About Our Foundation Construction Services
At Nelhams & Sons, we create robust, long-lasting foundations that provide the essential structural support for your building project. Our foundation work goes beyond simply meeting minimum standards – each foundation is designed and constructed to suit specific ground conditions, structural loads, and environmental factors to ensure your building stands strong for generations to come.
Our Foundation Construction Services
We design and build foundations that provide exceptional structural integrity and long-term performance. At Nelhams & Sons we specialise in:
Strip & Trench Fill Foundations
Traditional concrete strip foundations and modern trench fill systems for new builds, extensions, and garden walls, designed to current Building Regulations and ground conditions.
Pad & Raft Foundations
Reinforced concrete pad foundations for structural columns and raft foundations for challenging ground conditions, including clay soils and areas with poor bearing capacity.
Specialist Foundation Solutions
Piled foundations for difficult ground conditions, underpinning for existing structures, and foundation repairs including settlement issues and structural remediation work.
How We Work
Creating the right foundation is critical to your building’s long-term structural integrity. Our detailed process ensures optimal foundation design for your specific site conditions and structural requirements.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Site Assessment | We evaluate your site’s ground conditions, drainage, and access requirements |
| Soil Investigation | Ground surveys to determine soil type, bearing capacity, and foundation depth requirements |
| Structural Calculations | Engineering calculations to determine appropriate foundation type and reinforcement |
| Building Regulations | We submit foundation designs to Building Control for approval and compliance |
| Excavation Planning | Safe excavation methods considering utilities, neighbouring properties, and site access |
| Foundation Construction | Professional excavation, concrete placement, and reinforcement installation |
| Quality Control | Concrete testing, depth verification, and Building Control inspections |
| Damp Proofing | Installation of damp proof courses and membrane systems as required |
| Backfilling & Drainage | Proper backfilling procedures and drainage installation around foundations |
| Foundation Completion | Final inspections and certification ready for superstructure construction |
Building Regulations
All foundations designed to current Building Regulations with full Building Control approval
Ground Conditions
Expert knowledge of Surrey clay soils and local ground conditions affecting foundation design
Quality Concrete
Premium concrete mixes with appropriate strength grades and certified testing procedures
Structural Engineering
Professional structural calculations and engineering support for complex foundation requirements
Why Choose Nelhams & Sons for Your Foundations?
Our foundation expertise spans nearly five decades of construction experience in Surrey’s varied ground conditions. We understand how different soil types, water tables, and environmental factors affect foundation performance. Each foundation project receives careful engineering consideration to ensure optimal design, appropriate materials, and construction methods that provide long-term structural stability and peace of mind.
- Comprehensive site investigation and soil analysis services
- Professional structural engineering and calculation support
- Expert knowledge of Surrey clay soils and ground conditions
- Full Building Regulations compliance and certification
- 48+ years foundation construction experience in the region
Best Surrey Business Award
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Construction
What type of foundation do I need for my project?
Foundation type depends on your building’s structural loads, ground conditions, and local Building Regulations. Strip foundations suit most single-storey extensions, trench fill foundations work well in clay soils, whilst raft foundations may be required for poor ground conditions. We conduct site surveys and soil investigations to determine the most appropriate foundation system for your specific project.
How deep do foundations need to be?
Foundation depth varies by soil type and structural requirements. Minimum depths are typically 450mm for strip foundations, but clay soils may require depths of 900mm-1200mm or more to avoid frost and shrinkage effects. Rocky or sandy soils may permit shallower foundations. Building Control determines acceptable depths based on structural calculations and soil conditions.
Do you handle Building Regulations for foundations?
Yes, we manage all Building Regulations submissions for foundation work, including structural calculations, drawings, and compliance documentation. We arrange Building Control inspections at excavation stage, during concrete placement, and at completion. Our experience with local Building Control departments ensures smooth approval processes and full regulatory compliance.
What if we discover poor ground conditions during excavation?
Ground conditions can vary across a site, and sometimes unexpected conditions are discovered during excavation. We conduct preliminary surveys to minimise surprises, but if poor ground is encountered, we stop work, consult with structural engineers, and propose appropriate solutions such as deeper foundations, ground improvement, or alternative foundation systems. Any changes are agreed with you and Building Control before proceeding.
How long do foundations take to construct?
Foundation construction typically takes 5-10 working days depending on size and complexity. This includes excavation, concrete placement, and curing time. Strip foundations for house extensions usually take 3-5 days, whilst larger projects or complex ground conditions may require longer. Weather conditions can affect timelines, particularly during winter months. Concrete requires 7-28 days to achieve full strength before superstructure work begins.
What about utilities and existing services?
We always check for existing utilities before excavation using CAT and Genny detection equipment and utility company records. Gas, water, electricity, and drainage services are carefully located and protected or diverted as necessary. New service entries through foundations are properly sealed and designed to maintain structural integrity. All utility work complies with relevant safety standards and regulations.
