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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?
Very honest , transparent, and polite team , providing a service from concept design to finished product Unfortunately last job was unfinished due to an accident in filey in where I drowned trying to rescue someone in the sea Tragic failed rescue has miraculous happy ending , on youtube I suffered memory loss and severe problems after this and after working for another firm for short while I am ready to start again on my own so please take this into consideration with my last review
Unfortunately, over 12 months into the project, it is still not finished. There were a few circumstances outside of Tom's influence, but the delay's have been accompanied by repeated lies about finalising the project, and poor quality of the work that has been done.
I am an independent builder with 24 years of experience and cover most areas in the construction industry. I have a good team of friendly workers who work very hard and we get the work done in good time and to a high standard.
Lovely job, really happy with my new laminate flooring! I would highly recommend Ben.
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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.
Baltic Star Build
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Our Service We offer free no obligation quotations. Our quotations are always detailed and fully inclusive. Our residential projects includes renovations, loft conversion and extensions. Working on occupied and fully operational homes are never a problem here at Baltic Star Design & Build. Your Build As experienced building contractors, we offer a complete end-to-end client experience from inception of the design of your project, to the build and any additional items such as bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Why Us Our extensive project management and construction skills along with a multi-disciplinary team, enables us to provide turn-key solutions and beautiful design. Building your Future.
S&D Construction Services is a premier general construction business with over of 23 years of Experience in the construction industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in delivering comprehensive construction services with a wide range of sectors including residential and commercial projects across London Our mission is to provide exceptional construction services and client-focused approach to every project we undertake
Unfortunately I’m dissatisfied with the job S&D has done for 3 reasons: * they smeared with the cement mix all the brickwork they touched as well as the adjacent wall and the electric car charger * they left the rubble behind * they were going to leave the roof not weather sealed until I spotted and and fought for it to be mended
Courtney Construction & Landscaping
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Hello, thanks for stopping in at Courtney Construction! We are a family run general building and landscaping company built on family values. Across the team we have over 10 years in the building trade with various different skill sets. Nothing is beyond our capabilities and we offer a turnkey solution on every project with our customers satisfaction and work quality as our main priority. We cover a large array of different jobs internally and externally, residential and commercial from conversions and extensions to drive ways and garden designs. Between the team we have numerous qualifications from construction, refurbishment and restoration to brick laying and more.
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 repair all roofs all roof we also do all ? building work also damp proofing ?? all work comes fully guaranteed
Very thorough. Pointed out a few other problems and was very flexible with the price. Friendly and very chatty guy
Apex is a maintenance service company, specialising in Plumbing, Heating and General Building. Our experienced team offer a host of skills, covering many different sectors to allow us to be your one-stop shop. So whether you're a domestic customer with a plumbing and heating issue, or, a domestic client requiring general property solutions, we can tailor your needs under one roof. Our team is fully insured and with over 30 years of experience, we're the go-to company for plumbing and heating, with a quick-to-action call-out priority covering Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berkshire.
Fantastic job. Clear communication and completed the work within time. Will recommend whole heartedly.
WELCOME TO D.D BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING A small family team who can provide lots of services: PAINTING AND DECORATING TILING, FLOORING, PLASTERING RENDERING Astro Turf Block Paving Block Paving Driveways Brick Pavers Brick Wall Bricklaying Contractors Complete Design Concrete Driveways Construction Works Decking Driveway Repairs Driveways Fencing Full Garden Design Garden Buildings Garden Cleared Garden Fences Garden Landscaping Ideas Garden Lighting Garden Maintenance Garden Makeovers Garden Walling Garden Walls Garden clearance and tidy ups Gravel Driveways Ground Maintenance Hard Landscaping Home Extensions Home Improvement Landscaping Project Large Garden Natural Stone Patio New Driveways New Turf Outdoor Room Patio Design Patio Repairs Patios Paving Slabs Picket Fencing Property Maintenance Resin Bonded Driveway Resin Bound Driveways Retaining Walls Smaller Garden Turfing We specialise in all types of hard landscaping such as driveways, patio installations, garden walls, outdoor kitchen, ponds, artificial grass and much more. We also carry out soft landscaping, create planting schemes and offer a full Landscape Design service. Insurance work is undertaken, we have £1m public liability insurance and we accept all major credit cards.
We have just been asked to join Rated People ,so our ratings do not exist yet. However with over 30 years experience and countless jobs under our belt, we can do anything from fixing a broken tile to complete refurbishments and extensions. New drains to a new roof we can do it all, and do it well. Kitchens, bathrooms, alterations redecoration, all in a day's work for us. An Island family firm ,with excellent references and recommendations . We are recomended by estate agents and property management services. Friendly reliable service at realistic prices. We finish on time on price. For a builder you can trust, call us.
didn't even turn up waste of time if you don't want the job just say so its best all round.
