Underpinning is required when a property has undergone some kind of foundation movement in the present or the past. This happens due to various reasons, i.e., an earthquake, nearby major constructions, or poor foundations.
As the groundwork condition changes over the passage of time, any property can end up needing the help of Mini Piling Contractors London specialists to derive a sensible solution. And underpinning is usually the perfect method to reinforce the foundations and strengthen them for the years to come.
Now, not that you shouldn’t buy a property that is underpinned but there are a few things that you should watch out for. The majority of people wouldn’t mention if their property has been underpinned or not.
Thus, the best practice is to question the seller yourself. Moreover, if you are selling your underpinned property, remember there is absolutely nothing to panic about. It is best to convey it to the buyer, to avoid any possible disputes in the future.
Properties that require Underpinning Specialist services can be due to serious conditions as well. However, most of the time, it is the alterations in the ground conditions that cause a major shift.
If you are stepping outside to look for a property (for whatever reason), considering the mentioned aspects can help you make the right decision.
Aspects to Consider:
Now, whether you are buying or selling an underpinned property, watching out for the following is very important. These queries can help you make a sensible decision. As this is a huge investment, you definitely do not want to put your money to waste.
1. Cause of the Property’s Subsidence:
Primarily, the biggest concern for you as a buyer should be the cause of the subsidence. What caused the property to subside? The root cause will help in understanding whether the issue has been resolved or is an ongoing one.
It is best if you keep a Mini Piling Contractors London expert with you. Specialists understand the subsidence causes deeply and therefore, they can determine whether the cause isn’t much of a problem or not.
2. Will a New Insurance Company Cover the Property?
This is a very important question to inquire about from the seller and it is recommended that you discuss it with your insurance company as well. Many insurance companies do not offer coverage for a property that has been underpinned previously.
But the current insurance policy, covering the property already, will continue doing so. However, can that policy be continued in your name? Can you claim it if any further damage occurs to the property? Make sure that you clarify all of these aspects before making a purchase.
3. Can you avoid Subsidence in the Future?
Once Underpinning Specialist have done their work and the subsidence has been stopped, it is crucial to keep the property clean of all possible subsidence causes.
For instance, if you have trees, whose roots can cause damage to the foundations; it is best to get them removed. Likewise, a properly functioning plumbing system is critical as leakages can weaken the foundations too.
This is why understanding the cause of property subsidence is the top priority. Once you know what causes the subsidence, it is easier to manage prevention for the future.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Can you buy an underpinned property? Yes, you can. Given that the property is not a suspect of further subsidence. However, making a wise decision is critical, and questioning the seller can help you in doing so.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to keep Mini Piling Contractors London experts along with you as they can assess a property’s condition and guide you accordingly. Southern Foundations Piling is a great source to get help from as they have been in the industry for quite a while now and can help you invest in a worthy property.
