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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?
Ruhulla Test
Renova is a premier all-trade business specialising in a comprehensive range of building and home renovation projects. With expertise spanning every trade, we provide a seamless, end-to-end service for projects of all sizes, from small-scale refurbishments to large-scale developments. Our highly skilled team ensures exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, delivering outstanding results that exceed client expectations. In addition to our core renovation services, we operate a sister business based in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire. This facility boasts a 3,500 sq. ft. showroom showcasing an extensive selection of high-quality kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, doors, and fitted furniture. This showroom allows our clients to explore a diverse range of premium products, ensuring they find the perfect solutions for their home improvement needs. Complementing our showroom, we have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to kitchen and bespoke joinery production. Our expert craftsmen utilise advanced techniques and the finest materials to create tailored solutions that combine functionality, style, and durability. Whether you require a custom-built kitchen, unique joinery pieces, or fully integrated fitted furniture, our manufacturing division ensures precision and quality at every stage. At Renova, we take pride in delivering a complete and hassle-free experience, managing every aspect of your project with professionalism and expertise. From initial consultation and design to construction and finishing touches, we are committed to bringing your vision to life with exceptional quality and service.
The loft converstion the guys did was brilliant. We are very happy with the outcome but more than that we were happy with the communication and the flexibility to work around our requirements. Nothing was too difficult the workers were always polite and clean. Couldn't recommend more.
We are a Father and Son team with 25+ years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in extensions and outbuildings.
Very good work done. Recommended.
A crack crew and very professional personal service. Patrick kept us advised throughout with photos of progress. Would recommend.
Stafford & Lloyd heating plumbing - solar hot water systems
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Family run business since 1995. My son and I pride ourselves in high standards. Design - Build - Maintain. Sustainable builds including extensions and loft conversions. Renewable heating and hot water installations. Full bathroom and kitchen renovations.
Very pleased with Francisco got our shower working and moved the radiator for us. Good communications arrived on time and also helped us out for another call. Thanks
BUILDING CONTRACTOR Garage Conversions / Property Refurbishments / Extensions / Electrical / Plumbing and Heating Service. 35 Years of Satisfied customers Quality service and value. Wall & Floor Tiling Plastering Brick and block work Damp Proofing Garden Walls Pointing Garage Conversions Full Property Refurbishment Our Passion and Commitment We pride ourselves on exceptional service and outstanding results in every thing we do. Before we start we’ll meet with you and discuss your options and budget, meaning, we’ll know what will work best for you to deliver a outstanding bespoke project to fit your requirement . Please call us for free friendly advise.
Neale is lovely to deal with whilst being professional, punctual and skilled. I didn't believe builders like this still existed. He turned up on time, every single time he said he would. He produced a detailed written quote and then didn't increase it throughout the job. He and his side-kick, John, worked non-stop overcoming every issue our wonky victorian terraced could throw at them. I'm so relieved and impressed. He's now my go-to builder.
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We are a family run building company, we cover a wide range of works from joinery , building, landscaping and maintenance, We have over 20 years experience and pride ourselves on our professional ability to adapt to each of are customers needs Thank you ,,and hope to help you with your job whatever the size big or small
Excellent work!
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.
I have been a builder for 42 years. I do brickwork, repointing, drainage, block paving, patios, concreting, landscaping, stone work, exterior painting etc.. I cover all aspects of building work. and all aspects of groundwork and we specialise in lime mortar pointing
Great job! I’m really pleased with the service I received and will definitely be using again soon. Thanks
TT Installations
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
A small friendly company doing a small to big jobs from a single kitchen door to a complete refit and same for bathrooms a tap up to full refit Everything can be done from start to finish All trades so no need to get your own plumber or tiler or electrician we do the whole job to speed up install
Established since 2001, I have delivered a variety of building projects efficiently, economically and stress free to very high standard. My services include Space Planning, Design & Build, Site Management (ACIOB). Project Management, Renovations and Refurbishment of both domestic and commercial properties. I pride my self on my ability to deliver the required project to the specified quality within the agreed duration & budget with a courteous and friendly approach throughout.
Very good, fast efficient and clean, Definitely recommend, Thank you Khal very happy with my new unit.
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!
UWB are a small family run business with over 30 years of experience in the building & window & conservatory industry, our services include extentions & new build plus all aspects of alteration work with all associated trades included. Planing, drawings & Building Regs plus steel calcs are all covered by our team to take the pressure of our customers. Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries WarmRoofs included & are all covered by building control.
Excellent service, very professional, highly recommend
The smallest details can make a real impact when it comes to designing a space, but only a true professional knows how to bring these details together to create a seamless design. That’s where Complete Kitchens And Renovations comes in. With over 35 years experience and a team of skilled tradesmen you'll be in safe hands. ? We work throughout the South-East providing bespoke home renovations and extensions tailored to our clients’ needs. ? From a small kitchen installation to a full house renovation, no job is too big or small.
Very happy with result.
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
Fast and efficient Tradesman and on time ,would recommend him again (Michael Wray).
Quebuild London Ltd offers a full building service with every aspect of works covered no matter the scale or scope of works to both residential and commercial buildings.We also provide proactive and reactive maintenance packages with 24/7 one hour service for emergency call outs.We pride ourselves on using only highly skilled and courteous tradesmen with all trades in house so as a company we have full control of our projects. From your initial meeting with one of our knowledgeable estimators who provide fixed price detailed estimates to completion of works overseen by amazing management our clients needs are paramount,this ensures a streamlined service with quality controlled finishes beyond the industry standard. We have full public liability insurance with all risk assessments and method statements in place at all times no matter the size of works for peace of mind for us as a company but more importantly you as our client.
John at Quebuild went above and beyond for us on this job. He completed all the work in a timely manner and for a very reasonable price. He was super knowledgeable and extremely attentive to detail, making sure to leave a high quality finish in terms of decoration - and he came back afterwards to address a few small things that needed doing. He was also a pleasure to have around - and I would highly recommend him for any other work. 10/10.
UTB CONSTRUCTION was established in 2013 and is general contractor offering construction services in terms of full and part renovations houses, extensions, lofts conversion , first fix Carpentry, second fix Carpentry , bathroom fittings, kitchens fittings new built houses and summer homes,Drylining , plastering & Rendering, Decorating, specialist with driveways resin bond, polished concrete, paterne imprinted concrete,tarmac, and block paving.
Dimitrios did an excellent job working rapidly and efficiently and very willing to do extra work to achieve perfection
Five Star Construction is a family run business with the aim to provide affordable handyman and development works. We are full insured and all our operatives are fully trained for the work we carry out. Our friendly team are awaiting your call
Good value Very profession Quick and tidy workman Would definitely use them again. Regards Thomas
Thiara Construction Ltd
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Quality.safety.reliability All building works undertaken Loft conversion Back extension Driveways Renovations Gardens
RAR offer a full hard landscaping, groundwork and building service, including but not restricted too, ~ Patios ~ Paths ~ Drive ways ~ Fencing ~ Turf ~ Bespoke timber structures ~ Sleeper work ~ Ponds ~ Small and medium sized building jobs ~ Garden clearance Specialising in low maintenance gardens. with over 20yrs experience in these sectors I offer high quality and am happy to chat through what is required.
Rob gave me a competitive quote and got the job completed quickly I was able to give Rob a key to my house so he completed the work while I was at work .I will definitely be using Robs company again
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