When it comes to home extensions, challenges can arise even before the first brick is laid. In Bishops Waltham, K2 Building Services recently completed a single-story lean-to extension project to expand the lounge and dining area, but the presence of clay soil in the area presented a potential hurdle.
Having worked in Bishops Waltham before, K2 Building Services anticipated potential complications due to the clay soil, which can be unstable and prone to movement. To address this proactively, they conducted early ground investigations and arranged for a structural engineer and the council’s Building Control to be on-site to make an assessment. It was confirmed that piled foundations would be necessary to ensure the building’s stability. Piled foundations are deeper and consist of columns of structural steel or concrete designed to bear the structural load of the building. By pre-empting this issue, K2 Building Services was able to inform the client and present a plan and full costs before commencing the job.
The project also required the installation of a ring beam, a reinforced concrete beam that runs along the top of the piles, allowing for normal building to commence. This structural element is essential for supporting the structure above and further strengthening the stability of the building.
K2 Building Services managed all aspects of the project, from foundations to brickwork, culminating in installing a new bi-fold door and Velux windows in the roof.
The proactive approach taken by K2 Building Services ensured the project wasn’t derailed by the challenging ground conditions and the extension building ran smoothly.
Please get in touch with us if you want to work with K2 Building Services or have a project you’d like to discuss with us.
