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Groundwork & Foundations

House being built next door- foundation trenches have no support- is this a big issue?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.11 PM

We are about to buy a semi detached house. The vendor is currently taking some of the existing land from this house and building a new small 3 bedroom detached house next to it. They have started digging foundations for this house. Our surveyor has informed us that the foundation trenches have not been supported (polling and something???) and this may be a concern for us in the future as it could cause movement of our foundation therefore subsidence or heave. He did not advise on whether it was wise to purchase or not to purchase (which is my question...) but rather just to make sure there was a condition survey before the building work commenced of our property and also to make sure our insurance covers any potential problems. He said we wouldn't know of any problems until 2-3 year time. The soil in the area is clay soil I believe. We are just want some opinions on whether it is worth taking the risk and continue with the purchase....is it really a big concern? We really love the house. Any help would be much appreciated.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

2 Answers

Anonymous user

Am sure this would of been brought up by the building control office if anything needed doing. You can get a copy of the drawings and have look but would'nt worry do much as the foundation must be checked and signed off by the building control be4 the build starts.

Answered22 February 2015

Anonymous user

If the ground in the area is clay digging of traditional shallow foundations would not cause nearby ground to heave or shrink more than changes in weather (wet ground-drying out) would cause. If they were deep foundations & near the property that you are thinking of buying, that were left open for a long prior to being filled with concrete, there could be a danger that the sides of their excavation could collapse and there might be a chance that a nearby structure could be effected. Any builder excavating foundation trenches and leaving them open longer than necessary would be asking for problems. If the excavations are near any property they might be subject to the Party Structure Notice- Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It might be worth checking with the seller.

Answered22 February 2015