Foundations and Groundwork in West Lothian

People don’t think much about foundations until something goes wrong. And by then, it’s usually a lot more expensive to fix. I’m Gavin McNee of GVN Construction, and in my 15 years working across West Lothian, I’ve seen what happens when foundations are done right and what happens when they’re not. Trust me, you want them done right.

A building is only as good as what it sits on. Whether it’s a new extension in Livingston, a boundary wall in Bathgate, or a full new build project out in the West Lothian countryside, getting the foundations properly laid is the single most important part of the whole job.

Concrete Footings and Strip Foundations

I provide concrete footing and foundation work for a wide range of projects across West Lothian. That includes:

  • Strip foundations for extensions and new builds
  • Concrete footings for walls, pillars, and boundary structures
  • Pad foundations for posts and piers
  • Foundations for outbuildings and garden structures
  • Drain cover brickwork surrounds

Every foundation job starts with understanding the ground conditions. West Lothian soil varies quite a bit, from firm glacial clay to softer ground in lower-lying areas around the River Almond. I’ve worked on all sorts of ground conditions, and I know when to dig deeper, when to widen the footing, and when to recommend a structural engineer has a look before we crack on.

Foundations for Extensions and New Builds

If you’re planning a house extension in Uphall, Dechmont, or East Calder, the foundations have to be right before a single brick goes on. I work closely with homeowners and their architects or structural engineers to make sure everything is laid to the correct depth and specification. No shortcuts. Not with foundations.

For larger projects, I’m experienced in working to Building Warrant requirements in Scotland, which differ slightly from Building Regulations down south. I know what Building Standards inspectors in West Lothian expect to see, and I work accordingly.

Foundation Repairs and Subsidence Work

Subsidence and foundation movement is more common in parts of West Lothian than people realise. Old mining activity under parts of Livingston, Whitburn, and Armadale can cause ground movement that affects the foundations of older properties. I carry out subsidence brick repairs and structural foundation remediation work, and I’m honest with you about what’s needed and what it’s going to take to put it right.

I also handle insurance brickwork repairs, including storm damage and vehicle impact repairs where the structural integrity of a wall or its foundation has been compromised. If your insurer is involved, I’m happy to provide full documentation and photographs of the works.

Wall Foundations and Groundwork

Even a garden wall or boundary wall needs a proper footing. I’ve seen plenty of walls across West Lothian that were built without adequate foundations and are now leaning, cracking, or worse. If you’re having me build a wall, you can be sure it’s going onto a proper concrete footing that’ll keep it standing for years.

For retaining walls, which are popular in West Lothian given how hilly some of the older residential areas can be, adequate foundations are even more critical. A retaining wall is holding back soil and dealing with significant lateral pressure. It needs to be built properly, full stop.

Get Started

Working Across West Lothian

I cover all of West Lothian for foundation and groundwork, including Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Broxburn, Whitburn, Armadale, Blackburn, Fauldhouse, Stoneyburn, Addiewell, and all the surrounding areas.

Get in touch for a free quote. I’ll come out, look at the site, and give you an honest assessment of what needs doing and what it’ll cost.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.

Office

61 McNeil, Crescent, Bathgate, EH48 2NL

Phone Number

07845 443 390

Email

gvn.bricklaying@gmail.com

Copyright © GVN Construction | All rights Reserved | 2026