Serving Torbay · Building across South Devon jbcarpentryandbuilding@yahoo.com07511 309544 AboutServices Areas Our WorkReviewsContact07511 309544Get Your Plans Priced - Home - Services - Underpinning # Underpinning specialistsin Torbay & South Devon Foundation strengthening and ground stabilisation to your engineer’s design. The cause of movement and the appropriate repair should be assessed before work starts. Get Your Plans Priced, Free - Director: 18 years' trade experience - 11+ years trading in South Devon - 1-year indemnity-backed guarantee - Public liability insured - City & Guilds bricklaying & carpentry ## What underpinning does, and when you need it Underpinning strengthens or deepens the foundations of an existing building so they bear on firmer ground. It's heavy structural work, and it's one of the trades our in-house team specialises in. It's for homeowners whose property has suffered subsidence or settlement, whose foundations aren't adequate for new loads such as an extension or extra storey, or whose basement is being lowered. Signs that it may be needed include widening cracks, doors and windows that stick, sloping floors, or a structural survey flagging foundation problems. A structural engineer should always assess the cause before work is designed. Underpinning works directly beneath a building that people live in, so sequencing and temporary support matter as much as the concrete. That's why it should be carried out by an experienced structural contractor, working from an engineer's design. ## What happens if foundation problems are left Foundation movement may continue if its cause is not addressed. A structural engineer should assess the problem and specify any repair. ### Cracks keep growing Movement spreads cracks through walls, render and plaster, letting in water and weakening the structure. ### Damage to the rest of the house Windows, doors, drains and roof lines can all be pulled out of line as the building moves. ### Problems selling or insuring Unresolved structural movement can make a property harder to sell, mortgage or insure. ### Bigger bills later Repairing a building that has moved for years usually costs far more than stabilising it early. ### Common mistakes to avoid - Filling cracks cosmetically without finding the cause. - Underpinning without an engineer's investigation and design. - Ignoring leaking drains or nearby trees that may be driving the movement. - Choosing a contractor without heavy groundworks experience. ## Our underpinning process - Step 1 ### Send your plans Share your approved drawings and any structural calculations. We'll arrange a free site visit. - Step 2 ### Clear written price You get a written quote for the work, with any fit-out priced separately if you want it. - Step 3 ### Excavation and underpinning Following the engineer's design, we excavate in carefully sequenced sections beneath the existing foundations and form new supporting foundations, keeping the building supported throughout. - Step 4 ### Building Control liaison We can liaise directly with Building Control officers on site where inspections are required. - Step 5 ### Completion and guarantee We hand over the finished work, covered by our 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. ## Underpinning project photos See our South Devon building projects → ## What you get with JB Carpentry and Building ### Foundation strengthening Work addresses the foundations themselves, not just the visible cracks. ### In-house specialists Heavy structural underpinning is handled by our own team, not passed on. ### Engineer-designed We work to your structural engineer's design and specification. ### Building Control involvement We liaise with Building Control on site through inspection stages. ### Ready for what's next Strengthened foundations can support future extensions or basement work where designed for it. ### Guaranteed workmanship A 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee covers completed work. ## Underpinning methods and ground stabilisation The right method depends on the ground, the cause of the movement and the building. Your engineer will specify which applies. ### Mass concrete underpinning The traditional method: excavating beneath the existing foundation in short sections, often called pins, and filling with concrete to transfer loads to deeper, firmer ground. Sections are dug in a set sequence so the wall is never left unsupported. ### Beam and base underpinning A reinforced concrete beam is formed to carry the wall and transfer its load to concrete bases at intervals. It suits situations where loads need to be spread or ground conditions vary. ### Partial and full underpinning Sometimes only one corner or wall needs strengthening; sometimes the whole building does. Partial underpinning has to be carefully designed at the junction with the original foundations. ### Underpinning for extensions and basements Not all underpinning is a repair. Deepening foundations to take an extra storey, a new extension tied into the old wall, or a lowered basement floor is common on renovation projects. ### Causes of movement Common causes include clay shrinkage, leaking drains washing out the ground, nearby trees, and poor original foundations. Addressing the cause, such as repairing drains, is often part of the solution. ### Related services - Structural Alterations → - Basement Conversions → - Barn Conversions →Based at 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon. Underpinning across Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, South Hams, Teignbridge. ## Planning your underpinning project ### Start with approved drawings We work primarily from existing client plans, so the best time to contact us about underpinning is once your architect's drawings and any planning consent are in place. Drawings fix the size, layout and specification, which helps us define the scope of the quote; any assumptions or changes should be agreed for your project. If your engineer has produced structural calculations, include them too; they set the foundation sizes, steel sections and fixings we'll build to. ### Working with your architect and engineer We regularly work alongside client architects and structural engineers. When a question comes up on site (an unexpected drain, softer ground than expected, or an existing wall that isn't what the drawings assumed), we can discuss it with your designer before proceeding and agree any necessary changes. ### Building Control from first dig to sign-off Most structural work needs Building Regulations approval and inspections at key stages, such as foundation excavations, damp-proof courses, drainage and structural elements before they're covered. We liaise directly with Building Control officers on site throughout the build, where required; inspection timing and approval depend on the relevant Building Control body. ### Shell handover or full finish Our core strength is the ground, the structure and the watertight shell. Once that's complete you have a choice: we can price and manage the internal fit-out (kitchens, bathrooms, doors, decorating) through our vetted specialist trades, or we can hand over at the shell stage so you can bring in your own finishing trades and control that part of the budget yourself. Either way, the structure your finishes sit on has been built by one accountable team. ### Building in South Devon conditions Site conditions vary across South Devon. Sloping plots, restricted access, existing drains, coastal exposure and older structures may affect your underpinning project. Your architect or engineer can specify the measures required, and we can discuss the site conditions and agreed scope when preparing a quote. ### What happens after you get in touch Call Jake or send your drawings through the contact page. We'll look over the plans, arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday, and walk the site with you to understand access, ground conditions and how you want the project finished. You'll then receive a clear, written quote setting out what's included, so you can compare it properly and decide with confidence. ### One team, managed start to finish A core in-house team of six handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, growing to as many as 15 with long-standing subcontractors on larger projects. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of hands-on trade experience and the company has been trading across South Devon for over 11 years. You get one point of contact, clear communication and strict quality control on every stage. Want to know more about the team? Read about us or go back to the homepage. ## Underpinning questions ### How much does underpinning cost in Devon? It depends on how much of the building needs underpinning, the depth required, the method and the access. A free site visit and quote based on the engineer's design gives you an accurate figure. ### How long does underpinning take? It depends on the extent of the work and the sequencing the engineer specifies. We'll give you a realistic programme with your quote. ### Can I stay in my home during underpinning? Whether you can remain at home depends on the condition of the building, the scope and the safety arrangements specified by your engineer. Confirm this before work starts. ### Do I need a structural engineer? Yes. Underpinning should always be designed by a structural engineer. We regularly work alongside client engineers. ### What do I need to send you for a quote? Your architectural drawings, any planning or Building Regulations approvals, and structural calculations if your engineer has produced them. Photos of the site help too. We'll then arrange a free site visit. ### Who manages the specialist trades? We do. Plumbing, electrical, plastering and specialist finishing trades are delivered by vetted subcontractors who work through the company, so you deal with one contractor rather than several. ### Is the site visit and quote free? Yes. Initial site visits and quotes are free. Send your drawings, we'll look at the site with you and give you a written price for the work. ### Is the work guaranteed? All completed work is covered by a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee, and the company holds business and public liability insurance. ### Which areas do you cover? We're based on Newton Road in Torquay and serve Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) and the surrounding South Devon area, including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, the South Hams and Teignbridge. ### What are your working hours, and do you take emergency call-outs? We work Monday to Saturday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. Contact Jake to discuss your project and availability. If a structure appears unsafe, seek urgent advice from a qualified structural engineer or the appropriate emergency service. ## Got your plans?Get a clear price. Free site visit and a written quote. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of trade experience. All completed work carries a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. Get Your Plans Priced, Free +44 7511 309544 JB Carpentry and Building Ltd Groundworks and structural building specialists serving Torbay and South Devon. Contact 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon +44 7511 309544jbcarpentryandbuilding@yahoo.comMon–Sat, 6:30am – 6:00pm Pages AboutServicesAreasOur WorkReviewsContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicyCookie settings Services House Extensions TorbayBarn Conversions TorbayBasement Conversions TorbayUnderpinning TorbayStructural Alterations TorbayRefurbishments TorbayFlat Roofing TorbaySeptic Tank Installation TorbayDriveways TorbayLandscaping TorbayAll building services Areas Torbay: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Builders in TorquayBuilders in PaigntonBuilders in TotnesBuilders in DartmouthBuilders in KingsbridgeBuilders in SalcombeBuilders in South HamsBuilders in TeignbridgeBuilders in South DevonAll areas we cover © 2026 JB Carpentry and Building Ltd. All rights reserved. 07511 309544Free Quote