NICEIC approved and fully insured electrical contractors covering all of London. Welcome to the world of Bennet Baldwin Ltd. We are the premium choice in emergency electrical work, offering our expertise and service to keep your home and business safe. Our team of professional and reliable contractors are available 24/7 to attend to all kinds of emergency electrical repairs and issues. Whether it’s fixing a faulty circuit or replacing your old fuse board, you can count on us to deliver the highest quality work at competitive prices. With the best materials, a comprehensive guarantee and full customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that you will get the perfect solution for your electrical needs. We understand that emergencies can occur anytime and we take pride in offering a fast and efficient response to ensure your safety and comfort. Our experienced electricians know exactly what needs to be done and are always prepared for any challenge. With the latest technology and top of the line safety equipment, no job is too big or small for us. At Bennet Baldwin Ltd, we strive to provide excellent customer service and value for money. With a free quote and free consultation service, you can be sure that you will get the best solution for your electrical requirements. Make the right choice with Bennet Baldwin Ltd . Put your mind at ease and get in touch with us today!
Quotes shared timely, good communication and excellent work done in under a week. Will certainly use their services again if needed. Recommended.
k constructions
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
hello I have 15 year in the trade I am a multi skilled tradesmen who takes pride in what I do I love my job I work on a basis you not happy with my work you don't pay simple as that I am fully insured and vetted
Top class service really friendly people ..love our flooring thank you very much we will use again.
Welcome to First Fix Decor & Boiler Experts, the trusted name for domestic and commercial property solutions. With over 25 years of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering professional, reliable, and high-quality services tailored to meet your every need. From plumbing and heating to painting and decorating, and even man with a van removals and waste clearance, we are your one-stop solution for maintaining, improving, and transforming your property. At First Fix, we specialize in domestic and commercial plumbing and heating, offering services like boiler installations, boiler repairs, central heating installations, and general plumbing maintenance. Whether it’s fixing a dripping tap, upgrading your heating system, or conducting safety checks, our team ensures your property stays warm, safe, and functional. Our painting and decorating services are designed to rejuvenate your space with precision and creativity. From interior wall painting to exterior building renovations, we help bring your vision to life. Every project is carried out to the highest standards, ensuring an impeccable finish that enhances the look and feel of your home or business. We are also experts in track and trace water and gas leaks, using cutting-edge technology to detect and resolve leaks efficiently, saving you time, stress, and potential damage costs. This specialist service is critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of your property. Beyond repairs and renovations, we offer dependable man with a van removals for both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you’re relocating, need furniture transported, or require same-day courier services, we handle your belongings with care and professionalism. Additionally, our waste clearance services help you dispose of unwanted items responsibly, keeping your property clutter-free and environmentally compliant. First Fix Decor & Boiler Experts operates a 24/7 emergency call-out service, so you’re never alone in a crisis. From plumbing emergencies to urgent heating repairs, we’re here to ensure your home or business stays comfortable and operational at all times. We take great pride in our reputation for excellence, built on years of consistent, reliable service. As a fully insured and accredited company, we adhere to strict safety and quality standards, giving you peace of mind that every project is in capable hands.
Very professional, and undercut several other operators
Family running business based in Gravesend. Our priority is excelent service and satisfide customer. Top quality work is our trademark. Specialised in all type of build work with very expirienced team. Plenty of references form our previous satisfied clients. In need of top quality builders? call for more informations.
An excellent service, completed on time. Would recommend
Electrician at Self employed electrical engineer
Came out short notice. Managed to squeeze me in. Due to short notice of getting room plastered 3 days later. Had 4 double plugs put in. In chrome like I wanted. They were professional and cleaned up after themselves. Will definitely use again
London Development uk ltd is our company, we have been trading for over 12 years in the construction business. - We are a fully insured company with a big portfolio of jobs completed and we are friendly and reliable on any work and business that is coming across. - We can do big jobs as new buildings or full refurbishments, basements, extensions, lofts conversions etc and also we can do small jobs as bathroom refurbishments or even smaller is always space and time for a new job. - We guarantee you that you will get the best workmanship on your job with best skills and acknowledge in the construction industry, time effective and costly effective for customers. Try our company and you will gain the benefits!!!
Peter contacted me and was amazing, professional with his quote and recommendation. Very clean, tidy service and very open and honest. Peter and his team are excellent builders.
H&R Renovations LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
H&R Renovations ltd always aims to deliver a high standards of work qualities to satisfy all my clients expectations and meet theirs satification.
I represent a company with a strong and established presence in the market. Specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, and comprehensive renovations of real estate and apartments, we have 33 years of experience in delivering high-quality projects. In addition to renovations, we also offer services in loft conversions, new extensions, and other general building works. Our expertise and track record ensure that we can handle a wide range of construction needs with precision and excellence.
Andrew excellent job removing an old bathroom and installing a new walk in shower & toilet. A good job well done quickly with plenty of updates
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