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Craig got in touch quickly, gave me a rough estimate over the phone and answered all my questions. Surveyor arrived on time, gave instant quote. Price was good. Michael and (another) Craig turned up to do the job on the day, time given. Good, tidy job. Can't fault anything, from start to finish!! Would recommend!
Mary
George and his team are experienced builders, replaced my front door with a custom frame/sidelights and raising the floor level in the hallway quite quickly - in fact, they were the only who came next day, gave a quote straightaway and were ready to start in just couple of days. They also had all the necessary tools and materials, were ready to buy something additional quickly on the day - if further adjustments were required to fit everything as I asked. Thanks a lot for your help, guys!
Dmitry
Highly recommend. These guys did a fantastic job of constructing our pergola and decking. Very hardworking and reliable. The job was completed in the time frame agreed and to a very high standard. We would 100% use them again.
Holly
At Rated People, we connect homeowners with trusted local groundworking experts. With over 10,000 tradespeople on our platform and over 3 million happy customers, you can rely on us to find the right professional for your groundwork needs. Check previous reviews to see the quality of work our tradespeople deliver. If you need more information before getting started, read through our helpful guide below. If you are a groundworking or foundation laying expert, click on the link below to sign up with Rated People.
- What is groundwork?
- Cost of groundwork/foundation laying
- How do I know if the job has been done well?
- Other groundworking FAQs
- Sign up as a groundworking expert
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Take a look at our Groundwork / Foundations specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
Local Groundworking experts
What is groundwork?
Groundwork refers to the essential preparatory work required to create a stable foundation for construction projects. This includes tasks such as site clearance, excavation, laying foundations, and installing drainage systems. Groundworkers ensure that the site is properly prepared, providing a solid base for buildings, driveways, and other structures. Their expertise is crucial for the long-term stability and safety of any construction project.
Cost of groundwork/foundation laying
The cost of groundwork and foundation laying can vary widely based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, soil conditions, and the type of foundation required. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand what to expect when budgeting for your groundwork project.
Factors Influencing the Cost
- Project Size and Scope: Larger projects will naturally incur higher costs due to the increased amount of materials and labour required. The scope of the work, including the number of tasks such as site clearance, excavation, and foundation laying, also impacts the total cost.
- Soil Conditions: The type and condition of the soil at your site play a significant role in determining costs. Difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or clay-heavy soils, can make excavation more challenging and time-consuming, increasing labour costs.
- Type of Foundation: The type of foundation required for your project will affect the overall cost. Common types include:
- Strip Foundations: Suitable for lighter structures, typically costing between £75 to £120 per metre.
- Trench Fill Foundations: Often used for larger structures, costing around £100 to £150 per metre.
- Raft Foundations: Used in areas with poor soil conditions, generally costing between £150 to £250 per square metre.
- Piled Foundations: Necessary for very unstable soil conditions, costing significantly more due to the specialised equipment required.
- Depth of Excavation: Deeper excavations may be required for certain types of foundations or in areas with specific soil conditions. Deeper excavations increase labour and equipment costs.
- Access to the Site: Sites that are difficult to access may incur additional costs due to the need for specialised equipment or additional labour to transport materials and machinery.
- Additional Services: Additional groundwork services such as drainage installation, landscaping, or retaining walls will add to the overall cost. Proper drainage is particularly important to prevent water-related issues that could compromise the foundation.
Average Cost Estimates
While prices can vary, here are some general estimates to help you plan your budget:
- Site Clearance and Preparation: £5 to £15 per square metre.
- Excavation: £50 to £80 per cubic metre, depending on soil conditions and depth required.
- Strip Foundations: £75 to £120 per metre.
- Trench Fill Foundations: £100 to £150 per metre.
- Raft Foundations: £150 to £250 per square metre.
- Piled Foundations: £250 to £400 per metre, depending on depth and complexity.
How do I know if the job has been done well?
- Finished in a Timely Manner: The project should be completed within the agreed time frame without unnecessary delays.
- All Drainage Properly Installed: Proper drainage installation is crucial to prevent waterlogging and ensure the longevity of the foundation.
- Flat Surface to Begin Work On: The groundwork should result in a level and stable surface, ready for the next phase of construction.
At Rated People, our tradespeople are reviewed by previous customers, so you can see if they have done a good job before hiring them. Additionally, read through our guide on our local builders page to find out what kinds of questions you should be asking beforehand.
Other groundworking FAQs
How long do groundworks take?
The duration of groundwork projects can vary based on the size and complexity of the job. On average, groundwork for a standard residential project can take between 1 to 3 weeks. Larger or more complex projects may take longer.
