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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?
SAS RESOLVE LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
GETTING YOUR PROPERTY REPAIRED IS OUR NO.1 PRIORITY. We are Concept Claims Solutions Buckinghamshire. An end to end project management service to return residential and commercial premises back to their pre-loss condition following our tried and tested processes and systems. With over 20 years of experience; Our system allows the complete cradle to grave management of both a property insurance claim and private renovation job from first notification through to settlement. As Principle Contractors, we undertake all aspects of property repair, rectification and renovation. SAS Resolve Ltd trading as Concept Claims Solutions (North Bucks) is an Appointed Representative of Citrus Compliance. Citrus Compliance is a trading name of Andrew Smith which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Concept Claim Solutions (North Bucks) is a franchise owned and operated under license, with a registered name of SAS Resolve Ltd. Registered Address: Jubilee House, East Beach, Lytham St.Annes, Lancashire, United Kingdom, FY8 5FT. Registered in England. Please note that photos are for illustration purposes only.
we repair all roofs all roof we also do all ? building work also damp proofing ?? all work comes fully guaranteed
Very thorough. Pointed out a few other problems and was very flexible with the price. Friendly and very chatty guy
I am based out of Gloucester, but willing to travel to surrounding cities. I am extremely confident in my skill set. When it comes this trade, nothing beats the experience I have.
Decided not to proceed as the cost seemed excessive.
Neil Chamberlain Property Services
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Neil Chamberlain Neil has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, where he has gained a comprehensive level of knowledge and a thorough and in-depth understanding of most trades and skills. Neil commenced his career in construction as a sub-contractor building loft conversions, primarily in West London, and was awarded by The Federation of Master Builders for an exceptional conversion in Wimbledon. Neils recognised high standard of work has secured many diverse construction projects, including the substantial renovation of Period Houses, including listed buildings, single and double storey extensions, detached new build projects, an award winning Chelsea landscaping and garden design, as well as commercial buildings. Neil has worked as part of a team, as a main contractor and has also project managed all elements required in completing building projects large and small successfully. Property Service, (NPS) is a family owned and run business, bringing an extensive level of ability to benefit our clients projects. Whether you require property maintenance or are planning something more substantial our team will assess your requirements and put in place a tailored package for you, from an appropriately detailed quotation on smaller projects, to an all encompassing design and build service, including - planning, building control and a detailed costed schedule of works, we have the experience and background to meet your requirements.
Sinevir Construction is your trusted partner in construction with over 15 years of experience. We offer a full range of services, including plumbing, tiling, bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, bathroom installations, and building homes from the ground up. We guarantee high quality, adherence to standards, and timely project completion. Our team of professionals uses the best materials and advanced technologies to ensure durability and reliability. We also provide competitive prices, offering an excellent balance of quality and cost. We value open collaboration and consider all your preferences at every stage of the project. Clients choose us for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to quality. With Sinevir Construction, your construction dreams become reality, backed by superior results and the best fair pricing.
Very pleased with the work done by Sinevir. I hired them to build a reinforced foundation for an extension, and everything was completed to a high standard. They worked carefully, met deadlines, and used quality materials. It’s clear they know their job well. The foundation is strong and reliable. Thanks for the professional approach!
Family company who started trading in 2013 .Our mission is to impact lives, offer our greatest services and advice to homeowners and to develop ongoing relationship for the future. In an ever more tough environment which is governed by the big companies we still believe that developing a good relationship with people is paramount. We always give 100% in order to deliver big or small projects on time with a great sense of duty and responsibility. This being said we are here to offer out our five star services to you in a way that we would like any business regardless of their domain to provide . Many thanks and God bless you. Tudor
I cannot recommend this company highly enough. Tudor & Darius did a brilliant job re-decorating my 2 bed flat, moving furniture around as needed without any fuss. They work quickly and meticulously neatly & cleanly. Tudor gave good advice on what type of paint to use on my woodwork, I didn't want it to look too shiny so chose eggshell. Whilst here they also sanded and re-hung my front door to prevent it from sticking. I would definitely use them again.
