Ground Screw Foundations for Modular Homes Ireland: Planning & Building Regs

What Are Ground Screw Foundations?

Ground screws are steel helical piles that are screwed into the ground to provide a structural foundation — without concrete, without excavation, and without the curing time of traditional foundations. They're increasingly popular for modular homes, garden pods, and ancillary structures across Ireland.

Are Ground Screws Compliant with Irish Building Regulations?

Yes — ground screw foundations can fully comply with Irish Building Regulations when:

1. Designed by a structural engineer — the screw type, depth, and spacing are calculated for the specific soil conditions and load.
2. Load-tested — capacity is verified through on-site load testing.
3. Properly documented — design calculations, installation records, and load test results form part of the BCAR certification pack.

Ground screws fall under Part A (Structure) of the Building Regulations, and compliance is demonstrated through engineering certification, not a prescriptive standard.

Advantages for Modular Construction

Ground screws are particularly well-suited to modular homes:

• Speed — installed in hours, not the weeks needed for concrete strip foundations.
• No concrete curing time — the modular unit can be craned on the same day.
• Minimal ground disturbance — no excavation, no spoil removal, no concrete trucks.
• Reversible — can be unscrewed and removed, ideal for temporary or relocatable structures.
• Works in poor ground — can reach stable strata below soft topsoil.
• No weather delays — installable in winter and wet conditions.

When Ground Screws Aren't Suitable

• Very rocky ground — large boulders or bedrock near the surface can prevent installation.
• High water table with very soft soils — may need longer screws or alternative solutions.
• Very heavy structures — large multi-storey homes may require concrete pile foundations for adequate load capacity.

Planning Permission and Ground Screws

Using ground screws does not change your planning permission requirements. If your modular home needs planning, the foundation type is part of the application. If your garden pod is exempt, ground screws don't affect that exemption — they're simply a foundation method.

The BCAR Process with Ground Screws

Under BCAR, ground screw foundations require:

1. A site-specific structural design from a chartered engineer.
2. A geotechnical assessment — soil conditions, load capacity.
3. Installation by a competent contractor with documented installation records.
4. Load testing — at least one test pile per project, verifying capacity.
5. An engineer's completion certificate — certifying the foundation meets Part A.

How We Handle It

Every New Chapter Homes project starts with a free site assessment that includes a ground condition review. If ground screws are suitable, we manage the entire process — engineering design, installation, testing, and certification. If conventional foundations are more appropriate, we'll advise that instead.

Book your free site survey to find out which foundation is right for your plot.