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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?
Danny General Builders specialises in structural work, extensions, refurbishing, loft conversions, roofing, fitting bathrooms and kitchens, and painting and decorating. All employees have more than 10 years experience and are insured.
Danny did an absolutely great job with my set of alcove shelves. He was friendly, diligent, extremely polite and did an excellent job. Highly recommend
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Full property renovations, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings & more.
Andre and team did a great job with the shed /summerhouse construction, and were very accommodating with the request to build it at short notice ( (within 5 days) and alter the layout of the building to meet our requirements. Also were very friendly and professional. Reasonably priced too. Would recommend.
reconstruct-it specialises in the following: - Insurance repair work - Emergency work - Kitchens and bathrooms We also offer Disaster Restoration services including: - Leak detection and emergency plumbing - Flood and water damage - Fire and smoke damage - Deep cleaning & disinfection services including bed bugs - Graffiti and vandalism restoration - Mould removal and inspection We serve both the commercial and residential markets. Insurance Claims We also specialise in managing insurance claims through our sister company Settld Ltd, and can advise if your job is potentially an insurable event. If it is, we can talk to your insurer and manage the claim on your behalf. Because we understand insurers we can get you a better settlement than if you tackle the insurer yourself. Our service is free if we are appointed to complete the repair works. We will take all the hassle away by: - Checking if your claim is valid; - Surveying the damage; - Creating repair schedules in line with insurance practice; - Negotiating with your insurer and their representatives; and - Managing the contractors and quality of reinstatement works. We carry the following credentials: - British Damage Management Association - Membership Chartered Institute of Building - FCA compliant, where loss assessing through our sister company Settld Ltd. (Settld Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Concept Building Solutions UK Ltd t/a Concept Claim Solutions which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). Photograph used is for illustrative purposes only
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.
Shout out to my brother from another mother. Pleasure having Nik and his boys Ray, Rod and John working on this project. Sometimes in life you have to take a leap of faith and Nik has 100% restored that faith with extreme commitment and professionalism on top of a beautiful finish.
We are a family company & pride ourselves in providing a professional, honest , reliable & courteous service. With 40 years experience in the building industry. All aspects of building & joinery work are covered & all work is carried out by qualified tradesmen. We are new to Rated People & are keen to get started so we can build up some great reviews.
Professional & Affordable Building & Landscaping Services We've been experts in building and landscaping projects since 2013, ensuring reliability and excellence in every service we provide. We offer a wide range of professional services tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you require comprehensive building solutions such as refurbishments, kitchen services, flooring, and porch services, or meticulous landscaping services including wood decking, driveways, astro turf, patios, and fencing installation, we've got you covered. With a proven track record of delivering excellence since 2013, and with our fully insured services, you can trust that your project is in capable hands, ensuring exceptional results every time. With us, you can relax knowing that your work is in good hands. We prioritise reliability and transparency, offering you peace of mind throughout the entire process.
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
Pure Construction Group LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Established in 2021, Pure Construction Group Limited has rapidly built a reputation as a trusted multi-trade building contractor, serving the commercial, social, and domestic markets across Northwest England. With over 30 years of combined commercial and subcontract experience, our team has driven the steady growth of our business. We pride ourselves on being large enough to handle significant projects but small enough to provide personalised attention and exceptional service to every client. At Pure Construction Group, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet diverse needs. Our offerings include everything from strip outs and kitchen & bathroom replacements to internal and external redecoration. We also specialise in disabled adaptations, retrofit work, structural repairs, groundworks, extensions & alterations, minor building works, roofing (both pitched and flat), damp proofing, and cleaning. Our broad service scope reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions tailored to each project’s requirements.
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
We are your trusted experts in comprehensive building & maintenance services, offering a wide range of solutions to meet all your needs. From minor repairs to large-scale projects, we’ve got you covered. Our skilled team specialise in all aspects of construction, including plumbing, boiler breakdowns, emergency call-outs, and gas safety/boiler services. We also excel in joinery work, handling both minor repairs and major construction projects, from kitchens to full house renovations, extensions property refurbs. In addition, we provide all aspects of plastering services, encompassing repairs, full-house projects, damp course works, external rendering, and k-render applications. Roofing is another of our specialties, with services ranging from repairs to complete house renovations. When it comes to electrical work, we take care of it all, from repairs and installations to full re-wires, EICR certificates, and remedial works. Our skilled painters and decorators, who are part of our dedicated team, ensure your space looks its best. We also offer EPC certificates and guarantee that all our work meets the necessary standards. For those looking to transform their homes completely, we offer full house renovations from start to finish. Landlords benefit from our fast turnaround times, ensuring their properties are ready for sale or back on the market promptly. All major works and extensions come with our comprehensive guarantee. Choose us for your maintenance needs, and experience quality service from start to finish. List of services Joinery Plumbing Expert painting and decorating Plastering all aspects Roofing works Electrical works Property maintenance Bathroom refurbishment Kitchen refurbishment Full property refurbishment Extensions and conversions Fire door checks sign off Minor or major repairs Planning and a full schedule of works with all quotes.
