NEED TO KNOW FOUNDATIONS
When building from scratch, one of the biggest challenges is identifying the best way to get out of the ground. This guide sets out the basics you need to know when specifying foundations
This insulated foundation system is from Glatthaar Keller
The choice of foundation is not just about laying the groundwork for your house; it’s about establishing a solid, long-lasting base that will support your home for generations. The architectural design of your property will influence your foundation choice, as will soil conditions, the weight and load distribution of the building, its size and any specific design features. So, not only will it be one of the first building operations on site, but it’s also an integral part of the structural design phase. Here’s where to start.
Ground conditions
Understanding you plot’s unique ground conditions is paramount. In the UK, soil types can vary significantly from one region to another, and even within a small geographic area. So, it is crucial to assess your soil’s properties, including its bearing capacity, susceptibility to movement and drainage. “Before anything else, you must get a geotechnical soil sur vey done,” says Simon Orrells of Frame Technologies. “This will give you the soil structure, bearing pressure and make up, and will give a steer on the foundation type (not design) so that your engineer can design from it. If you need a self build mortgage, your lender and structural warranty provider will require a soil survey.”