Published 12 May 2025
What does ‘underpinning a house’ mean?
Published 12 May 2025
Underpinning can cause some mystery and concern when buying a new property. So, let’s take a look at what underpinning is, the processes surrounding it, and how to tell if you need to underpin your property…
- What is underpinning?
- Can you get home insurance if your house has been underpinned?
- Should you buy a property that’s had underpinning work?
What is underpinning?
Underpinning is a process used to help secure the foundations of a house that has been suffering from some serious subsidence. The Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reports that underpinning is only required in the 10% most serious cases of subsidence. RICS-consumer-guide-Subsidence.pdf Here are some examples of underpinning methods:
- · Mass Concrete method
- · Beam and base method
- · Piled raft
- · Resin injection
What is mass concrete underpinning?
This is the most popular method. It’s done by digging out small sections under the house’s foundations until you get to a more solid level of subsoil. These sections are then filled with concrete, and the process is repeated around all of the foundations of the house.
What is piled raft underpinning?
This is more likely to be used for a larger building and can be used for deeper foundation issues. A number of piles and columns are inserted through the foundations, using the support of stronger soil deeper down.
What is beam and base underpinning?
This is where concrete beams are placed underneath the current foundations. These beams rest on a bed of new concrete which in turn supports the whole structure of the home.
What is resin injection underpinning?
This is the least invasive method. Resin is sent through holes in the existing foundations to fill up all the gaps within the soil to strengthen the whole area underneath the foundations.
Can you get home insurance with a house that’s been underpinned?
It can be trickier to get home insurance with a home that’s had underpinning work completed on it in the past, due to the history of subsidence. You’ll probably need to get a specialist insurer to cover the property.
How do I know if my home has been underpinned?
The previous owner must declare if the property has been underpinned at any point even if the work was completed years ago.
Should you buy a property that’s been underpinned?
Usually, your mortgage company will ask for a structural survey of the property to check for any further signs of subsidence and should also establish the original cause of the subsidence. This will give you a good idea if the subsidence will be a continuous problem or just a one off, but if you have any concerns, always get an expert to take a look, as it could cause issues for your home later down the line that wouldn’t be covered by your home insurance.
Always keep an eye out for signs of subsidence , even after underpinning work has been completed. Most insurers will cover a subsidence related claim, but you’ll probably have to find a specialist insurer to cover a house that’s been underpinned.
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