Local Groundworking experts
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
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
Browse Groundwork / Foundations specialists
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.
Sign up as a groundworking expert
Sign up with Rated People to connect with high-quality homeowners looking for groundwork contractors like you. We do the legwork by providing you with leads, so you only need to quote for jobs that match your skills. With tens of thousands of ads posted every month, there’s always a demand for your services. Join today to grow your business with Rated People.
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering outstanding results, whether you need general maintenance, plumbing, TV mounting, painting and decorating, carpentry, furniture assembly, hanging and wall mounting, or floor sanding. No job is too big or too small for our capable hands.
We are a family run business priding ourselves in quality workmanship at affordable prices customer satisfaction is guaranteed we cover all aspects of roofing gardening and general property maintenance with over 20 years experience all quotations are free
Carl and the team undertook a full landscape, fencing and decking project. It wasn't a small task, with hidden tree stumps, heavily overgrown garden and uneven levels. The team were brilliant and had the whole garden fully landscaped, including a new fence, roll on lawn, deck and a few other additional tasks completed within a week. Team turned up on time every day and worked solidly to get the job finished within the quoted timeframe. Would strongly recommend Root2Roof for the works they completed.
Whole spectrum of decorating jobs plus joinery and plumbing.
We have an old cast iron bath and had the bath panels to fix to it. We didn't feel confident doing it ourselves as it was quite a tricky job. Lukasz took time to get the measurements and the cutting was perfect. Looks great. Also we asked him to fix the old original bathroom door which has never closed shut. He put new hinges and shaved it and now it shuts. He did some plastering too. It took a day and charged his day rate (£150) plus a little extra for the hinges, plaster and frame. Great job!
At Right Fix Home Developments you can rest assured as we provide the highest of standards. We have over 10 years experience working with contractors on building sites and direct to customers for all aspects of home improvements. "NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL"
Great job done by the team. I had two loft hatches replaced and new ladders supplied. They arrived earlier than expected and got the job done. It was clean, professional and overall an excellent job. I am very pleased and will recommend them highly. I will definitely use them again if I need any building work done.
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:
Amazing and fantastic work done by this company. Builders listened to what I wanted done and went above beyond what I expected. Very professional throughout the weeks working here. They are neat and tidied up after themselves as well as being highly skilled. The inspection officer was very pleased with the outcome. Don’t hesitate to contact this company, if you are looking for a good, fast pace builder, this is the right company to go to.
we are experience refurbishment contractors. we are reputable and reliable builders, established since 2010 and over 20years experience in building trade. using our skill and materials, we are eager to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied.
Did not received the quote / response after sent the details.
I’m hard working and friendly person that like to meeting new people and help them. Doing carpentery, made to measure furniture, loft conversions and extensions, staircases, fitt kitchens and bedrooms, wood flooring, assembling furniture and fitting it, also fitting doors and windows, change locks. Also can undertake any handyman and garden work. I’m finished building and carpentry colledge 21 years ago. Ever since enjoing to work in building trade.
one of the best carpenters i had. Old houses are tricky and unlike others Andryi privileges doing the job well over doing the job quickly and then disappearing . He is a safe pair of hands, he is self-driven, doesn’t need to be managed and the results have always been meeting expectations. He has installed french doors, skirting boards and garden gates
We have 15 years of experience within the industry. We offer a wide range of services: Laminate Flooring Floor Tiling Door / Window painting External wall painting Internal Painting & Decorating Wall murals / Paint effects Wall Tiling We work hard and clean and make sure that our clients are happy.
Alin is reliable, punctual, and honest. We agreed the price of the job and I did not have any surprise, and when we had to do something extra he was very reasonable with price. He and his team started on time, were very respectful, did a good job, and are very easy to work with. I would happily work with them again.
We are a family run business with over 15 years in the building trade. From joiners, plumbers, electricians, painting/decorators, landscapers and plasterers we have it all. We take great pride in our work and customer care is priority.
Excellent service! Fast response to an urgent call out, fixed promptly without any fuss as really reasonable, even on a Sunday! Thanks so much, couldn’t have asked for better ????
Simple building solutions completed on time on budget by a professional.
Really pleased. He came out looked at job, like the fact he was able to give a price and time to do the job on the spot. He explained fully what he found and what was needed in layman’s term so I could understand. Will definitely use again.
Bristol House Extensions is a family owned business. Our workforce is fully qualified and experienced at working in domestic and commercial properties and carries out work for our customer, customer satisfaction is our main priority.
Really helpful people to deal with.
