating will prove .
The gentleman that came worked really hard to get it finished. He made a good job of it despite the poor instructors. So grateful for what he did.
A small local firm able to react to customers requirements for small to medium size works of any type.
Great service and communication from the very start. Very experienced builder, and did an excellent job, Thank you Ken and Anthony, I have no hesitations about using you again.
We are a family-owned specialist craftsmen firm with many years experience looking after homes and properties; Design, Build, Improving, Renovating and Maintaining.
I highly recommend this company. Russ was very flexible and easy to work with, provided very high quality work at a rapid pace with the final invoice being exactly what we were quoted whilst working to a tight budget. Highly recommend for anyone wanting quality work done with ease.
"I have gained a reputation for quality and service to the highest standards. My main objectives are always to achieve client satisfaction within time constraints and budget whilst retaining a personal service" Anthony Honey
This summer Anthony to carried out some much needed repair works to our house. We found Anthony to be a very polite, dedicated, professional, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic builder. I can not praise Anthony enough for his commitment to the job, he was a pleasure to work with and I would most definitely employ Anthony again and would thoroughly recommend him to anyone seeking the service of a general builder.
I’ve been plastering for 35 years with vast experience in all aspects of traditional plastering
R&D CONSTRUCTION IS A PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND BUILDING COMPANY SPECIALISING IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, ALSO A WIDE RANGE OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENTS AND REFURBISHMENTS. We Carry out all type of construction and to us no job is a small job and by that we mean we would be happy to take your various jobs in our hands. We provide the following list of the building services: New Build Property Refurbishment Loft Conversion House Extensions Flat Conversion Driveway & Patio Bricklaying & Re-pointing Kitchen & Bathroom Roofing & Guttering Plastering & Tiling Carpentry & Joinery Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Electrical Central Heating & Under Floor Heating Design We believe a great design is simple and not only how it feels or looks but also how it works. We provide Architectural and Interior Design and Engineering Services: Initial Concept Design Basic Drawings for Planning Application & Application Management Existing & Proposed Floor Plans, Elevations and Sections Site Plans and Block Plans (OS map/ Location Plan) Detailed Architectural Design 3D Concept and Visualisation Design Interior Furnishing, Materials & Fabrics Lighting Design Bills of Quantities (BOQ) 3D Interior Visualisation Design 3D Interior Visualisation Design Building Control package Drawings & Application Management
Great guy,he knew exactly what the problem was, completed the whole job in one visit.
30 years of practice in construction. Building education
An excellent job, professionally and tidily completed. Would recommend him to anyone.
Davall construction have vast experience in all areas of construction and building maintenance. we deliver a quality service every time , with customer focus from concept to completion
Good price and completed the job quickly to good quality. Highly recommended.
We offer the complete peace of mind to our clients requirements. Working hand in hand with the project management. We have been doing this for years and years, thats why we are good at it.
Entirely trustworthy, reliable and excellent value. We would not hesitate to recommend Kevic Construction for any building requirements. A pleasure to deal with.
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