Is a groundworker a builder?
Groundworkers specialise in preparing the site for construction, which includes tasks like excavation, foundation laying, and drainage installation. While they play a critical role in the building process, they are not typically involved in the actual construction of the building.
Do I need planning permission for groundwork?
In many cases, groundwork can be carried out without planning permission, especially for minor projects. However, larger projects or those involving significant changes to the landscape may require planning permission. It’s important to check with your local council to ensure compliance with regulations.
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We are a family run business a d have been running for over 40 years down through generations we do everything around the property
Did a very good job in reasonable time.
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
Michael replaced the window in the garage with a glass door on time and on budget. He is easy to communicate with, cheerful , efficient, and tidy. We liked his positive attitude.
Very friendly, tidy and efficient. Thank you. Very pleased with your work.
Eurocenter - Online Ltd
Groundwork / Foundations
We are one of the best building and renovation company in London since 2011. Our experience taken over many years and different architects helping us to provide a service meeting the highest quality standards in every detail, making our homes and city beautiful...
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We offer no obligation free Quotes a very high standard work from start to finish very friendly service or work will be carried out and completed to customers satisfaction
We used D & V to replace our garden fence which was damaged in a storm. They came and quoted the job within a day and started the very next day. The job was completed in 2 days and the fence looks great and should last for years. We would recommend for any work of this type.
Growing up, we were immersed in the building trade through our father’s work. Tom in particular, would assist our father on weekends, serving as his labourer. After forging separate career paths in customer care, the NHS, and the plumbing industry we decided to pool our collective skills in customer service management and building industry knowledge. During this time, Beth also founded an independent cleaning business while still maintaining her full time employment, with a primary focus on changeover cleans. We identified a niche for a building services company that offers an integrated cleaning service. We help you improve your home, whilst treating it like our own. If it wouldn’t happen in our own house it won’t happen in yours, remember we are great problem solvers with 50+ years of experience. As well as helping home owners, we specialise with holiday let management focusing on package bundles of cleaning, maintenance, and health and safety compliance to streamline processes to allow owners more freedom and let go of the day to day.
Great got the job done , will be using again
DT Contractors is a growing business, established over 10 years ago and now run by two brothers. Various skills between both of us and our team. Can complete all sorts of jobs to the highest standard and great quality. No job is too small or too big for us! Just contact us, talk to us and we are sure we can find a way to sort whatever is required. ‘Impossible things - we are sorting staring away! Miracle - give us couple of days!’
Came and looked at job quoted then didn't answer 3 emails
Landscaping, Garden designs,resin drives, block paving, patio designs.extensions,home renovation. living walls and much more. we always make sure our clients are 100% happy with quality of our work, and best possible prices.
Superb job. Nice people all round. Defrim, Al and Mel - the three musketeers who made the magic happen. When asked they did. Very happy with result, thoroughly recommend. Hope my back will get the same treatment some time - after I win the lottery !
Welcome to Property Renovation and Decorating Services: " PROFESSIONAL SERVICE " We are professionals builders with over 17 years experience on all building works: extension loft conversion refurbishment bathrooms kitchens painting and decorating plastering, wood flooring, carpet fitting, tiling. building works undertaken: General Building, New Builds, full Interior & Exterior, renovations and much more. Emy has been providing professional home renovation services for over 17 years. He is praised by the customers for his attention to detail, responsiveness, timeliness and quality work. Call (text) for a free consultation and estimate:
Emy did a fantastic job painting my son’s room, I am really pleased it. He responded quickly to my request and turned up on time. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
KP Solutions, from imagination to reality. We are a small family run business with over 20 years experience & pride ourself in giving 100% on all our work. Specialising from grounds work, garden renovation, drive ways, soffits facias, guttering, drainage, repointing and much more.
Job well done very nice and polite guys who came to do the job would book them again if I need them
We are a small family run company that cover all aspects of the building trade, with over 40 years experience. A member of the FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS so our work is monitored and trusted. Our range of work ranges from repointing a wall to newbuid.we have a great team and cater for all aspects of building,renovating and repairing, giving your home the loving care it deserves. TRUSTMARK APPROVED FOR GREEN HOMES GRANT
You can see why Smith & Son get a good rating. You get a friendly builder that does a good job. We employed him to fit a steel beam and a door lintel. The site was tidied up on completion and advice was given about covering the beam and contacting building control. Thanks Ian and team, great job, thoroughly recommended.
J4H Civil Engineering Ltd is a trusted company providing a range of property maintenance and home improvements for domestic and industrial customers in Feltham, Middlesex, West London, and the surrounding areas.
