Foundation subsidence
Foundation subsidence is usually investigated when visible signs begin affecting reliability, safety, or day-to-day operations. Understanding causes and risks early helps you decide whether a targeted fix or a wider scope is the right move.
A clear diagnosis early usually limits disruption and cost, so you can choose a repair route that fits your programme and budget. When you are ready to discuss delivery, start with the Foundation Contractors service overview.
Ground and foundation diagnosis
- Foundation subsidence
- Foundation cracking
- Inadequate foundation design
- Soft ground affecting foundations
- Waterlogged soil on building plot
- High water table during excavation
- Tree roots affecting building foundations
- Settlement on sloping building sites
- Cracked foundations on new extension
- Contaminated land and foundation design
- Made-up ground and poor bearing capacity
- Buried obstructions during excavation
- Differential settlement between house and extension
- Clay shrinkage and subsidence
- Mining subsidence and foundation design
- Heave damage to foundations
- Inadequate foundation depth
- Vibration damage from adjacent works
- Drainage washout under foundations
- Reactive clay and foundation design
- Cracks from inadequate strip vs raft choice
- Extension foundation tie-in and movement
- Frost damage to shallow foundations
- Load increase and inadequate foundations
- Bulging walls from foundation movement
- New build foundation failure
- Subsidence repair planning
- Waterlogged ground before construction
- Poor soil bearing capacity
- Unstable ground for construction
- Site drainage issues during build
What causes this issue
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath foundations moves or shrinks, often due to clay shrinkage in dry weather, soil washout from leaking drains, or mining. Trees close to the building can also cause localised subsidence by drawing moisture from the soil.
When to take this seriously
This is typically needed when recurring symptoms, project risk, or compliance concerns mean a patch repair is no longer a reliable option.
How this gets resolved
We work with structural engineers to stabilise foundations where needed — from underpinning and piling to repairing the cause (e.g. drain repairs). Ground investigation and monitoring determine the right solution. We deliver piling and foundation repairs to design.
What affects cost and complexity
Cost and complexity usually depend on access, scale of remedial work, existing condition, and whether supporting works are needed to complete the fix safely.
When to call a groundworks specialist
Call when you see new or worsening cracks, sticking doors or uneven floors. Early investigation (ground and drainage) helps identify the cause and the right fix before damage worsens.
Related services
These services are typically commissioned when this issue progresses from diagnosis into delivery.
Related ground and foundation issues
- Foundation cracking
- Inadequate foundation design
- Soft ground affecting foundations
- Waterlogged soil on building plot
- High water table during excavation
Groundworks services near you
Our teams deliver foundation, piling, and excavation services across the area. See a local service route below.
For foundation subsidence, we can carry out ground investigation and deliver piling or underpinning to your engineer's specification.