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?
Family run business. Have been a bricklayer for 30 years and now my son has followed in my foot steps. I have always been proud of my work especially conservation. I have recently joined rated people because I have had enough of the site work and feel its time to slow down and offer my experience to private work. I have done private work in the past and always ensured works were completed on time,at a reasonable rate and took pride in my work. I am a registered company and can be found on company house. I can supply my registration number for any checks.
Excellent work. Highly recommend
With an esteemed 15-year tenure in construction, I offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to elevate your residential spaces to unprecedented levels of sophistication and functionality. Specializing in block paving, loft conversions, spotlights, and painting and decorating, I blend technical prowess with creative vision to bring your ideas to life. From meticulously executed projects to innovative design concepts, trust in my commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client satisfaction to exceed your expectations at every turn. Experience the assurance of quality and the promise of transformative excellence as you embark on your journey with me, your trusted partner in crafting spaces that epitomize luxury, comfort, and timeless elegance. We specialise in- -drive way/patio installs and or jet wash & reseal -interior decorations -plumbing works -hard flooring -loft conversions. And a range of other things.
The guys were great,did what was required,all done in a day. Thumbs-up all round
'%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}
Fortune Construction was funded in 2005 by CEO Zygmunt. In 2014 the CEO partnered with Anna to implement the business on providing a stronger customer-focused approach, services and a constant quest for top-class quality, which has enable the company to sustain leadership in its major line of business. Fortune Construction is based in South London but works all around London on general building and refurbishing.
Thanks for installing the shelves so quickly for us - we are delighted with the results!
We take proud in our work .our priority its our costumer.We undertake all kind of work from small to big projects.For a free estimate do not hezitate to contact us.
Very efficient
16 years experience in the rendering and plastering trade
Did a brilliant job on side of house, working in terrible weather, would recommend.
we are Masons with over ten years experience, all four of us are level 3 qualified and take great pride in all of our work carried out and put 100% into everything we do we never leave a job until we are happy the end product and customer satisfaction we undertake everything from plumbing to eletrics new builds to extentions to changing a roof tile. no job to small.
They do exactly what they promise
Trading as intrendbuilders and tesscon co uk search us on google We are a friendly, hard working & affordable company who specialise in All forms of roofing and general building, maintenance, fencing and landscaping, waste removal, end of tenancy property clearances, wooden & laminate flooring and more in all areas of Birmingham & surrounding areas.
Richard and his team did a great job of replacing our garden gazebo roof. Pete and the lads who worked at the property were professional and courteous throughout and I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.
We offer bespoke furniture and construction to commercial & private clients. Fully equipped manufacturing facility with spray shop / in house tinting machines for paints and polished plasters. We offer: Home extensions Loft conversions Structural work Underpinning Internal refurbishment Basements Furniture, made to measure: Bathroom cabinets Kitchens Wardrobes and other bespoke furniture.
Monta Ltd where very professional and extremely helpful throughout our bathroom refurb. They offered advice throughout the process and never gave any hard sale but explained the options and what it would mean and cost for any changes to what we wanted. The final outcome was a beautiful bathroom that makes us feel like we are in a top class hotel.
With over 15 years building experience in the construction industry, GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd are experts in all aspects of construction and project management. We specialise in both traditional and cutting-edge design and building methods. GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd is not only a building company. We cover the entire project, from planning, design, building, renovating, electrical installation, tiling, and plumbing. We do not use subcontractors; all work is completed by our own employees. This means no delays, no waiting for specialist tradesmen; we finish the entire job within budget and on time.
If you want building work done then GN Building Services are brilliant, not just excellent!. Before we said to go ahead he had introduced us to four former clients and showed us the work completed. He and his team are probably the hardest working tradesmen I have ever come across and talk about working to time and budget. I should really keep this review quiet as they are very much in demand and I need some more work doing - but I can not rate them highly enough.
I m building services Home repairs Electrics Painting and decorating Internal and external landscaping groundwork's building services renovation conversion timber building and out building driveways shed bases
Ian & Jason, were very professional, turned up on time and cleared all the debris on completion, did a very good job of re-felting shed roof. thank you Ian & Jason. allen@exactinteriors
Welcome to LBS building services formally called capstick & oconnor. We pride our selves on our highly skilled, helpful friendly team. We offer a second to none service always aiming for the highest standards of workmanship at prices that are affordable.
