Find foundation, underpinning and piling experts
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
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.
Browse Underpinning / Piling / Foundations specialists
Take a look at our Underpinning / Piling / Foundations specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
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?
For over three decades, Millington Construction has been a trusted, family-run business dedicated to turning customer ideas into reality, consistently delivering within budget and on schedule. Whether you envision an extension or require maintenance, our comprehensive expertise in the construction industry ensures all aspects of your project are covered. Comprising a skilled team of 12 professionals, each member brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to every project. Our Services: Extensions: From single-storey to multi-storey extensions, our experienced team of builders skillfully executes diverse projects tailored to meet your specific requirements. Maintenance: Trust us for meticulous maintenance services designed to keep your property in prime condition. Our Approach: At Millington Construction, we firmly believe in the strength of our team. Our highly knowledgeable tradespeople are passionate about transforming customer ideas and dreams into tangible results. They are supported by our design and structural engineering partners, enabling us to confidently undertake projects of any size. Why Choose Us? 1. Pride in Craftsmanship: We take immense pride in our work, ensuring attention to detail in every job we undertake. 2. Driven Workforce: Our team is motivated and committed to delivering excellence, ensuring your project's success. 3. Customer Satisfaction: Your happiness is our priority; we strive to exceed your expectations at every stage of the project. 4. Certified for Security: We prioritize safety and security, ensuring that our work meets certified standards.
Quick to respond to job request, all work done efficiently and professionally. Have already requested millington construction projects Ltd to return and do another flat roof
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
R&B refurbishment ltd For a decade, a Proficiency building company based in London has led all aspects of construction, luxury design and build. Whether you're looking to expand or refine your home with a loft conversion, rear or side extension, basement excavation, cellar conversion or a top to bottom refurbishment, our ethos is quality-first craftsmanship for the very best in residential design and build in London. When it comes to the quality and care that we put into every project, we think of ourselves as one of the leading building companies in London. This means that, as the right builder, we have the team, the expertise and the commitment to a high quality that sets us apart. Fully insured with Public and Employers Liability, Professional Indemnity, Contractors All Risk and high-risk basement works. We offer a 15-year guarantee on all of our structural building work. Proficiency only uses the highest quality building materials ensuring everything is built to standard and will last.
Fired him for appalling work, no-shows and delays; see his other bad reviews. He's a middle man; does not do any work; got others to do it like a plumber, then a tiler the next day; slow work made worse when someone messed up or did not show up. Ali only shows to deliver materials or check work. Quick to reply when wanting the job. Slow/no response once job starts thinking you wont cancel. Materials I paid not returned; take every receipt and check you keep/use every item as he will even for wipes/tape
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.
With 30 years experience in Groundworks, Building, Construction and Landscaping, I have the skills, knowledge and experience to ensure any job is completed to a very high standard.
Here at Hollands contractors we are a family run groundwork and surfacing company, with 10 years experience and expert knowledge. We offer a free site survey and quote. We can help you with all your groundwork and surfacing needs from site clearances and excavations to patios and tarmacing. At Hollands contractors we always strive to go above and beyond our customers expectations, to ensure that they receive the best possible service. Based in Wallington but cover the whole of south London and south east We our insured up to 10 million pounds public liability.
Hollands Contractors were great, easy to deal with and acted professionally throughout. Job was probably not a standard one but chatting through with Kieren what was required on initial site visit , the estimate was fair and arrived promptly . Through to start date Kieren also kept in contact which was appreciated. Job was completed within agreed time frame and to the expected standard. Kieren arrived on time each day and worked hard and would happily recommend.
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 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
Quality Spec Building Service LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
At QSBS LTD, our name stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and precision in the construction industry. Quality Spec Building Service encapsulates the core principles that drive our co mpany. QSBS Ltd is dedicated to transforming visions into reality. We understand that property design and construction is not just about creating physical spaces but about crafting environments where memories are made and moments are celebrated. Our mission is to breathe life into designs and functionality, providing spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
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.
SAS RESOLVE LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
GETTING YOUR PROPERTY REPAIRED IS OUR NO.1 PRIORITY. We are Concept Claims Solutions Buckinghamshire. An end to end project management service to return residential and commercial premises back to their pre-loss condition following our tried and tested processes and systems. With over 20 years of experience; Our system allows the complete cradle to grave management of both a property insurance claim and private renovation job from first notification through to settlement. As Principle Contractors, we undertake all aspects of property repair, rectification and renovation. SAS Resolve Ltd trading as Concept Claims Solutions (North Bucks) is an Appointed Representative of Citrus Compliance. Citrus Compliance is a trading name of Andrew Smith which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Concept Claim Solutions (North Bucks) is a franchise owned and operated under license, with a registered name of SAS Resolve Ltd. Registered Address: Jubilee House, East Beach, Lytham St.Annes, Lancashire, United Kingdom, FY8 5FT. Registered in England. Please note that photos are for illustration purposes only.
hi my names Chris. I am a very handy person with things that needs doing around the house. and I charge very fair prices. We cover most areas from roofing, gardening, plastering, some plumbing, painting, almost anything you need do we have you covered so get intouch for a free quote
We are a Derbyshire based building company who work to very high standards and expectations all our staff and sub contractors are time served professional people Monument castle has been trading since 2009 and have built up great relationships with trades and suppliers during this time , We undertake all types of building works from extension to new build homes to commercial works
Extremely happy with work carried out, first class job at the right price, would recommend to family and friends.
Over 20 years' experience High standards of workmanship Fully qualified team of builders and joiners Associated with the Apprenticeship scheme of the Construction Industry Training Board Competitive pricing Free, no obligation quotation
Really pleased with the canopy that they made for me. Highly recommed
Cheshire Sales
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
I am a fully qualified Painter and Decorator with over 27 years of experience in the building trade, and I’m also very competent in other areas of the construction industry. I have a full Multi trade/Property Maintenance Building Company that covers all aspects of the building trade, from small jobs to full house renovations. With my team of very competent and experienced tradesmen We specialise in kitchen and bathroom fit outs, and also do renovations, loft conversions and garage conversions.
Excellent service, friendly, efficient and great quality of work. Would recommend!
We are a dynamic team with over 20 years of international experience and now we have focused on the UK, we also have countless completed jobs and satisfied clients, we are waiting for you for a free quote.
Super impressed with the service! Tyson Construction were able to help me with waste removal in a house. They had availability within 24 hours, were on time picking up the keys and cleared the house out within a day. Communication was excellent, super competitive on pricing and they stuck to the original quote. Very grateful for their help!
Renovation Company With over 13 years of Renovation experience Gardens Renovation Exterior Renovation For more details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Timewaster
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
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
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles