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Author Topic: Piled foundations are they good or bad?  (Read 10513 times)

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Carol36

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Piled foundations are they good or bad?
« on: May 19, 2014, 10:30:40 am »
I am considering buying a new house but I have been told it has piled foundations.
I am a bit worried that this may indicate that the ground may not be very good.
Does anyone know if piled foundations are alright?


New Home Expert

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Re: Piled foundations are they good or bad?
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2014, 10:38:27 am »
Piled foundations are used when the ground cannot support the weight of the building. 
Sometimes they are used when the ground is subject to subsidence, either because it is made-up ground or landfill (watch out as there could be methane gas in landfill!) or subject to shrinkage or heave (clay) and/or where trees are or were. 
You could say that the worst case scenario has been taken into account.
On the other hand you could also say that the ground is dodgy and whilst the house may be alright, there could be associated problems and issues in the future, regarding under ground drainage pipes, gardens, drives, paths and patios all subsiding!   
Piled foundations are generally more expensive so would not be a housebuilder's first choice.   
So both good and bad points.
 
The main thing is that new homes are badly built! 
They are overpriced, small, dark, cramped and difficult to sell on.
When you have problems,  house builders don't put things right.
I know of one buyer on this forum who still has major issues seven months after moving in.
He has had to take 38 days off, so work could be done on it  since moving in.
In addition a survey suggested that 75% of buyers would not even look at a home built after 2003. 

Finally, now is the absolute worst time to buy another home.
It is the top of the market, the bubble is about to meet its pin! 
It's all about making things look good for next years election.
Buy in 2016 and you will get the same property for 20% less than it is now.
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.


ReidSamson

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Re: Piled foundations are they good or bad?
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2014, 11:56:38 am »
Carol,
It is  good sign is that they have realised a problem and therefore used piled foundations.
They are  not cheap, which may increase the cost of your house (for you) but at the same time is a good thing because they haven't just ignored the problem.
Personally I would try and avoid a new homes, but if that's your preference,  get as much information as you can about the property, the house builders and the area before signing anything.