The best advice to follow when laying foundations is… don’t cut corners! Both strip footings and trenchfill will require good quality concrete. Build Center will arrange for ready-mix concrete to be delivered direct to site. We will also check whether you need a pump.  

But before any concrete is poured - check that the foundations are in the right place and the drains and services have been properly installed.

During the foundation planning phase, you will have established the situation of the plot regarding the supply of water and other mains services such as gas, electricity, telecoms and, of course, access to sewerage for waste disposal. Most utility companies will help you to sort out service connections by arranging site surveys and quotations for installation.

As a specialist supplier of domestic drainage products, Drain Center have all the underground pipes, bends, junctions and access fittings needed to managed your foul and surface water drainage. Foul drains should always be connected to a mains drain, if one is available. If not, you will have to consider off-mains drainage. Drain Center offers a variety of off-drainage systems including septic tanks, treatment plans and cesspools.

Builder Friendly Drainage Manufacturers

Marley have a good site for the self builder which will provide guidance on design, product selection and installation or above and below ground drainage.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

Consideration must be given to the occurrence of major flooding which is becoming more common and has sent Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to the top of the agenda for new developments. New SUDS legislation sets out the regulations which must now be adhered to where any driveways, paving or hard standing are being placed on a site – read more and get practical advice on tackling SUDS in our sustainability pages
more information is also available from the Environment Agency.