Those Victorian terraces along Balham High Road weren't built on guesswork - their foundations have stood firm for over a century. Today's foundation work demands the same precision, whether you're extending your period property or breaking ground on Wandsworth Common's edge.
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Balham's clay soil shifts with the seasons, particularly near the old Falcon Brook route. Foundation work here requires intimate knowledge of local ground conditions. From basement conversions in those grand Edwardian semis off Nightingale Lane to rear extensions on typical SW12 plots, each project starts beneath the surface.
Modern foundation engineering combines ground surveys, structural calculations and proven construction methods. Reinforced concrete strips, raft foundations or piled systems - the choice depends on soil analysis, building loads and neighbouring properties. Tree roots from Balham's mature plane trees often complicate matters, requiring deeper excavations to reach stable ground below the zone of seasonal movement.
Twenty years digging through South London's varied geology teaches you which corners cut costs and which shortcuts cost fortunes. Our structural engineer visits every site, because Balham's ground holds surprises even for seasoned contractors.
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Standard strip foundations for a single-storey extension typically range £8,000-£15,000. Complex projects involving piling or underpinning existing structures can reach £25,000-£40,000, depending on ground conditions and access constraints.
Absolutely - from the conservation areas around Bedford Hill to new developments near Tooting Bec Common. Regular work takes us through Clapham South, up to Streatham Hill, and across to properties backing onto Wandsworth Common.
Simple strip foundations usually take 2-3 weeks including excavation, concrete pours and curing time. Piled foundations or basement projects often require 4-6 weeks, particularly when party wall agreements involve neighbouring Victorian properties.
Each foundation carries a decade-long structural warranty backed by professional indemnity insurance. This covers both the concrete work and steel reinforcement against settlement, heave or structural failure - peace of mind when building on Balham's challenging ground.
Victorian and Edwardian houses often have surprisingly robust foundations, but structural calculations determine load capacity. Sometimes minor underpinning strengthens specific areas rather than complete foundation replacement - our engineer assesses each property individually.
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