Must give J4H 5 stars. The job they had to do was very difficult with access and the weather but Lee and his team worked tirelessly and transformed our garden from a bog to a place we can entertain guests and enjoy it. Thanks Lee and team
I have 20 years experience in the construction industry. We cover all trades who are all knowledgeable and fully qualified. Our company has full public liability insurance and employers insurance .
Good communication and fast service. No added extras would certainly recommend James to anyone who needs work doing.
We are a family run company which specializes in flat roofing, all chimney repairs Loose bricks, re-pointing work, roof repairs, lead work, leaking roofs, pitched roof's Replacing Chimney Caps Repairing flat roofs etc We have experience on private and commercial contracts, Learning avast experience in the roofing trade there are very few problems we haven't come across before and would be happy to give you a free, no obligation quote for fixing any problems big or small. We are fully insured for your peace of mind. We pride ourselves on our reputation. Most jobs we take before and after photos so you can see exactly what we are doing We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction For a free no obligation quotation and advice please feel free to call. Kind regards,Andrey We can provide the following services: Flat roof repairs and replacement GRP fibreglass roofing Firestone rubber roofing Guttering cleaned, repaired or replaced Ridges repointed Fascia’s, soffits & guttering Exterior painting All roof repairs Pitched roofing Roof leaks Repointing New roofs Moss removal All Chimney repairs Replacing broken tiles slates etc We are also skilled in services such as: Shed roofs re-felting guttering cleaning service. High pressure cleaning roofs walls, etc. All exterior maintenance Bricklaying Wall repairs Cleaning facias and soffits Andrey ,free quotation
Absolutely brilliant! Great job with excellent trades and prompt time-keeping. Sensible suggestions when issues were uncovered and well resolved. Tidy and professional. Very hard working. Would definitely recommend.
With experience from Italy and from U.K in painting and decorating. Wi try to doo our best for the client, to give quality , responasability,advice if its necesary in our jobs. We belive your home should reflect your personal taste and style.
Cristian and his team were great. They are professional, highly skilled and polite. Would recommend.
S.T CONTRACTS LIMITED
Groundwork / Foundations
Building Contractor & Commercial Builder in Radlett, St Albans & Surrounding Areas | S.T. Contracts Welcome to S.T. Contracts, your reliable domestic building contractor and commercial builder with a proud history of excellence since 2009. As a family-run business based in Watford, we bring over 50 years of combined industry experience to every project, serving clients across Watford, Radlett, St Albans and surrounding areas with professionally executed property refurbishments, solar panel installations, garden rooms, garage conversions, kitchens and bathrooms and more. For high-value projects, we also offer nationwide coverage. Our company motto, “A company built on its reputation,” reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch results on time and within budget. We are fully insured and proud members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Guild of Master Craftsmen, with all trades provided in-house. Our team of fully trained and qualified professionals, with certifications such as City & Guilds in plastering and SMSTS, are all DBS checked to ensure safety and reliability.
We are a small company based in Wellington. Our list of services include ... septic tank and treatment plant emptying, drainage issues (blockages etc..), treatment plant installations an general drainage issues groundwork and installations. We have small 3.5 ton tankers for tight access as well as 18 ton tankers for large tanks. high pressure jetting and site portable toilet hire and servicing.
Dan arrived when stated and set to work straight away, the job progressed well throughout, and despite the poor weather at times, all was completed without any problems. Left the site very clean and tidy, highly recommend him for a similar job.
I have been a builder for 42 years. I do brickwork, repointing, drainage, block paving, patios, concreting, landscaping, stone work, exterior painting etc.. I cover all aspects of building work. and all aspects of groundwork and we specialise in lime mortar pointing
Job done well within the week.
DPH Plumbing and Heating Engineers are professional installers of all gas appliances, boilers and central heating systems for domestic property's. We cover all of London and some surrounding areas. Here is why you should choose us first for all you're plumbing, heating and servicing needs: I know we are new to the website so give us a call for a free quote. We can handle any boiler or central heating systems. You will receive unrivaled service, when you need it - Our professional engineers are fully trained and follow all the latest health and safety regulations. Quick response when you need it. Highly competitive rates, with free quoting. 24 hour call out.
Anthony was very courteous and on time.
Hi I’m John from NEW GEN roofing & landscaping been in the business for 12 years if you want a free quote just give me a call or text don’t hesitate thank you
Tried on numerous occasions to make contact after the company showed interest via chat. Tried phoning, no response, tied communicating in the chat, no response.
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