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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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Stuart has been in the Building industry for 25 years and cover a broad spectrum of building works services ranging from :- plastering *decorating *bespoke bathrooms,laminate flooring and kitchens and plumbing.Fully insured (certificate on request)
Saltire are an all trade Home improvements and Renovation Company based in Edinburgh and the Lothians We offer all trade services including electrical, plumbing, joinery, plastering and all aspects building work Get in touch now for a quote
Dg building and landscapes is a small company with a large amount of experience. We are qualified and experienced in all types of landscaping and general buidling work, with over 20 years experience. Give us a try for a quality service at an affordable price. We now accept all major credit and debit cards.
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I am hard working, polite, reliable and honest young man who has worked in construction for many years and have worked for some well known companies over the years such as C3 constuction, rock civilis engenering, SNI construction and Palmers conservatories. I do work such as bricklaying, roofing, slabbing, gutters, sofit and facias, drains, fencing, concreting, painting and decorating and much more. Just call for free friendly quote or advice.
Did a very good job, pleased with it. Polite and friendly tradesperson. Would recommend.
Keeping my costumers happy that’s what keeps us going !!
Alin from Home Improvements Specialist Ltd responded promptly and professionally to my insurance-related repair job. He arranged a viewing with the resident, kept me copied on all communications, and delivered a compliant PDF quotation without delay. Though the claim is still under review, I intend to award him the job once approved. Highly recommend for his reliability and attention to detail.
Hi im Joe, a general maintenance man from J.A Maintenance. Im qualified and competent in many roles including electrical installation, tiling, brickwork, gardening and lanscaping and all aspects of home/property maintenance.
Joe was professional and treated our home with respect, we are very happy with the outcome of the work and pleased with the outcome, would recommend Joe to anyone who needs assistance.
Rocco Developments Quality and satisfaction guaranteed - All aspects of our building and joinery work undertaken are carried out by time served qualified tradesmen, are guaranteed and are of the highest quality.
The guys at Rocco Developments were brilliant! So so happy with our new floor! They're a lovely bunch of guys and know what they're doing. Very happy with the service from beginning to end. Highly recommend
We are a family run buisness who are happy to help no job to small or to big
Richard was cheerful and diligent during the job. He arrived on time with an assistant and completed the job in the two days that he had quoted.
Hello. My name is Remus Petelenciuc and my profession is handyman, this includes carpentry, drywall, flooring, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, painting, roofing, and windows and doors. I save people's life using my skills and tool's, so that my costumers don't have to worry about geting home after work and find a mess.You can sit down and relax wail i do the job. Why me? Why am I different from others? I have 20 year construction experience,more then 100 house's build from bottom to top, can give you a free quote for different jobs you need to be done. You have my business card here. If you want, give me your business card and I'll send you an email or a text to see when we meet up to fix your problems. King Regards Remus
Remus and Ionut were outstanding! In under two weeks, they refurbished two bathrooms, fitted a kitchen island, built wardrobes, installed appliances, painted, and more, always with a smile and no excuses. Even when I added extra tasks, they simply said, “No problem” and got it done. True professionals with an incredible work ethic. I’ve recommended them to everyone and will only use them in the future.
Home and Property Maintenance Patios/Fencing Block Paving Guttering/Fascia Pressure Washing Waste Removal All General Ground Work
This is the 2nd job David has done for me. The best quote and an excellent job. No hesitation in recommending him.
Akoni is a building company who can provide you with peace of mind and satisfaction. Our primary aim is to make sure our clients are respected and listened too with what they want to achieve. Over 20 years experience previously known as Aquafix which was predominantly bathrooms and heating systems. We branched out into our own developments and renovations. We now cover all trades and can supply you with the best results. All trades are fully qualified with years and years of experience. We aim to work closely with our clients from start to finish and use some great designers, architects, and structural engineers to help the process easy and take the stress away from you.
I recently had Akoni Construction come out to decommission a water tank in our loft and replace our hot water cylinder, converting our heating to an unvented system. Dan and Marlan were excellent, they managed to fit us in quickly, and the quality of their workmanship has been outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble, and they went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. We’re already working with the Akoni team on our next project, and they’re definitely contacts that will stay in my phone
Calling via the Rated People phone link button is the best way to make contact for a same day reply and lowest prices, call during November for a 25% discount on all quotes, offer ends November 30th If I miss your call, leave a message or text and I'll call you back on the same day Quotes can be given via pictures, and all payments can be made via bank transfer upon completion of all works. With over 25 years’ experience in the plastering, building trade and 10+ years of Rated People positive feedback, I provide a first-class service, including damp proofing, soundproofing and complete bathroom/kitchen and home renovations from start to finish
Excellent work from Sean who shines 5 ceilings for us. Lovely finish and very clean work.
Specialist in all aspects of Groundworks/civils. Well established business with over 50 years combined experience with groundworks, civils and building. We own and operate our own machines and equipment. All operators are NPORS/CPCS ticketed and trained to high standards, this enables us to be properly insured and have correct health and safety in place.
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and did a cracking job. Highly recommended - will use again for sure if I need anything else doing.
We are a family run business specializing in various types of gardening/landscaping/tree/property maintenance services/roofing, lawn care, garden designing, pressure washing, patios, driveways and much more. Please contact us for more in depth information and advice or for a no obligation quotation.
We used Kingz for clearance of a very overgrown garden and new fencing. They did exactly what they said they would do in their quote. They worked hard, left the garden tidy, and took away all the waste. They were very pleasant and Emma, in particular, gave good advice regarding ongoing after care of the garden. We were very happy with the results and would definitely recommend this family team!
We are a family owned business that has been successfully running since 1972. All our work is of the very highest standard. We offer a full 25 year guarantee at very competitive price. You read more about us at Ark roofing Derby.
Good reliable tradesman good team of lads
Hi im a fibreglass flat roofer with over 18years experience in the trade, we offer a great service at very competative prices, all our roofing work comes with 25 year guarantee and also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee on request.
What can one say it took a bit ( looking at the ratings I thought it might take a while as I them to be expected to busy ) But when they got to me they did an amazing job in only around 6 hours , completerly removed flat roof over bay window/ front door with all edgings ect, wonderful job. Highly recommend
Trent roofing is a father and son business trading standards approved. qualified in bricklaying, roof tiling and much more We are a 24 hour emergency call out full liability insurance and a five star rating from small jobs to large jobs we have over 25 years experience
Experienced, friendly self-employed electrician with public liability. Happy to do any job - big or small! Skills include plastering, painting and decorating, fitting bathrooms and kitchens as well as electrics
Kevin came round after hours and measured up. Two days later he was here fitting 2 new poles and 2 new shelves took him just over an hour. He even gave a hint to keep my doors in motion rather than adding more costs to something that didnt need doing.
Trading as intrendbuilders and tesscon co uk search us on google We are a friendly, hard working & affordable company who specialise in All forms of roofing and general building, maintenance, fencing and landscaping, waste removal, end of tenancy property clearances, wooden & laminate flooring and more in all areas of Birmingham & surrounding areas.
Richard and his team did a great job of replacing our garden gazebo roof. Pete and the lads who worked at the property were professional and courteous throughout and I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.
Having worked for myself for 30 years in most aspects of construction and maintenance my good reputation means everything to me. I pride myself on leaving a satisfied customer who will recommend me to family and friends.
I found Paul to be approachable well mannered an excellent tradesman and just an all round really nice fella
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