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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?
Big T Interior & Gardening Services
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
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.
DURA POWER LTD is a company that specialises in refurbishment and new build projects, particularly in the education, healthcare and commercial sectors. With extensive experience in these fields, we offer a value-added approach and understanding of our clients’ requirements. We maintain strong relationships with a wide variety of tried and tested subcontractors. This strong supply chain enables us to provide flexibility, manage change and maintain quality. We are capable of handling tendered or negotiated projects . Our financial strengths come from a commitment to reinvest, ensuring a sound financial base is maintained without external borrowings. We have a team of directly employed professional staff who deliver a cost-effective, timely, and high-quality construction solution. Our core team of tradesmen delivers consistent quality and has the ability to be flexible and reactive to requirements. Our long-lasting client partnerships are a testimony to the exemplary service we provide. This level of customer satisfaction, repeat and referred business forms the foundation of DURA POWER LTD success. Our approach is sensitive, innovative and bespoke, driven by challenging and constrictive working environments. We are committed to achieving the optimum solutions across our service delivery, considering logistical aspects to ensure customer satisfaction.
Took a part to do an additional job on my dishwasher. Quoted £50 on the day. Weeks later after I had to chase. Said it would be £130. I said no. After chasing some more they agreed to send the part back so I could get the job done elsewhere and I can't find the right part without the original. They agreed to post the part back. It's been weeks and no parts have been sent back. I have sent messages and calls and I'm being ignored. Very unprofessional.
Hi, we are a small business based in DONCASTER,and surrounding are. We specialise in bathroom refurbs, disabled level access wet rooms, tiling and plumbing. We offer a very friendly and enjoyable service as we know having work done can be a stressful which is our top priority to make sure this isn't the case. With 10 years’ experience we now have the experience at hand to make sure all work is at the highest standard. We are fully insured for all work we carry out. We always offer a competitive quote for our work and we are very professional at what we do. We pride ourselves in our reputation. We hope our feedback speaks for itself. K&F decorative is one of the Doncaster Property Maintenance Service. We have over 10 years’ experience in property maintenance, working in high end residences, as well as office and retail spaces. It is our aim to provide an outstanding, bespoke customer experience, to leave every customer delighted with the service and the job they have received . Our tradesmen carry out thousands of skilled jobs including: plumbing, handyman, painting and decorating, finding and resolving leaks, dr
Very punctual and helpful and job done to perfection Many thanks
LEO POP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are at your disposal to help you with Leo pop construction property maintenance Ltd We arrange tiling works, gardens, paving and other interior paint?ing and exterior jobs .
General Builder 19yrs in the trade Highly skilled - standard to high end jobs
Good job and good knowledge of the issues at hand. Competitive on price. Good communication during and after job.
Hurst Home Improvements and Property Maintenance
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
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We are a reliable, friendly company specialising in home improvements and property maintenance. Fully insured, we are committed to providing an excellent service to our customers. Our services include; General property maintenance Painting & Decorating Driveways Fencing Landscaping Mowing and Hedge cutting services And more.. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your requirements. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote!
Good workers, came and did the job very quickly. Nice guys who were very patient with me and did a good job. Thanks guys.
AD handyman Services we will undertake/consider any handyman jobs painting flatpack assembly,,shed assembly/removal, roof recovering, reseal of showers/baths/kitchens blinds/curtainso . Any decking and fencing requirements.... and many more internal and external jobs. All works carried out as efficiently and cost effective as possible without a reduction on quality.
Alex and his team were fantastic. The work was carried out to a high standard and was exactly what I wanted. Communication was great and everything was tidied up afterwards. I would highly recommend Alex and his team.
RB CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are a reliable and trustworthy company. We carry out small and large scale domestic and commercial projects, covering all aspects of construction. We can also offer finance options.
We are a family run company with over 40 years in the building trade. We offer a complete Building service with All trades being covered. A prompt friendly service. All jobs no matter how big or small, One-Call covers it all.
Did not finished the job properly some things left undone. Promised an electrictral certificate which wasn't forthcoming . Sent an email and left a message on their phone did not reply . Can use the new room but not a hundred percent satisfied
Explore the comprehensive services offered by CDL Building & Carpentry Ltd in the Swansea and south wales areas, we cover all aspects of building and carpentry jobs including comercial and domestic. Some of the job we do are: Extensions Conservatories Loft conversions Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling Garden walls Windows & doors Roofs Repointing Fascias Guttering Flooring Patios Driveways Paving Decking & fencing Plastering All interior carpentry Lime rendering Lime pointing Sand/shoot blasting Fiberglass roofing Fencing New build home / self builds Damp Proofing Complete office refurbishments Complete shop fitting Insurance repair work CDL Building & Carpentry Ltd delivers excellence in every project. Contact us to turn your vision into reality with our professional and reliable services.
