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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?
Full property renovations, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings & more.
Absolutely useless made our life a misery never book these had a bathroom fitted horrible job then when it leak and destroyed my front room ceiling trust when I say don't use them .
1st Rate Roofing
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
1st Rate Roofing is a small company that values reliability and craftsmanship over anything else. We are polite and always put you first, making sure you understand whats being done and how we are going to do it. We always charge a fair price and believe you'll think so to. We provide free no obligation estimates. We are very responsive to emails and calls!
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.
Davies Building Services is a well established business based in Herne Bay. We service within a 50mile radius of Herne Bay, we provide a wide range of building services including extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and barn conversions. We provide excellent communication and offer competitive prices, get in touch for a free quotation and we will get back to you quickly.
Great job, professional to deal with and left job very clean. Would highly recommend.
Rimi construction limited ! Guaranteed hight quality job with the best prices .
Very happy with Rimi. He at all times came up with ideas and solutions. We had a rear garden job. Involved brick work, decking, retiling, soil work,painting, creating new landscape overall. He did it professionally and in time. He was patient with delays in material supply and kept following up. Overall quite pleased with the end result
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
Arranged to view the job never turned up. Sent text message never replied. A simple yes or no answer was all that was required.
R&D CONSTRUCTION IS A PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND BUILDING COMPANY SPECIALISING IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, ALSO A WIDE RANGE OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENTS AND REFURBISHMENTS. We Carry out all type of construction and to us no job is a small job and by that we mean we would be happy to take your various jobs in our hands. We provide the following list of the building services: New Build Property Refurbishment Loft Conversion House Extensions Flat Conversion Driveway & Patio Bricklaying & Re-pointing Kitchen & Bathroom Roofing & Guttering Plastering & Tiling Carpentry & Joinery Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Electrical Central Heating & Under Floor Heating Design We believe a great design is simple and not only how it feels or looks but also how it works. We provide Architectural and Interior Design and Engineering Services: Initial Concept Design Basic Drawings for Planning Application & Application Management Existing & Proposed Floor Plans, Elevations and Sections Site Plans and Block Plans (OS map/ Location Plan) Detailed Architectural Design 3D Concept and Visualisation Design Interior Furnishing, Materials & Fabrics Lighting Design Bills of Quantities (BOQ) 3D Interior Visualisation Design 3D Interior Visualisation Design Building Control package Drawings & Application Management
Instead of hiring and dealing with multiple people, let us handle the hassle out on your behalf! One deal, one man! My name is Behrooz, and I have 14 years' experience in building and carpentery works. We specialize in renovation and refurbishment of commercial and residential properties at the best quality and price using the best professional tools. We take serious pride in all our work. We also have a joinery factory in London. We manufacture any made-to-measure woodworking such as shop display and counters , kitchen units, wardrobes, TV stands, dining tables etc - you name it, we do it.
Behrooz and his team refurbished our bathroom and so happy with the result! They show up on time and kept us updated during the work and in fact he is indeed a problem solver! Highly recommend. And we are already using their services for our rental properties.
We provide a professional building service throughout Lancashire and Cheshire. The business undertakes commercial projects and all kinds of private work I.e New Build single and two story extensions structural work full refurbishments and all aspects of construction with a large Client base . Please feel free to call between 9 am and 5 pm Monday - Thursday and 9 -12.30 on Fridays.The business is closed at the weekends W we are a member of the National Federation of Builders
Karl did a good job taking care to make minimal mess and noise. He understood my requirements and explained what he was doing in just the right detail.
JJ Walker property development. All trade contractors. Design Build Deliver.
Everything done superbly well due to the efforts of Taylor. Kept us advised at all stages of the job. Would recommend unreservedly.
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!
Great work. Delivered the brief in the timeframe and on budget. Left them to get on with it and they sorted the whole thing without any hassle.
Eurocenter - Online Ltd
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are one of the best building and renovation company in London since 2011. Our experience taken over many years and different architects helping us to provide a service meeting the highest quality standards in every detail, making our homes and city beautiful...
Creative Building Services
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
HEX360 was founded in 2015 by Craig Lewis with the solid foundation that a degree in construction management provides. Before launching HEX360, Craig’s former life saw him working at Princess Yachts, where he founded his skills and acquired his particular attention to detail – but if you’ve reached this page, you probably aren’t interested in hearing Craig’s life story… you’re really interested in finding out what makes HEX360 different to all the other construction companies out there. So read on and discover our difference. Working with most construction companies can feel a bit like finding your way in the dark – you just don’t know where to go to get the information you need. The stereotypical construction company that makes matters so confusing and complicated that everything they say goes over your head is, unfortunately, not just a myth. They’re out there, and they’re confusing clients as we speak. So, it’s no wonder that so many people put off their project or come to a grinding halt partway through – after all, it can all feel just too overwhelming. Luckily, HEX360 is here to change your perceptions and prove that not all construction companies are the same. We’re dedicated to working with you, not for you, and that means taking a collaborative approach right from the get-go. With our 8-step process, we’ll clearly outline every stage of your project so you won’t feel overwhelmed, and thanks to our use of in-house project management software, you’ll have complete transparency for every aspect of your project. We are committed to flexibility, accessibility, and approachability so your project can run smoothly, whether you’re updating your kitchen, renovating or extending your entire home or developing a large commercial property. You’re more than a number on a spreadsheet to us, and we never bite off more than we can chew. Our attention and efforts are solely dedicated towards you and your project during your time with us. Unlike with some construction companies, once we begin work on your project we don’t simply move on to our next. We provide industry leading account management during the full life cycle of the project, meaning you aren’t forgotten about once you sign on the dotted line.
i would like to add this group of workmen are the best i have seen for a long time.they are prepared to go above and beyond to ensure a professional and efficient project is completed. Above all they are honest ,trustworthy and obliging in every way. Highly recommended.
Its quality time! With over 10 years experience, tens of finished jobs and tens of happy clients, I am a landscaper who can manage any job. Big or small, easy or complicated is never a problem for me. For any details don't hesitate to contact me.
Work that took place was amazing and recommend IA trader to anyone that needs work done.
Rated-Trades
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Welcome to North Wales Plumbing & Heating Ltd, your premier destination for top-notch plumbing and heating services with over 20 years of dedicated experience. Our firm commitment to customer service and unwavering focus on delivering high-quality workmanship have made us a trusted name in the North Wales region. Specializing in all aspects of plumbing and heating, our skilled professionals bring a wealth of expertise to every project, ensuring your home or business receives the attention it deserves. At North Wales Plumbing & Heating Ltd, we go beyond the basics, offering a comprehensive range of skilled trades to address all your property maintenance needs. Whether it's installation, repair, or maintenance, our team is dedicated to providing efficient, reliable solutions. We take pride in our transparent communication, integrity, and commitment to client satisfaction, making us your go-to partner for plumbing, heating, and a variety of skilled trade services. Experience the assurance of quality and professionalism with North Wales Plumbing & Heating Ltd – where expertise meets excellence.
Plumber didn't get back in the end.
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!
Welcome to AM Maintenance, We specialise in all aspects of building and maintenance works. Ranging from a leak in the roof or a new bathroom. we have an extensive range of services at competitive prices whilst delivering quality.
Dan & team did a fantastic job throughout and we are so pleased with the end result. They've transformed our home. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a builder they can trust. Thanks again!
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.
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