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Craig got in touch quickly, gave me a rough estimate over the phone and answered all my questions. Surveyor arrived on time, gave instant quote. Price was good. Michael and (another) Craig turned up to do the job on the day, time given. Good, tidy job. Can't fault anything, from start to finish!! Would recommend!
Mary
George and his team are experienced builders, replaced my front door with a custom frame/sidelights and raising the floor level in the hallway quite quickly - in fact, they were the only who came next day, gave a quote straightaway and were ready to start in just couple of days. They also had all the necessary tools and materials, were ready to buy something additional quickly on the day - if further adjustments were required to fit everything as I asked. Thanks a lot for your help, guys!
Dmitry
Highly recommend. These guys did a fantastic job of constructing our pergola and decking. Very hardworking and reliable. The job was completed in the time frame agreed and to a very high standard. We would 100% use them again.
Holly
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?
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Hi, I do high quality Carpantery work. -Fitting doors -kitchen fitting -wooden floor installation as well as sanding and varnashing -Fitting sash windows
Qamil He constructed our loft conversion, which we more than happy with. He paid attention to detail and followed the drawings by the architect precisely.He was always willing to discuss any issues and communicate his next plans for the ongoing work. As he was hardworking and punctual the work was done to programme. Would highly recommend him and all the sub-contractors that he has used. Tracey and Andy Sparks
Just4U Builders We offer a wide range of home improvement and repair services, including: Painting Carpentry Flooring Plastering Plumbing Handyman Services Feel free to let me know if you'd like more details added or if you'd like me to assist with something else!
came on a sunday even - did a great job
Brandon Green Homes
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
started business as parternership in 2007, we grown our portfolio from 2 houses to 86 units today, we also helped over 100 homeowners and 25 landlords including housing association, we help from a full consultancy package to build yur dreams to even help with leasing to our corporate contacts if you wish to invest. featured on HOMES UNDER THE HAMMER, we pride our selves in job well done, we always make sure we start projects within 2 to 3 weeks from time we agree and we always deliver our projects on time; we make the impossible a luxury and affordable possible while we take all the stress away; BGH combines technical expertise with exceptional customer service, ensuring every client benefits from cutting-edge technologies tailored to their home needs. with industry leading certifications and proven track record, BGH is a top choice for those seeking efficient, reliable and successful renovations We ate fully accredited Offer full guarantees and insurances including insurance backed guarantee and deposit guarantee We are specialist in new build, extensions, heavy refurbs, hmo and luxury conversions
Creative Building Services
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
CREATE BETTER BRANDS LIMITED T/A CBB DESIGN & BUILD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Welcome to HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS & SERVICES (HIPS HOMES) Ltd, where excellence meets integrity. We offer a wide range of construction services, ensuring quality and efficiency in every project. Discover our outstanding reviews and let us help you make hips of SAVINGS on your budget, add VALUE to your property, and enhance your own and or your tenant's COMFORT. #HipsHomes #HomeImprovement #TrustedBuilders #QualityCraftsmanship
Ernest is a very hardworking tradesman. He replaced locks for us.
CTA BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are General Contractors and can undertake renovations/refurbishments as well as newbuild homes or extensions. We have qualified electricians, plumbers and highly carpenters. No job is too big or complicated. The principles of the business have combined experience of over 15 years and we pride ourselves on leaving our customers very happy.
Our company Construction and Renovation work of 25 years. At this time, we have gained a wealth of experience backed by references received from our customers. Cost estimates are free of charge. Professionalism guaranteed.
Greg is a very helpful and professional. Arrived when he said he would and gave sound advice on a very tricky guttering problem.
We have been working at this trade for over 15 years. My company and works people hold a number of different NVQ qualifications such as electrical, engineering, railway engineer, civil engineering. We take customer service very seriously and we ensure to reply as soon as possible when someone contacts us. We also ensure we give a fair deal for a great service in return.
We hired Cani Building Services to replace the front stairs and pathway of our Victorian home with granite pavers in the spring of 2025. When evaluating the builders it was important to us that we found somebody who was professional, reliable, and detail-oriented. Durim offered a competitive quote and promptly started work. ?He completed our job to a high level of quality within a week’s time, and we are very pleased with the outcome. We would absolutely recommend his services to others!
High quality of any work a free quote is given we do any building work from patio driveways drains compete build new fencing plastering plasterboards
We are very pleased with the work carried out by R and J Lubbock. Richard and Dean installed internal wall insulation in a couple of rooms in our house. They turned up on time, carried out the work carefully, and left the rooms clean and tidy at the end of the job. I would not have any problem recommending them.