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
Calling via the Rated People phone link button is the best way to make contact for a same day reply and lowest prices, call during November for a 25% discount on all quotes, offer ends November 30th If I miss your call, leave a message or text and I'll call you back on the same day Quotes can be given via pictures, and all payments can be made via bank transfer upon completion of all works. With over 25 years’ experience in the plastering, building trade and 10+ years of Rated People positive feedback, I provide a first-class service, including damp proofing, soundproofing and complete bathroom/kitchen and home renovations from start to finish
Excellent work from Sean who shines 5 ceilings for us. Lovely finish and very clean work.
Our building services company RMR Building & Renovation Ltd has over 15 years’ experience in the industry. We have been helping customers in Essex and the surrounding 20-mile radius by providing professional, trustworthy building services. We know it can be hard to find a builder that you can rely on RMR Building & Renovation Ltd has a wealth of experience and is known as one of the best builders in Essex. We pride ourselves on providing a professional, caring and high-quality service and always meet our customers’ needs. RMR Building & Renovation Ltd delivers on timekeeping, quality of work and value. We offer a full range of building services, from major rebuilds to smaller jobs such as masonry repairs, including: New Builds Alterations, Extensions & Conversions Brickwork Concrete Plastering & Screeding Tiling Painting & Decorating Kitchens & Bathrooms Roofing Services Re-pointing Septic Tanks Excavation Services Soakaways Foundations External Works Drainage If you are trying to find a builder near you, why not give us a call? Our friendly, professional team will be happy to talk through your needs and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Professional, quality work,worth money
Good, conscientious company. High quality work. Orders completed on time, professional service and honesty to their customers.
Work to retile the bathroom was scheduled promptly and delivered very well, on-time and in line with the quote. Wouldn't hesitate to use again. Tidied up and left things looking smart.
family run business with over 20 years in the roofing industry we can meet all of your roofing needs from flat roofs fibreglass felt or rubber we do small single slate and tile repairs to whole new roofs all UPVC products dry verge systems dry ridge systems all types of guttering basically anything to do with your roof chimney repairs to lead work we do it all hard and soft Brick layer re-pointing /
I call Phill and sons 3 days ago to fix a leak on my roof. I did have the valley fix by an other roofer but they did not do anything just to take my money. I was a bit suspicious but I was happily surprise when I call Phill who repond to my call very quicly. He is very friendly and most of all very professional. So so please with Phill I'll will recommand him anytime.Thank you Phill for your excellent job
We provide excellent renovations for Roofing/Flooring/Painting/Kitchens/Tiling with an experience of more than 25 years. Our aim is to exceed customers expectations.We always pay attention to the customer request and try to finish the job within the deadline.
Thanks
General Building and maintenance New builds Exstensions Restoration Renovation
We had them in to install insulation in our upstairs floor, replace the sub floor, replace some lights, install a loft hatch, and board out our loft. On top of this they discovered a problem in our roof that they fixed. We were incredibly impressed by all of the staff that attended on site. They were friendly, polite at all times, and worked really hard, to a high standard. I couldn't recommend James and his team more, and we've already started talking to them about a further project.
Welcome to this site. The client is the most important visitor on our premises. They are not dependent on us, we are dependent on them. They are not an interruption to our work, they are the purpose of it.
Fitted some lintels for me. Michael was friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Turned up when agreed and did an excellent job. Would highly recommend this Company.
Darby Home Improvements
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Hi I'm Adam, the owner of Darby Home Improvements. With around 25 years combined experience, rest assured your project will be in safe hands. Myself and my team specialise in carpentry but are competent and experienced in all aspects of building work. I work very closely with a host of other trades such as Plumbers, Electricians and Plasterers. This means we can handle your project from start to finish without having to source these trades yourself. No job is too big or small. We will deal with the smallest leak on your roof to the biggest renovation or build project you can imagine. Please don't hesitate to contact us for your next project. We aim to beat any reasonable quote without sacrificing quality or workmanship in the process. I look forward to hearing from you!
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.
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