We are specialised in Kitchen, bathrooms and all type of furniture instalation. We are team of handyman, plumer, electrician and carpenter.
Excellent Kitchen Tiling! Peter did an amazing job! Professional, friendly, and efficient, he completed the work quickly. The pricing was fair, and he kept everything clean throughout. Highly recommend for quality tiling!
Here at Hollands contractors we are a family run groundwork and surfacing company, with 10 years experience and expert knowledge. We offer a free site survey and quote. We can help you with all your groundwork and surfacing needs from site clearances and excavations to patios and tarmacing. At Hollands contractors we always strive to go above and beyond our customers expectations, to ensure that they receive the best possible service. Based in Wallington but cover the whole of south London and south east We our insured up to 10 million pounds public liability.
Hollands Contractors were great, easy to deal with and acted professionally throughout. Job was probably not a standard one but chatting through with Kieren what was required on initial site visit , the estimate was fair and arrived promptly . Through to start date Kieren also kept in contact which was appreciated. Job was completed within agreed time frame and to the expected standard. Kieren arrived on time each day and worked hard and would happily recommend.
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
Maidtowork: Transforming Spaces, Inside and Out At Maidtowork, we take pride in our journey from a trusted cleaning service to a comprehensive solution for all your interior and exterior needs. What started as a humble cleaning company has evolved into a multifaceted team catering to a diverse range of customer requests. Our Services: Cleaning Excellence: Our roots lie in providing top-notch cleaning services. Our experienced team ensures that your interiors gleam with cleanliness and hygiene. Garden Oasis: Responding to the demands of our valued customers, we've expanded our services to include garden clearance and restoration. From planting and re-turfing to seeding, paving, and building sheds and fences, we transform your outdoor spaces into thriving havens. Interior Mastery: Beyond cleaning, we specialize in refurbishments, new construction projects, and enhancing key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring. Whether it's a complete overhaul or a targeted improvement, we bring a decade of expertise to every project. Why Choose Maidtowork? Comprehensive Expertise: Our diversified range of services reflects our commitment to meeting your every need, both inside and outside your home or workplace. Experienced Team: With a seasoned team of seven professionals, Maidtowork brings over a decade of collective experience to ensure the highest quality in every project we undertake. Customer-Centric Approach: Customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind our expansion. We listen to your needs and tailor our services to exceed your expectations. Reliable and Trustworthy: Maidtowork has earned a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. You can count on us to deliver exceptional results, consistently. Transform your living and working spaces with Maidtowork — where expertise meets excellence, and your satisfaction is our priority. Inside or outside, we've got you covered!
DX Construction ltd is a building company based in sheffield south yorkshire with Experienced and qualified builders With over 11 years experience in the trade we pride ourselves on perfection & 5 STAR quality. We have the skills, knowledge and creativity to solve your site specific problems. References available. Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service We cover following areas: - Sheffield - Rotherham - Doncaster - Chesterfield - and other surrounding areas SERVICES WE PROVIDE 1 Extension 2 Loft conversions 3 Refurbishments & full house renovation 4 Roofing 5 Chimney removal 6 Landscaping and garden work 7 Carpentry & joinery 8 Kitchen & bathroom fitting 9 Electrical & plumbing Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service
Andrea and his team were excellent. He is very reliable, efficient and hard working. He made a very challenging job look easy and did some extra things for me that weren’t included in the quote, without charging extra. He got back to me quickly and the whole job took less than 2 weeks from me posting to completion. I would definitely recommend this company and I’m sure I will ask him to do other jobs for me.
the owner of j and I roofing . I have been in the roofing trade since learning of my grandfather as a young boy first climbing ladders I am a dedicated precise and trustworthy tradesmen with a group of five men working for me all polite with a great work ethic. I started my company back in 2015 and have been persistent with my jobs with customer satisfaction always kept at a high standard.