Wolverhampton based building company offering building & renovation services. We specialise in extensions, garage conversions and complete house renovations. All quotes are offered free of charge without obligation. Quotes can be undertaken on an evening or at a weekend at your convenience. We can also arrange architectural services, structural engineer calculations and building notices. All works completed come with a 10 year workmanship guarantee and we can also arrange for all works to come with an insurance backed warranty.
A great company to deal with, Lee helped with my architect and a meeting with the local council building inspector in order to design our bespoke project. There were several obstacles to overcome and the plans had to be changed several times but Lee guided us through them and provided support throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend this company as Lee went above and beyond providing us with an excellent service, keeping us informed at all times.
Aspray South West Thames manage property damage insurance claims. We act on behalf of the policyholder, negotiation the claim with the insurance company, then project manage the reinstatement works from start to finish.
Job done professionally and in a timely manner. Excellent Service.
We are a building company that have been in operation for over 25 years We are mostly architect or customer recommendations based We can organise a local architect to produce your plans or price plans you already have We are a little old school where we will give you a competitive estimate and then show you the works we are doing also a job we have finished recently
Excellent guys, no fuss and got the job done quick and to an excellent level of quality! Highly recommend!
Brickbuilds
Groundwork / Foundations
Welcome to Brick Builds! We are a well-established building company in the South West with over 17 years of experience in both traditional and contemporary building techniques. Brick Builds offers a comprehensive service from design to completion, working closely with our clients to provide solutions tailored to their needs. Rest assured, all our tradesmen are professional, courteous, and respectful of both property and clients at all times. We look forward to working with you on your project.
We are a Specialist re-pointing service based in south east Northumberland but we cover a wide area across the north east of England with over 18 years experience. We are also fully insured and can provide a free no obligation estimate upon request. We also undertake all aspects of external property maintenance Such as replacing wall ties,as your mortar fails due to age water gets to the wall ties which makes them rust and expand which then cracks will appear in the brickwork For advice or a estimate give us a call
Andy came round promptly and gave us a reasonable quote very quickly. The job involved repointing the back wall of an old terrace property.. Once the scaffolding was up Andy and his team completed the work to a very high standard. We were pleased with the job and would definitely recommend him.
30 years plus of experience, all general work carried out. Clean and tidy worker always reliable.
Dave was very helpful. Good communications, arrived on time, understood the job and got on with it in double quick time. My experience was very good.
Eagle eye building LTD in an established, family run business with a wealth of knowledge & experience. Taking pride & care of all of your building needs. We cover all aspects of building and no job is too big or small. For more information, or a free quote, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Great customer care and excellent standard of work. Delighted, thanks
Martons Building Contractors
Groundwork / Foundations
Martons Building Contractors is a trusted name in construction, known for our problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and innovative designs. Our mission is simple: to exceed the expectations of every client we serve. We offer a range of services including conversions, extensions, groundworks, new builds, and roofing. With a combined experience of over 100 years, our team of 5-6 professionals ensures that every project is executed with precision. While our core team is small, we have a network of reliable subcontractors for electrical and plumbing work. Based in Leeds, North Yorkshire, and Lancaster, we are dedicated to serving these areas with quality construction services. Choose Martons Building Contractors for reliable craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence in every project. All contracting works available and covered in and around Yorkshire.
NO UPFRONT PAYMENTS 0R DEPOSITS REQUIRED FREE QUOTATIONS. Luxury Spaces specializes in joinery, plumbing, and electrical services,l honed over 22 years to meet exceptionally high standards. Our commitment is to transparency and integrity in every project, collaborating closely with clients to achieve optimal results within their budget. We offer no-fuss financing options—simply reach out for guidance. Services' provided are as follows, Kitchen, bathrooms, bespoke staircase's, extensions, windows. As a family-operated business spanning generations, we take pride in passing down expertise from father to sons. Our dedication to excellence extends from military training—an artillery Gunner for five years—to every task we undertake. With honesty at our core, we consistently deliver value for money. Our clientele, diverse yet united in their desire for quality workmanship, inspire us to exceed expectations. To honor service professionals, Blue Light cardholders, and pensioners, we extend special discounts as a token of appreciation. For further details, visit our website: lux-spaces co,uk,
Aaran's work was first class. He installed wall panels, new vanity unit and wc unit. He went above and beyond what the job was supposed to be going a far as picking me up and taking me to select the goods needed to complete the job as I don't drive. Can''t recommend him enough. Don't even think about another plumber - you won't be disappointed!
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles