7 Common Issues with DIY Building Foundations

It might be tempting to build your own foundations, especially if you’re having a new extension built. However, you must bear in mind that structures need to be built in-line with building regulations. Also, you will likely need planning permission from the local council. This is something you must do before starting any building work, or asking someone to come and lay the foundations for you. However, even if you’re aware of the aforementioned, attempting to lay foundations for any structure is best left to the professionals, and for good reason. Poorly-built foundations can cause considerable damage to the structure itself, as well as anything it might be joined to. 

Essentially, it makes subsidence extremely likely, and underpinning solutions will need to be sought out. Geobear is pleased to offer underpinning services. However, it’s always best to try and mitigate the issue in the first place. Below is a list of reasons as to why you should refrain from building foundations yourself, as well as the issues you could face if you proceed with DIY building foundations:

1. Cracks in exterior & interior walls

Building foundations yourself can cause the entire structure to move, usually downwards in the case of subsidence. As such, you’ll likely notice cracks in exterior walls and considerable cracks on the inside of the building. Hairline cracks aren’t usually anything to worry about. However, if they’re 3mm+ wide, then there’s likely something more sinister at play than just a settlement crack.

2. Bouncing or cracking floors

Another sign of foundation problems are floors that bounce, especially if there’s a suspended floor. If your floorboards are snagging, squeaking or bouncing, then that could signal an issue of subsidence as a result of poorly-built foundations. If your floor is made of concrete or screed, then you’ll likely notice cracks across the floor. Even if it’s covered in carpet or lino, you should still be able to see a visible crack line in the concrete floor. Again, if this is something you’re noticing, then the foundations have been built inadequately and subsidence may now be at play. 

3. A smell of mould or mildew

This might not sound like an obvious sign that points to issues with your foundations, but the smell won’t be coming from the ground. It will likely be coming from other places in and around your home, such as in the basement or your crawl space. The reasons for this would be moisture that is seeping through the cracks created by subsidence issues. However, this added moisture will, likely, only make the issue worse, as well as encourage pests and rodents. This is yet another reason to refrain from DIY foundations, even if it’s just an out-building for a home office or a small extension.

4. Warped or cracked sidings

A siding refers to the exterior wall that surrounds the windows. If subsidence is at play, then you’ll likely notice gaps or cracks around them.  Or you may even see that the surrounding structure, or the PVC window itself, has become warped. This is usually a mixture of the movement of the structure itself. But it could also be due to excess moisture as a result of new-found access.

5. Sinking ground

This is one of the most common signs of subsidence issues. But it’s also one of the most severe. It’s only going to occur if the problem is ongoing and has become worse. A sinking ground will also result in the noticeable sinking of the structure itself. Although there are multiple factors at play when it comes to subsidence, poorly-built foundations is a likely cause. Essentially, DIY building foundations aren’t going to be sufficient for an entire brick structure to sit upon, so leave it to the experts.

6. Sticking doors & windows

If your DIY building foundations have failed, which is likely to happen at one point or another if they haven’t been done by a professional, then subsidence will occur. Another sign of subsidence is doors and windows that won’t open or close. As such, you’ll have a brand new structure that you either cannot access or cannot exit from. If you don’t want to risk these problems, then have building foundations cone by a professional.

7. Issues with drainage

Subsidence will affect your drains, both above ground and below ground. As the structure moves, so will all of your plumbing. It could cause problems with cracked pipes underground or it may cause pipework inside the home to become bent or warped. Where this will depend on the severity of the case and the size of the structure you have built upon your DIY foundations, it’s not worth risking the integrity of your drainage system by laying the foundations yourself.

Geobear is pleased to offer subsidence solutions and underpinning services to a wealth of domestic and commercial customers. With considerable knowledge and expertise behind us, along with a team of professional specialists at the helm of our operations, you will always be able to count on Geobear for underpinning solutions that will stand the test of time. If you would like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, expert team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.