Laying the Foundations for a Self Build Home

ProAktive www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A SELF BUILD HOME There is a range of different methods & techniques for laying down the foundations of a self build home. This infographic briefly explains and visualises the various foundation types that are available to use in a self build project. TYPES OF FOUNDATION TRADITIONAL FOUNDATIONS Simple foundations (often known as strip foundations) require placing concrete into trenches. These strips are built up in blocks until ground level where the walls then change the preferred external material. The footings are then layered with damp proof course, to which the ground floor is fixed. ENGINEERED FOUNDATIONS These foundations are used when the ground is judged to be difficult to build on. However. this option can often prove to be more expensive than simpler foundations. The simplest way of implementing this option is to dig the trenches of the foundations deeper and fill them with a greater amount of concrete. PILED FOUNDATIONS Piled foundations require piles to be driven down into the ground which are then filled with concrete. The foundation is then topped with a ground beam which can be built upon. Some builders use piled foundations on every project as the costs can be more predictable than other types of foundation. RAFT FOUNDATIONS Raft foundations use a concrete raft which is designed to float on the ground beneath the building. The structure of the foundation is made of an extra-thick floor slab which is strengthened further by steel reinforcements. This option can be more complex to construct. • FOUNDATION METHODS - HOW THEY WORK • Damp proof membrane Housing Brickwork Reinforced concrete floor slab Blinding concrete RAFT FOUNDATION METHOD This method uses thick, reinforced concrete floor slabs which are strong enough to build the walls of the self build house. Damp proof membrane Damp proof membrane Ground level Ground level Тор of foundation to be finished level at correct depth Тор of foundation to be finished level at correct depth Concrete Concrete 150mm TRENCHFILL FOUNDATION METHOD TRADITIONAL FOUNDATION METHOD This method is the most common as it is This method consists of digging out a quick & easy. It does however use a trench to a level agreed with the building significantly greater amount of concrete than strip foundations. inspector beforehand. Concrete is then laid to a depth of at least 150mm before blocks are layered up to a finished floor level. If you are considering taking on a Self Build project, be sure to protect your investment with Self Build insurance. ProAktive Self Build developed the first UK Self Build insurance policy in 1984. ProAktive are the industry leaders, with specialists available to discuss your project build, and insurance requirements. ProAktive Doncaster: 01302 346 831 | Follow us OO O www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk