Foundations set out, dug and poured in the right order
Foundations for new builds, extensions and structures: excavation, footing shuttering, reinforcement and concrete from MCMurdie Contracts LTD. Request a quote.
What’s involved
MCMurdie Contracts LTD builds foundations for new homes, extensions and commercial structures. Because we also handle groundworks, shuttering and reinforced concrete, the excavation, formwork, steel and pour can be planned as one sequence instead of passed between separate trades.
Good to know
Why ground conditions set the depth
A foundation has to reach firm bearing ground below the depth where frost and seasonal wetting and drying move the soil. Shrinkable clay near trees is the classic problem: roots draw moisture out, the clay shrinks, and shallow footings can move. In those cases the depth is taken from the soil type, the tree species and the distance to the tree, and sometimes an engineered solution replaces a conventional footing.
Building control inspections
Under the Building Regulations, the excavation is normally inspected before any concrete is poured. The inspector checks the depth, the bearing ground and the trench against the plans, and may ask for it to go deeper if the soil isn’t what was expected. Planning around that visit matters: an open trench left exposed to rain or frost can soften at the base and need cleaning out again before the pour.
Specifying the concrete
Concrete for foundations is specified by strength class and exposure. Plain trench fill often uses a designated mix suited to the ground, while reinforced footings and slabs need a structural mix and a set cover to the steel. Where soil tests show sulfates in the ground, a sulfate-resisting mix may be specified. The engineer’s drawing or the building control approval is the reference for which mix goes in.
Why people choose us
One sequence, fewer handovers
Excavation, shuttering, steel fixing and the pour are carried out by one contractor, so there is no waiting between trades and no gap for the trench to deteriorate.
Built to the drawings
Footings, pads and bases are set out from the engineer's or architect's drawings, including the positions of holding-down bolts for any steel frame that will sit on them.
Planned around the rest of the build
The foundation programme is arranged to suit your inspection dates, concrete deliveries and the trades that follow on.
Direct contact
You deal with the contractor doing the work, so questions about depths, levels or changes on site get a straight answer.
Other services
Questions
Have a specific question about your drawings or structural package? Call directly or request a quote.
How deep will my foundations need to be?
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Can you build foundations to a structural engineer's design?
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Do you also do the excavation and site preparation?
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Can you provide bases for a steel frame?
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Do you work for main contractors as well as homeowners?
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How do I get a quote?
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Get in touch
Direct contractor contact. Send drawings or call to discuss foundations, steel fabrication, or concrete work.
Request a quote