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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
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.
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DUMICON LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
Construction company with main builder having over 16 years experience in the trades. Good prices and great quality work is ensured when we finish projects and all types of insurance certificates for this company are available on request.
MB Home Improvements
Groundwork / Foundations
The Cubiq Construction team brings over 25 years of industry experience. Our SMSTS-qualified managers are skilled in delivering high-quality projects, ensuring client satisfaction and peace of mind. We are able to take on every aspect of all kinds of works, from surveying to design to structural calculations through each construction phase. What we offer is beautiful projects at attractive prices with a high standard of finish. The way we deliver is what makes us to stand out from other companies and and makes us a leader in the field. We are unique in the structure of our business, which has been formed to maximize quality, speed and efficiency for our clients and teams. We are committed to delivering on these aspects and our company’s vision. Highly professional services. Using the latest mechanical equipment. British standards high quality materials We provide the most reasonable prices. Following the global design. Undertake to meet the deadline.
We are a small but capable building company. The images attached to my profile shows our current project. 6 new homes in Dursley. These are 5x 3 story homes and 1x 2 story home. This project has been completed over the last 14 months with some major structural complications that we have over come with skill and perseverance. 3 types of retaining walls implemented to help secure the land. Complicated foundations, both in depth and location. 36 pile foundations at a depth of 9 meters. My company can provide a structural engineer, architect, our own in house Gas safe engineer and all the trades to complete your project no matter how small or big. For those that require it we are registered with Advantage Structural Warranty allowing us the ability to offer a 10year structural warranty for new builds. Should my profile catch your eye then please do not hesitate to contact me.
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With over 25 years of experience, we are a fully insured professional building company specialize in all aspects of home improvements, We are a team of hard workers, giving the best at all the time. We pay a great attention to details and we put the quality first. Keeping the work area tidy is a habit for us. Quality and meeting the deadline are very important factors for us when we doing a job. Our goal is to achive customer satisfaction when we doing a job! We offer competitive prices and free quotes
Excellent family run business with father (Marion) who is the main man for the job Reasonable quotes and prompt with phone calls and replies Would highly recommend the team
House Extensions, Loft Conversions and Renovations Specialists
We have found drainage problems which the insurance company will not honour due to incorrect installation during this project. This has cost us dearly.
BJK Building Services Ltd
Groundwork / Foundations
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ALL ABOUT HOME CONSTRUCTION
Groundwork / Foundations
We are an established company with more than 30 years experience of building and constructions around Europe including Greece and England. We currently cover the entire Sheffield Area and also within 40miles. We are a team of high skilled professionals with a keen eye for detail and we place a particular emphasis on good customer relations which includes trust and reliability. Our main aim as company is complete client’s satisfaction, delivering all projects within budget, time scale and to the highest of standards. We take on any building construction work you need including, including: - Roofing - Tiles - Garden Renovation - Full House Renovation - Decoration ...And more! We can provide pictures of previous jobs too.
Richardson Roofing are a Kirkcaldy based firm who work nationally, across all of Scotland. We carry out all aspects of roofcare, including tiling, slates, leadwork, cementwork, flat roofs, guttering, roof cleaning and more. All works are guaranteed
Single & Double glazing repair specialist. In 2010 I set up my own business based in Rayleigh. With 17years experience within the glass and glazing industry, I am able to offer competitive prices along with a great service.
My window job was completed excellently. I shall use Leon again again.
HMR CIVIL ENGINEERING LIMITED
Groundwork / Foundations
Builder Boys
Groundwork / Foundations
With 10+ years of experience in the industry, Builder Boys Service brings a wealth of expertise and proven success to every project. Our extensive experience allows us to deliver top-quality workmanship, exceptional service, and unmatched professionalism. Trust in our seasoned team to bring your building visions to life with precision and dedication that only come with years of experience. We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and strive to complete every project within the agreed-upon timeframe. Our efficient planning, skilled team, and streamlined processes ensure that your project progresses smoothly and is completed on schedule. You can trust us to deliver exceptional results without compromising on quality, ensuring your satisfaction with our punctuality and dedication to meeting your timelines. We are deeply committed to providing our clients with the highest level of dedication and transparency throughout every step of their building journey. Our honest approach ensures that you can trust us to deliver on our promises and provide reliable solutions tailored to your needs. With Builder Boys, you can count on a partner who is genuinely dedicated to your satisfaction and committed to building lasting trust and relationships.
Gabrica Ltd provides reliable and high-quality property refurbishment and maintenance services across London. We specialise in kitchen and bathroom installations, tiling, flooring, carpentry, painting & decorating, and general home improvements. With years of hands-on experience, we take pride in delivering clean, precise workmanship and completing projects on time and within budget. ✔ Fully insured ✔ Attention to detail ✔ Clean and tidy work ✔ Friendly and professional service Customer satisfaction is our priority.
Brilliant. Efficient, hard working, friendly, professional, good vale and quality work. I'm very pleased and will use again.
We offer wide range of services from bathroom and kitchen fitting, extentions and loft convertions, landscaping (building work not gardening) and patios, to home improvements, alterations and maintenance. Most of the smaller jobs are done by me and labourer, for larger projects we are joined by small team of specialist tradesman.
Excellent
We are General Building Services ANGEL BUILDING@BUSINESS We look after our costumers for 26 years. All Work Undertaken
At Morley Gardens we pride ourselves at being the best in our field of garden management and landscaping. We offer an excellent service to all our customers at an extremely competitive price. We strive to go the extra mile, so all our customers are extremely happy. Robert
Did exactly as requested, and fit me in promptly after quote.
With over 35 years of industry experience in Northern Ireland, Aquaforce is Newtownabbey’s local experts when it comes to building services. Whether it’s domestic, contract or commercial work, no job is too big or too small for our highly skilled workforce. Our friendly and reliable team offers value for money and expertise across a range of building and construction services for both private and commercial clients. From extensions, repairs, loft conversions and damp proofing to insurance work and decorating, we handle everything. If you’re home or workplace is in need of repairs or renovations, don’t hesitate to contact Newtownabbey and Northern Ireland’s premier building services today.
Messed me around for weeks and then on the day job was due to start, they said they couldn't come. Very disappointed in the level of service. Avoid.
Tait Contracts is a construction company that offers a high standard of work, whilst being trustworthy and reliable.
Really great service, job was done really professionally. The guys were really polite and nothing was too much trouble. Would definitely recommend and hire again.
5 star work we specialise in all home improvements and landscaping?
Did not hire
ACG Ltd . Provides quality and good price on labour and materials All ways on time , best for clients
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