Building your own home is something many Aussies dream of, so if you’re finally realising that dream and you’re about to build your home, congrats! Building a home isn’t something that just happens magically: it’s a process that requires every step to be done correctly. If you don’t have a background in construction, it can be difficult to know what’s being done on your block and whether or not it’s being done right. Foundation construction experts often get asked, ‘Can you build a house on screw piles?’ And the answer is, yes!
What are screw piles?
Screw piles are long, steel beams that are screwed deep into the ground in order to support the foundation of your home. They’re a modern alternative to the traditional bored concrete pier approach and tend to be a cost-effective option for foundation construction.
Why build a house on screw piles?
There are plenty of reasons why foundation companies will build a house on screw piles instead of bored piers.
- Building on sites with high groundwater conditions
Screw piles are suitable for sites with high groundwater conditions. It can be tricky to reach firm soil when using bored concrete piers if the site has a high water table – the holes will often need steel cage reinforcement. The installation of screw piles, on the other hand, is rarely affected by high groundwater conditions. - Building on sites with limited access
Some building sites are congested or have limited access for construction equipment, such as CBDs and dense suburban areas. Since screw piles and helical anchors can be set up as a system of lead sections and extension sections, they’re ideal for low headroom or limited access situations. The equipment for bored pier installation is less adaptable. - Building on any type of soil
One great reason to build a house on screw piles is because they’re suitable for pretty much any type of soil. From loose, reactive clays to dense, firm sands, screw piles can be successfully installed in a variety of soil conditions. Their optimum depth will depend on the soil report. - Cost-effective approach
If you want a cost-effective and time-efficient approach to laying a foundation, screw piles are often the way to go. Screw piles tend to cost less than bored piers and, because they don’t require excavation and soil removal, they’re a lot quicker to install too.
So, yes: it’s common to build a house on screw piles and it’s a good call for a few different reasons. If you want the best foundation construction service in Melbourne, get in touch with Techniblock. They’re Victoria’s leading foundation specialists, handling bored pier and screw pile installation, foundation repairs, basement construction and more. Give your house the foundation it deserves by booking in with the team at Techniblock!