We assume that any building needs a foundation. It’s so obvious that we use it widely as a metaphor — the foundation of arguments, beliefs, organisations and so on. The foundation is what makes anything safe and secure. So can you really build a house...
If your home has a basement, or if you’re thinking of adding a basement, you already have an advantage over most properties. What are you going to do with space, though? Traditionally, basements have tended to be relegated to marginal uses such as storage or...
The Pile foundation is most commonly associated with strengthening a building’s existing foundations through underpinning, but this isn’t its only use. Piling is also sometimes the most suitable technique for new-build foundations. The crucial factor is frequently the type of soil below the structure. Soil Quality...
Few buildings will last without solid strong foundations, and various foundation types are best suited to different situations. Increasingly in recent decades, the technique of choice has tended to be piled foundations, largely driven by innovation as well as increased costs in spoil removal and...
If you’re thinking of buying insurance for an underpinned house you may find it difficult & expensive. You may even be advised by well-meaning friends not to have your existing house subsidised, for much the same reasons. The second case flies in the face of reason...
The world is changing faster each year, and the construction industry is no exception. 2019’s top construction trends may not affect you directly this year, but it’s almost certain that they’ll all soon be commonplace. So what do we all need to prepare for? Construction Trends 1....
The walls of your home do two vital jobs — they support the structure, and they keep out the weather. If they become worn or cracked, their ability to do both jobs is compromised and they need to be repaired this will be a masonry...
On the 23rd November, we attended the ASUC Awards 2018, at One Moorgate Place in London. The guest speaker for the Awards was Paul Sinha – best known from ITV’s popular quiz show ‘The Chase’ – who lived up to his promise to be an...
There are many excellent reasons for adding a basement to your home, from creating an independent flat to having an indoor swimming pool. It’s a major job, though, and one of the most important aspects is ensuring the foundations of your house remain strong. This...
In spite of being a highly specialist field, you’ll face a wide choice if you’re looking for a piling contractor. How do you tell which will offer the most effective and professional job? At U&M, we’re confident that we can compete with anyone for expertise and...