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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?
JBS HOME IMPROVEMENTS LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
At JBS Home Improvements Ltd, we pride ourselves in completing work to a high standard and stylish finish. We are regularly praised by our customers for our communication throughout projects and our employee's excellent manner with customers. All of our team are uniformed, insured and drive sign-written vans. We employ a team of highly skilled, experienced and local tradesmen for each trade. This means that we don't subcontract; so you know exactly who is going to arrive at your home each day. We specialise in being able to project manage your build, from the initial planning and designing stage, right through to completion and the final coat of paint. All of our work is guaranteed with our own 25 year JBS Home Improvements Guarantee. As Registered FreeFoam Installers, we also offer a 50 Year Manufacturer Backed Guarantee. So you can rest assured, you're in good hands with the professionals.
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I have been in the construction industry for over twenty years self employed and before that employed by others. I pride myself in giving good solid advice as well as producing a quality job which I’m proud of and that the customer expects. I am a Dulux Select Accredited Decorator and all work is guarenteed by Dulux for two years. I have Public Liability Insurance to the Value of £5m. I have been a Decorator since 1999 and take a pride in my work and take customers requirements very serious and aim to give them the benifit of many years experience. Plus as part of my business i employ a range of other skills including electrician plumber, roofers and builders etc.
Great communication from this trader from star to the end of the job. Even it wasn't Ivan completed job in person, he kept me informed and checked during the day if everything was all right. Plesent to discuss and negotiate. Many thanks!
We are proud to be a top rated, reliable and well respected company with a fantastic team of experts providing outstanding levels of service when it comes to plumbing painting tiling bathroom and kitchen fitting and full house renovations in London and surrounding areas. We carry out all types of work, no matter the size - from small plumbing maintenance jobs such as leaking taps or burst pipes and other domestic work, right up to large installations such as Full house renovation. All of our work is fully guaranteed and we offer professional and efficient Handyman services near you at a competitive cost. Our aim is total customer satisfaction. Not only do we retain our client's custom over many years, they also become our ambassadors recommending us to their relatives, friends, neighbours and business associates.
Nik did a great job with the shower. His team and himself worked efficiently, dealt very well with unexpected problems and were communicative and open about what needed to be done, all for a very reasonable price. Would definitely hire again and recommend to others!
midland improvements has over 35 years in the home improvement market from a kitchen to a bathroom from a garage conversion to a full renovation whatever your home improvement needs we have the experience and trades to complete the job ,
Garage conversion into living accommodation, en-suite, and retained small section for storage accessible from both outside and inside. Great work that's stood up to almost 4 years of solid regular use so far.
GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALISTS with a vast portfolio and customer base, our company has been established 10 years. Fully insured, all employees and sub contractors cscs trained/qualified. All works completed to a high standard at competitive prices
Thank you James, and ? ,sorry not sure of your name, for an excellent job replacing our bath sealant, then replacing broken door knob and fitting new toilet seat. All relatively small jobs but still booked us in swiftly and did an great job for a reasonable price. . Would use again and would highly recommend.
We provide a superior Handyman service -Painting and decorating -Laminate flooring -Doors installation -Changing door handles and locks -Patching and painting. -Exterior Upgrades. -Pluming -Bathroom installation
Marco responded straight away to my advertised job, and was able to start immediately. Great communication throughout, arrived on time and had the emulsion job done within the day, as well as stripping wallpaper and patching up a little hole previously caused by a broken blind. Left flat clean and tidy, did an excellent job and really happy with the standard of work. Highly recommended.
We are a family run business with lots of experience no job is too big or too small many thanks onestop team
Very pleased with the quality of the repair. Would recommend them to Neighbours.
Baltic Star Build
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Our Service We offer free no obligation quotations. Our quotations are always detailed and fully inclusive. Our residential projects includes renovations, loft conversion and extensions. Working on occupied and fully operational homes are never a problem here at Baltic Star Design & Build. Your Build As experienced building contractors, we offer a complete end-to-end client experience from inception of the design of your project, to the build and any additional items such as bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Why Us Our extensive project management and construction skills along with a multi-disciplinary team, enables us to provide turn-key solutions and beautiful design. Building your Future.
Full property maintenance Handy man no job to big Painter & decorator Kitchen fitting r Bathroom fitting Tiles fitted Full house refurb HMO conversion
Absolutely 1st class response by Harj & his team to some very challenging works. Cannot recommend highly enough for any domestic or commercial projects. Good value, reliable, always polite & goes the extra mile to deliver the highest quality.
