Being told your home needs underpinning to prevent further subsidence is news no one wants to hear. The first thing you’ll want to do is connect with quality underpinning contractors near you. That’s where Checkatrade can help.
How to find underpinning contractors near me
Look through our approved tradespeople by searching your postcode below.
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What does underpinning a house involve?
The first thing to know about underpinning is that it is a substantial job. It can also be noisy and messy, and you may wish (or must) move out of your home temporarily.
A qualified structural engineer will advise you on which underpinning method is right for your home and guide you through the process.
But, to give you a general steer, here are the most common methods of underpinning used to reinforce the foundations of a home:
Mass concrete
This more traditional method involves digging holes beneath the existing foundation, which are then filled with concrete.
This can usually be done by hand without large excavation equipment, so it isn’t as noisy. However, as the holes are excavated and filled one at a time, it can be more time-consuming.
Beam and base
Similarly to the mass concrete method, holes are dug beneath a wall. These holes are then filled with concrete, and a load-bearing beam is laid on top. The aim is to spread out the weight of the wall above.
Resin injector method
This less disruptive and quicker method involves injecting a substance made from a hardener and glue above the building’s foundations. A reaction causes the fluid to expand, fill cracks, and compact the earth.
Piling
Using specialist equipment, metal or concrete shafts are inserted into the ground to support the weight of your home more efficiently. It is generally the most expensive option but is effective when foundations over five metres deep are required.
How much would it cost to underpin a house?
That all depends on the size of your home and the foundations. However, to give you a ballpark figure, the average cost of underpinning a wall using the mass concrete method is £13,500.
You can also learn more about the costs involved in our underpinning cost guide.
Top tip – If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, remember to have your party wall agreements in place before you commence work. You’ll need to give your neighbours two months written notice.
If they don’t agree to the work or respond, you’ll have to get a surveyor to inspect the boundary wall and draw up an agreement. So, this is an additional cost to factor in.
Who can carry out underpinning?
Underpinning must always be carried out by qualified professionals. Firstly, a qualified structural engineer will assess the need for underpinning and recommend the appropriate method.
You’ll then need to hire an underpinning contractor to carry out the work. We always recommend using a tradesperson who specialises in underpinning and has extensive experience rather than a general contractor.
Once the work is completed, your local building control department will issue you a completion certificate to certify that the work complies with building regulations.
Ready to find experienced underpinning contractors near you?
Follow these three simple steps:
Use a professional directory
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Compare quotes
It’s always wise to get at least three quotes from reputable professionals. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.
Ready to find qualified underpinning contractors in your area? Search your postcode to get started.
Your underpinning questions answered
Can you live in a house while it is being underpinned?
That all depends on the extent of the work needed. Your professional underpinning contractor will advise what’s best for your home.
Top tip – If your home is deemed uninhabitable while the works are being carried out, a good home insurance policy should cover you for alternative accommodation.
How many years does underpinning last?
When completed to a high professional standard, a house’s underpinning should last at least several lifetimes.
Is it hard to sell a house that has been underpinned?
Selling an underpinned home can certainly be more challenging, as potential buyers may worry that subsidence has happened in the past.
That’s why it’s important to make sure any underpinning work is approved and certified once completed. That way, you can prove to potential buyers that the work has been completed professionally.
Is there an alternative to underpinning?
That depends on your home’s soil conditions and the extent of the subsidence. As a first port of call, getting an expert opinion from a qualified structural engineer and underpinning contractor is always best.