When Do Building Regulations Apply to Underpinning?

Are you considering strengthening or stabilising your building's foundations, either entirely or in part? If so, you need to be aware that UK Building Regulations will apply to your project. This specific type of activity is officially classified as 'building work', meaning you must implement the correct measures to guarantee that the underpinning successfully halts any existing structural movement of the property.

Undertaking underpinning is a truly complex task that demands precise planning, expert design, a clear methodology, and stringent safety protocols. If this process is not executed correctly, you face severe dangers. It could lead to substantial damage to your current property, or even its complete collapse.

When you plan to underpin an existing foundation, you will almost always require approval under Building Regulations. Your project will typically involve commissioning a detailed structural design specifically for the underpinning, which will clearly outline the entire construction process. A crucial initial step, before any major work commences, is usually to excavate a trial hole right next to the existing footings. This allows a qualified professional, such as a structural engineer or surveyor, to thoroughly evaluate the specific conditions of your site.

Throughout the work, you must pay very close attention to any sewers and drains that are situated in the vicinity of your construction area.