Hi we are a two band company me and my son plus contractor when we need them we do all aspects of the building game as specified in are categories from bricklaying to decorating we aim to keep all are customers happy from start to finish thanks
I was very happy with the work F L Solution did , they were reliable and efficient and I would hesitate to have them again.
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.
30 years plus of experience, all general work carried out. Clean and tidy worker always reliable.
NO UPFRONT PAYMENTS 0R DEPOSITS REQUIRED FREE QUOTATIONS. Luxury Spaces specializes in joinery, plumbing, and electrical services,l honed over 22 years to meet exceptionally high standards. Our commitment is to transparency and integrity in every project, collaborating closely with clients to achieve optimal results within their budget. We offer no-fuss financing options—simply reach out for guidance. Services' provided are as follows, Kitchen, bathrooms, bespoke staircase's, extensions, windows. As a family-operated business spanning generations, we take pride in passing down expertise from father to sons. Our dedication to excellence extends from military training—an artillery Gunner for five years—to every task we undertake. With honesty at our core, we consistently deliver value for money. Our clientele, diverse yet united in their desire for quality workmanship, inspire us to exceed expectations. To honor service professionals, Blue Light cardholders, and pensioners, we extend special discounts as a token of appreciation. For further details, visit our website: lux-spaces co,uk,
Absolutely brilliant job. Can’t recommend them enough. Gave me a fair quote then when they pulled the shower out there was a lot of water damage but only charged a little bit more and not only that they fixed a lot of little things in my flat at no extra cost. They were quick and clean. Tidied everything up and left the place spotless. I will definitely use them again in a heartbeat.
Electrician at Self employed electrical engineer
Came out short notice. Managed to squeeze me in. Due to short notice of getting room plastered 3 days later. Had 4 double plugs put in. In chrome like I wanted. They were professional and cleaned up after themselves. Will definitely use again
At Summer Gardens landscape and Building contractors,we’re perfectionists who pride ourselves on customer service! Just ask our clients! We offer hard and Soft Landscaping, Gardening, Extensions and Outbuildings, Property Maintenance and lots more! Send us a message to find out how we can help you!
Had some decorating done by James and his team and the work was carried out quickly and to a good standard. Good communication from start to finish with no issues at all. Price was competitive and all the team were professional and very tidy. Would definitely recommend.
Henderson & Kent Builders
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Henderson & Kent Builders Ltd provide an excellent service for all aspects of building works covering Hull and surrounding areas, weather your looking for full new builds, extensions or renovation works were more than happy to provide a no obligation quote.
We do all aspects of building work Roofing, patios, driveway, decking, painting, electrical and more
Reliable, friendly, am really pleased with the work they did. Would definitely recommend.
BNS CONSTRUCTION LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Professional, Honest and Empathetic. BNS Construction Ltd is a highly professional company that strives to deliver a quality construction service that is professional at all times and understanding towards our customers. We understand that building works can be stressful. The idea of budgets, designs, messy homes and more can be a daunting prospect. But when BNS Construction Ltd handles your building project, we not only respect your home – keeping it clean and tidy to the best of our ability – we ensure that we support you throughout the duration of the build. We offer helpful and insightful advice on maximising every inch of your property based on your individual lifestyle. Our commitment to constant communication enables us to deliver exactly what you want to the highest standard possible, at the price we quote, with no nasty surprises. We ensure that you are never out of the loop and your dedicated site manager will be available on-site every day to discuss the project with you and oversee the transformation of your home to the exceptional standard you expect. Project work we undertake: Loft Conversions Extensions Refurbishments New Builds Basements Commercial We have recently launched a dedicated service for loft conversions, which is backed by BNS Construction Ltd - search for BNS Lofts for more information.
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.
Zygmunt from AP South London did works in my house and fixed my fence. I got 3 quotes and went with AP South London because Zygmunt thoroughly explained what needed to be done and gave me options. His costs were reasonable and he was both friendly and professional. I have further works to do and would definitely go with them again. Thank you.
We are a small team of 12 covering all trades. We have been running for 7 years and slowly getting bigger. We are interested in giving free advise and a free quote to any project large or small. Fully Insured and Qualified team for all aspects. building projects Lenny
Lenny from LG came to quote promptly and on time. He did a great job putting new spindles in and they look great. He also built a large landing cupboard and did a good job. He's coming back to do some more work for me.
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