Are you planning to build one or more timber framed buildings on your land? Or are you looking into options for property extensions? No matter the nature of your construction project in Hampshire or Surrey, the first phase of the physical build will be the groundworks (including bulk excavation). Of course, every stage of building work is important, but this first phase is key in laying the foundations for both the structure and wider project to come. Put simply, it’s impossible to build anything with a sound structure without well-executed groundworks.
From property renovations to new builds, to get this initial stage of your project right at the first attempt, you must hire a company with a proven track record. SLK Construction is an experienced, multi-disciplined design, build and management company covering Basingstoke, Farnham, Guildford and all surrounding areas.
In this blog, we look at what you typically see during the groundworks phase of a project and why the process is so important.
Any surface or structure is only as strong as the foundations supporting it. This is as true for a road as it is a multi-storey high-rise. As such, your service will typically start with a site clearance, if needed, followed by bulk excavation. When digging-out, we work with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring results precise to the millimetre.
With experience in property extensions, renovations and timber framed buildings, we can install foundations of any kind:
• Trench-Fill
• Strip
• Raft
• Pile
In addition to the foundations, we also install a drainage system for the management of foul and surface water. The former ensures your property and land stays free of contamination, while the latter avoids waterlogging and flooding, both of which effect the soil and, in turn, can damage the foundations.
Without adequate groundworks, your property renovations, extension or new building will not only be woefully underequipped and susceptible to premature failure, but it also won’t receive the necessary sign-offs from a building control officer.
In short, if your structure in Basingstoke, Farnham, Guildford or the neighbouring areas falls below the required standards and fails to receive a completion certificate, it will be considered unlawful. In such an event, you will need to carry out rectification work, including more disruptive bulk excavations, to bring it up to standard. In extreme cases, you may even need to knock it down.
This is another key aspect of why you must get the groundworks right at the first attempt. Because it’s the opening stage of property extensions, renovations and new timber framed buildings, your schedule of works dictates that superstructure construction follows immediately after. However, if the groundworks aren’t perfect when you start to build over them, you will almost certainly need to perform expensive, time-consuming work to make them so.
By choosing a time-served company like SLK Construction from the outset, you can rest assured that your groundworks will support the load of your building, protect against wind, flooding and moisture ingress, and meet all standards set out in the UK Building Regulations.
Find out why we’re the go-to choice for property renovations, extensions and more in Basingstoke, Farnham, Guildford and the surrounding region.