Craig and his team (Carne, Jason and the carpenters) were excellent. They were friendly, hard-working and tidy. They coped with unforeseen issues very competently. The communication between trades and with ourselves was very good. We have no hesitation in recommending them and will use them again.
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.
IMPRESS EUROPE LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Impress Europe Ltd is a full service construction company offering comprehensive solutions for residential, commercial and industrial projects. From design and planning to building and finishing, we handle everything - including new builds, extensions, loft conversions, renovations, landscaping and custom projects. Our team of skilled professionals are committed to delivering quality, safety and excellence in every job. We pride ourselves on reliability, clear communication and building long lasting relationships with our clients. Choose Impress Europe for all your construction needs - one company, every solution.
Business established since 2008
A great company to deal with, prompt, reliable and very professional. We live in an old Victorian house with hardly a straight angle anywhere. So Anunas had a tricky job to do. The job was done perfectly and to agreed cost. I would recommend this builder to you. If I could could give give 6 stars I would. Great job well done.
BUILD SAFE LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Hello, We are BUILD SAFE HOMES LTD Building contractor with 20 years of experience -Extensions -Loft Conversions -Kitchen fitting -Bathroom fitting -Plumbing -Electrical -Tiling -Carpentry -Decoration -Decking -Driveways -Garden offices -Scaffolding -Roofing All works are insured and covered by 12 months warranty. Please shortlist our company and we will be delighted to assist you with your building project! Regards BUILD SAFE LTD
WE ARE FAMILY RUNNING BUSINESS WE ARE PROVIDING TOP QUALITY WORK AND FARINDLY CUSTOMERS SERVICES WE ARE ESTABLISHED SINCE 2017. BATHROOM / KITCHEN FITTING . WALL FLOOR TILING. PLASTER / SKIMMING / PAINTINGS. WALLPAPERS ???? DECORATING. ROOMS. OUR ANY BUILDER WORK INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
did the job well re shower tray that was leaking. iwas let down by a coupie of other traders , but JozsefBUILDER AND TILING came out said they could do the job quoted me avery reasonable price, .fixed the leaking shower tray and were very efficient and polite would definetly reccomend them and would hire them again
We are a professional building and plumbing firm with over 10 years experience in the trade. we are a family run business and are highly skilled and we are fully insured. Honest and reliable
wall was rebuilt within 2 days Brilliant services they have gone above and beyond I would highly recommend Dan and callum these are the builders you. Need. And are also got them in to do more work thank you guys. Fast turn around 10/10 Punctuation 10/10 Workmanship 10/10
Hello we are FRPM Ltd a compete property maintenance company with over 20 years experience so if it’s a leaking tap to a complete property renovation we are here to help so please do not hesitate to call for your free quote Areas we cover Worcestershire Gloucestershire Warwickshire And the Cotswolds We have years of experience working with listed buildings and pride ourselves and our level of knowledge and expertise in this area We also cover light commercial premises for maintenance contracts and adhoc works We are fully insured
Hi my name is Martin I am professional Carpenter but also do tiles,painting and decorating. My job is always done on high standard and not expensive.
Martin did a great job installing 90sqm of engineered wood at high standards. I am very pleased with the result, highly recommend him!
Small family run building company with over 40 years experience over 2 generations as a premium general building company. All types of building work carried out to the highest standard. A one stop shop for all your building needs right from the design and planning stage to completion. Joinery, roofing specialising in flat roofs Building and Plastering A wealth of experience in remodelling and renovations, extensions and sunrooms. Landscaping and paving. All areas covered. Fully insured, trained and certified tradesmen
The advertised job I have could not get much better because it has been first class.
We have 15 years of experience within the industry. We offer a wide range of services: Laminate Flooring Floor Tiling Door / Window painting External wall painting Internal Painting & Decorating Wall murals / Paint effects Wall Tiling We work hard and clean and make sure that our clients are happy.
Alin is reliable, punctual, and honest. We agreed the price of the job and I did not have any surprise, and when we had to do something extra he was very reasonable with price. He and his team started on time, were very respectful, did a good job, and are very easy to work with. I would happily work with them again.
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