Prompt and professional, thank you!
Plum Building Services Ltd is a building company based in London. We work for both landlords and private home owners on new builds, extensions, refurbishments, repair and maintenance. No job is too big or too small. Quality is our guarantee.
Came at a moments notice and solved our problem. Thanks!
We are professional and reliable Essex based company with over 15 years experience in affordable alterations to your home or business,we are proud of our workmanship and always carry out work to the highest standard, No job is too big or small.
Polite hard working tradesmen with a very good quality of work.
I.VELO CONSTRUCTION offer a professional and comprehensive renovation and home improvement! We have a lot of practical experience and a very good and modern technical facilities. Our customers are individuals and large companies. We approach each project individually. We assure professional help in adapting design and selection, buying and transport of materials. We guarantee honesty, punctuality and quality of service. Always work safely, completing all jobs to an extremely high standard, whilst aiming to reduce inconvenience for our customers. Our priority is your satisfaction with a job well done. Please feel free to contact us at any time, We are always happy to provide our services to all our customers
Indri and his team did a very professional job. They were efficient, helpful and cheerful. Everything was cleared up after the work was finished. I would not hesitate in using them again or recommending them to others.
Garth Builders Ltd. for building and roofing services Building and roofing contractors provide a range of domestic and commercial building services. But we are not your average building and roofing contractor. Call us for a building or roofing service. We might just surprise you. We can undertake all kinds of building and roofing works. Building and roofing services are also known to charge exorbitant prices. However, our aim is to provide all customers with affordable building and roofing services. So if you are a homeowner or a commercial enterprise who needs a building or roofing work done, we are the company to call. We also work for the local authority so we understand the necessity of doing a good job. We are are fully compliant with safety and health regulations. Why Garth Builders Ltd. for these services? For more than 40 years, we’ve become a trusted and established name in building and roofing work around the city and nearby places. Rest assured we can meet your building and roofing needs with our safe work systems, use of superior materials and quality workmanship. We have the skills, expertise and the knowledge to work on any type of building and roofing project. We are always investing in and embracing new techniques so we are up to date with recent advancements in products and services. It also means we can provide a range of building and roofing services, all of which can meet your specific requirements. We also accept insurance for our building and roofing work, so please call us for the details. Our aim is to achieve great results and to ensure our customers requirements are reached with efficiency. Contact Garth Builders Ltd. today Thanks to our attention to detail and quality workmanship, we have a number of customers who rely on us for their building and roofing requirements. For any building or roofing work in this city, depend on Garth Builders to deliver quality services at very competitive rates. You can take our word for it. The services we offer are as follows All types of building works undertaken Extensions Conservatories All types of ground works Drainage Joinery works Plastering Flagging Roofing repairs Re-roofs Windows doors Pointing Dry verge systems Fascias & soffits All types of guttering works
Prompt response, and a good price, but the cricket club committee choose a local company nearby our club, with a similar price to the this business. Great communication from Jack.
Pearlcontracts is a small firm based in Montrose Angus with two teams of professionals for your home improvements.
First class job by John and the guys. Turned up on time to view the job, very knowledgeable and thorough assessment. Work completed to our agreed timescale and to a high standard, photos supplied to show before/after, important on a roof! Reasonably priced and very pleasant. Would highly recommend - in fact just had them back to do some more work.
C C D General Building is a company designate to take care of your job from the quote job to the end of it
Christian reversed the swing of the door for me in a room. He quoted quickly and his price was fair. He came quickly and did the job well. Would like to work with him in the future
Our award-winning claims management service aims to help policyholders throughout the UK make successful buildings insurance claims caused by storms, burst pipes, accidental damage, fire, floods or other events which lead to the property owners needing to make an insurance claim. We project manage and carry out the required repairs using our fully vetted contractors. Aspray always strive to reinstate the property to its pre-incident condition as swiftly as possible. Aspray Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for claims handling only.
We run a family business here founded in 2012, our mission is to provide with high quality of services to achieve complete customer satisfaction also we are open to respond immediately to changes needs of our clients and we improve our services continuously. Communication also's very important so we maintain a professional relationship with all ours clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Giani at Smart House is amazing. He did a wonderful job on our new utility and shower room. Very skilled, quiet and polite, clean and tidy, able to cope with customer changing her mind, and reliable. We can't recommend him enough.
'%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