Piling is a widely used technique, both for creating and strengthening the foundations of structures from domestic homes to major infrastructure projects. There are many different approaches to inserting the piles, and the various names can be confusing. Screw piling is one type that's used...
If you've made an offer for a property, it's highly recommended to request a survey before you commit yourself, to flag up any possible problems. There are various levels of survey, depending on the type and condition of the property. If you're buying a house...
If you're considering buying a new property, you may be advised to have building surveys carried out. Also sometimes known as a structural survey, this is a detailed report, usually by a chartered surveyor or a construction company with surveying expertise, that flags up any...
In the 44 years since U&M was founded in North London, we've gradually built up a wide range of construction services. Besides the underpinning and piling that's always been central to U&M, we also offer services ranging from basement construction to structural repair work. In...
Charterbuild is the division of the U&M Group that offers expert services for Structural Repair. Whether your problem involves structural movement, cracking, or repair and refurbishment of your home or commercial property, you're in safe hands with Charterbuild. What is a Structural Repair? Structural repairs are normally...
If for some reason the foundations of your home (or any building) become inadequate to keep the structure stable, you have a choice between risking it collapsing in the end or having the foundations underpinned. This house underpinning process can be quite expensive (although it...
All buildings need foundations to prevent them collapsing, and this shouldn't be a problem for a new building. However, various things can happen to a building over its lifetime, and it's possible that the original foundations won't be adequate for the new circumstances. In these...
If you've just returned to this website, you may have noticed that it looks very different from your last visit. Yes, we've updated our site. The old one has served us very well for several years, but website design is progressing all the time, and...
Buildings aren’t designed to last in perfect condition forever — and anyone who managed to solve that problem would probably corner the market. When a building has a wall crack or becomes weaker or unstable, it requires structural repairs if it’s going to continue functioning....
Underpinning — some people panic at the idea of it, but it's only a technique for safeguarding your home. Underpinning involves strengthening the existing foundations of a building, and there are a number of reasons why this might be needed. What Might Create a Need for...