My name it’s Cris. I am a person with many qualities in handyman.What a handyman means? A handyman, also known as a handyperson or handyworker, is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, are both interior and exterior, and are sometimes described as "side work", "odd jobs" or "fix-up tasks". For me a handyman means the person who helps the people who are in need or not having the necessary training for that thing and at the same time the one who later gives a smile to the people's face. For this, please contact me in any need you have
Initial service was great. But grass that was laid hasn’t last a year with a lot of patches and bits that have died. I watered and cut the grass regularly as I trusted but the grass just hasn’t lasted. Unfortunately, after several requests for help, Christian hasn’t been very responsive and showing no signs of helping.
We are two brothers, that have been in the trade for 10 years both qualified joiners, who undertake all aspects of internal and external bespoke joinery and construction.
Fantastic job , really pleased with the work. Turned up on time , cleaned up . Would definitely recommend and will use them again for any future work
Over the years of being in the construction industry we pride ourselves in effectively carrying complete house renovations ,new kitchens and bathroom installations ,plastering, tilling, plumbing, painting and electrical works, consumer units,complete rewire, inspection and testing,and we Part P Registered under the NICEIC brand.
Sylvester arranged and managed the refitting of my kitchen - plastering, plumbing, cabinets, tiling. Even Replacing joists and floorboards (I had a wood worm problem). We could not be happier with the result and Sylvesters accommodating attitude towards much unexpected/unplanned work all carried out within quoted timeframe. Could not rate him higher! As an electrician he refitted a few of our lights and provided a valid certificate for all work done. Very professional and tidy.
We are a general building and maintenance company. We cover all aspects of building from small maintenance items to full refurbishments, conversions and extensions. We have over 30 years experience and all our operatives are time served tradesmen. We pride ourselves on our quality of work and always price competitively. No job is too difficult and we specialise in structural work, composite walls, dry rot and other challenging jobs which we will execute and resolve at an extremely reasonable cost. We also attach a 'no quibble guarantee' on all our work for your peace of mind. Although we are geared mainly to commercial customers we welcome residential homeowners as well. Please feel free to email me or call me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements with you. We offer free estimates, are fully insured and can provide references if required. Andrew Truby Company Director AVT Building Solutions.
Much care was taken to replicate the original porch - an excellent job.
JJ Walker property development. All trade contractors
Everything done superbly well due to the efforts of Taylor. Kept us advised at all stages of the job. Would recommend unreservedly.
SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD is a family run company with over 10 years of experience in creating high quality loft conversion, Extensions, complete home renovations. We offer a full package from conception through to completion. Our services range from providing you with your architectural drawings, involving buildings regulations and obtaining the necessary planning permissions through to allocating you a construction team and issuing a full guarantee for the completed project. Our loft conversion, Extension architects offer cutting edge design solution and will work closely with you to maximise the space without compromising on quality. They will guide you through the whole process. Catalin will ensure smooth running of the project, being on hand every step of the way making sure projects is delivered on time and most importantly on budget. We’ve perfected the loft conversion, extensions over the years to keep it as simple as possible from start to finish, making sure your aware every step of the way. We offer a 10 years insurance backed guarantee on all major works carries out by SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD all work is fully insured comes with a 10 years workmanship warranty. we carry out all types of building works Loft, Extensions, home renovations, tiling, flooring, plumbing, painting, rendering, brickworks, plastering, carpentry, roofing, steel structural works
The bathroom renovation looks amazing he takes great care and pride in what he’s doing and keeps you updated would definitely recommend him.
we are a construction company based in the north east with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. we have a fully trained time served team of employees who work to the highest of standards. Our speciality is extensions and house refurbishment and we also undertake insurance work i.e. fire, flood and impact damage, with customer satisfaction at the top of our list. we offer a full package, from the foundation excavation to final decoration, meaning we can efficiently complete jobs without waiting for outside tradesmen to turn up. Regards Colin, Mark and the team CAM construction Group ltd
Colin from cam construction was extremely helpful with our quote for potential extension work to a home we were looking to purchase. He made himself available for a specific appointment at the property, gave us some great ideas for what would be possible then fully costed it up, and even accompanied it with a proposed planning drawing. The service we received was extremely professional. We haven't been able to go ahead with the purchase for unforeseen reasons, but would recommend cam thus far.
Welcome to Rothwell Contracts & Rothwell Kitchens Ltd Nottinghamshire based family run businesses
Whoops, sorry, about the last comment about rcl builders, that comment was to another builder.
Linked builders Ltd is a family run buisness, we take great pride in our work. Our work team have experiance of over 20 years in the building trade; giving you great advice and workmanship. Please take a look at our profile! Many Thanks
Avoid these people at all costs, after charging me a ridiculous amount of money to carry out the job he scrimped and saved on everything doing a appalling job and now refuses to rectify his errors and to finish the job. Do NOT have anything to do with them.
General builders
I have been working painter and decorating with 16 years . I'm trustworthy reliable tradesman.I do exterior and inerior painting decorating, plastering I'm honest and hardworking person.my work is always done on time and my price are reasonable
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