Bla
K1 Building and electrical is fully experienced building company supplying the full range of building sevices . We aim to give the highest standard of work we can to every customer . As a long standing building company we have made some great partnerships with othe trades and we can now offer the full building package with K1 taking care of the management so we can get the project finished with out all the hassle of you the client looking for separate trades. We have now completed a full range of building projects and can supply loads of references and photos. We look foward to completing your project to our highest standards.
Kaz was great. He understood what I wanted when other people who quoted just didn't understand or said it wasn't possible. I'm super happy with the kitchen, he did a great job.
Luke Taylor Construction
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success!!! All jobs require the highest level of effort and attention to detail, my belief is every customer deserves the service I would expect for myself. I can offer professional advice and assistance to the keen DIY’er or self builder. Alternatively, I can take on and complete your home improvement projects. No job too big or small. Exterior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting •Patios & Decking •Driveways •Fencing •Drainage •Sheds and bases •Raised planters •Landscaping •Garden clearance •Demolition work •All small jobs including garden furniture assembly Interior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting and decorating •carpentry work •Light fittings and socket replacement •Flooring, skirting boards, door hanging & architraves •Blinds and curtain poles •Shelving and wall mounted TV’s •Bespoke built in wardrobes & media walls •Wooden furniture Repairs •Furniture and flat pack assembly I have the experience and knowledge to deliver most home projects. All jobs considered
Acob projects
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Acob Projects Limited offers a wide range of services from house extensions to new builds, refurbishments, outbuildings and conversions. Whether the project is big or small we pride ourselves on producing outstanding quality while building and maintaining great customer relationships. If you plan to carry out house renovation to give your home a new lease of life or to build your dream home, Acob Projects Limited comes with innovative ideas and a highly skilled team ready to make your dream reality.
Rolly
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
NICEIC approved and fully insured electrical contractors covering all of London. Welcome to the world of Bennet Baldwin Ltd. We are the premium choice in emergency electrical work, offering our expertise and service to keep your home and business safe. Our team of professional and reliable contractors are available 24/7 to attend to all kinds of emergency electrical repairs and issues. Whether it’s fixing a faulty circuit or replacing your old fuse board, you can count on us to deliver the highest quality work at competitive prices. With the best materials, a comprehensive guarantee and full customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that you will get the perfect solution for your electrical needs. We understand that emergencies can occur anytime and we take pride in offering a fast and efficient response to ensure your safety and comfort. Our experienced electricians know exactly what needs to be done and are always prepared for any challenge. With the latest technology and top of the line safety equipment, no job is too big or small for us. At Bennet Baldwin Ltd, we strive to provide excellent customer service and value for money. With a free quote and free consultation service, you can be sure that you will get the best solution for your electrical requirements. Make the right choice with Bennet Baldwin Ltd . Put your mind at ease and get in touch with us today!
Quotes shared timely, good communication and excellent work done in under a week. Will certainly use their services again if needed. Recommended.
Over 20 years of experience in commercial and domestic construction projects.
Excellent work. Friendly and meticulous. We will use Artur again if we need him. It was a big job but very well executed. We had a complete new kitchen installed including new flooring.
My name’s is John and I’m the owner of EAGLE SERVICE company. EAGLE SERVICE is a Property Maintenance Company based in Bournemouth,providing all aspects of maintenance and offering a friendly, reliable and honest service. I have worked in the building & property maintenance sector for the last 18years, dealing with most household jobs from the minor (electric,plumbing,carpentry ) to complete renovation of flats and houses. If it's a job that you can't do yourself or need advice don't hesitate to get in touch with me!!
Excellent communication and work!Took the time to explain potential problems and solutions before taking the job. Spent a lot of time helping us decide on what we wanted, organised ordering everything and even offered to be there when they were delivered. Most impressively for me was he was able to organise the whole job via messages at unusual times due to me being a shift worker and even worked weekends to limit the interruption in my life! Probably the best tradesman I've ever used! HIGHLY RECOMMEND????
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