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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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Derrick Green Building services are a small company. Highly skilled in new builds, extensions, loft conversions and renovations. We pride ourselves with the quality of our workmanship and the speed we carry out our contracts. We have many satisfied customers. Please see our ratings. We also carry full public and employers liability insurance.
RSJ instillation & other building work. Derrick is a highly knowledgeable & professional builder, he went over and above expectations when removing a load bearing wall to create a kitchen diner in our house along with removing an outdoor toilet. I’d recommend him in a heart beat & will be using his services in the future for other work.
Welcome to J&l Welch Roofing and paving services ltd We are fully qualified roofers( time served and NVQ qualified). The work we produce is of the highest standard mixing new innovative technology with traditional methods, producing only the best work GUARANTEED. I have been in the industry quite a while learning off some of the best time served roofers there is. I strive to produce excellent work aswell as an excellent service. I welcome all types of work from domestic to commercial. My constant success so far in my business is down to hardwork and attention to the finishing details, I will not sacrifice my hard earned reputation by cutting corners and not finishing a job off properly. I intend to keep this up so my business can prosper and continue to do well into the future. Services I cover: All heritage roofing projects undertaken Chimney Builders & Repairs, Roofing Services, Pointing, Guttering Property Maintenance, Felt Roofing ,Slate and Tile, Flat Roofing, EPDM rubber roofing, new roofs, porch canopies, flat roof to pitch conversions, Bird Spikes, Cages and Chimney Balloons, Minor roof repair, Guttering and Roofline, Building Work, Roof lights and skylights.
Great crew great job. Value for money would definitely recommend
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Hello dean here from Djs building services with over 25 years experience in renovation,extensions covering trades of ground work /structural engineering. Brickwork plastering all electrical/gas work certified. Free quotes and consultations avaliable .
Dean and colleague were friendly, punctual and did a lovely Tidy job building our partition wall for us and would recommend for sure ????.
Leinad Building
Groundwork / Foundations
Any type of Landscaping Fencing Building Etc…
Hi I'm Neil Kell Im a multi semi skilled handyman/builder I undertake all kinds of internal and external work on properties ex gas or major electrics I do small domestic electrical work and cover all work in the home Including small jobs ie putting flat pack furniture together fitting blinds curtains no matter how small as well as doing a loft Conversion. And every job has to be done to the highest standard within a sufficient time scale to first class finish as the finish of my work is my business card creating good word of mouth and good reviews.
Absolutely fabulous. Attention to detail. No job too small. So pleased that he is doing our whole house. Friendly, professional.
About Andrey's Property Services. Thank you for looking at our profile page here at Andrey's Property Services. We are a team of highly skilled multi-talented tradespeople and between us we can do pretty much all work required in your home to a very good standard. This can be confirmed by looking at our excellent reviews and pictures of our previous work. Some of the things that make us stand out from the rest - NO UPFRONT DEPOSITS We only ever ask for payment once the work is complete and you have had a chance to make sure you are totally happy with everything. WE DO EVERYTHING Why have multiple tradespeople or multiple companies working on the same job when we can manage the whole project start to finish and take responsibility and ownership for everything. REVIEWED & CHECKED We have been through numerous checks into our background by independent organisations including TrustATrader and others that you can find on our website Including criminal background checks, public liability insurance checks, necessary qualification checks. ALL WORK GUARANTEED At Andrey's we are so confident in the quality of our work that we offer a full one to ten year guarantee on any work we do, totally free of charge. This combined with our 1 million pound public liability insurance should give you full confidence in Andrey's Property Services.
A family run business est 2002
Lovely family run business, quick to respond for quoting and squeezed the job in for me the next day as I was in a rush! Reasonably priced and great communication. Even sorted a couple of slipped tiles at no extra cost. Would recommend this company.
Marche Construction LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
Father and Son company, after 35 years living and owning a construction company in Italy we have moved here in Manchester to get bigger opportunities. We do Extension, Tiles, plastering and fencing. Working on all the aspect of constructions. Here to be unique in our work
Was very pleased with AtoZ. Paul was there on time as discussed and was able to get things done ontime, on the same day. Very pleased with his work and would recommend him to other people.
Max Roofing
Groundwork / Foundations
We are a company that has many years of experience in the building business. We are passionate about our reputation and our aim is to leave every customer extremely happy with the workmanship we give them.
We carry out various tasks , general builders to coordinate the different types of construction involved in building garden walls any other small building projects including Turfing, Block paving, Patios, Hedge work etc all garden and building work carried out to a high standard fully NVQ 3 Qualified 25+ years Experience with a small but High Quality Team.
James responded promptly to my enquiry and advised that the post could be repaired but that he would need to find bricks to match the original post. The price eventually quoted was deemed fair for the job. Given the age of the original post and therefore the weathered state of the brickwork, the finished repair looks great, the quality of the bricklaying and match of the bricks is just fine. I can thoroughly recommend James and would be happy to employ him in the future. Thanks James
Rated-Trades
Groundwork / Foundations
We have over 10 years experience within building/construction site environment. Our team provides professional and complete service in terms of internal/external renovation, extensions, cladding and much more! Please do not hesitate to contact us.
The job was very good
STERLING BARRETT REINFORCEMENT LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
Sterling Barrett Reinforcement Ltd cater for all your foundations and reinforcement needs.
We are a building company that takes on all aspects of a build from garden walls to new builds, we specialise in extensions taking on both external and internal works starting from the ground works to completion, we have a great team of people and no job is too big or too small, we will work with the customer to suit them, we are a growing company located in the south west. (Please visit out facebook page to see some of our work)
Excellent work carried out. Always in contact answering and solving any queries straight away. Great value for money. The flat roof made into a sloping roof with a sliding door and velux window has transferred the newly fitted kitchen which was installed. They did above and beyond. Would definitely recommend.
We have been trading for 18 years and specialize in painting, decorating, building work, full-scale refurbishment, bespoke wardrobes, kitchen installations, and high-end bathroom refurbishments.
fantastic work from very nice professional team - will employ again
Hi we are a team of builders with over 10 years of experience, we can help you with any kind of work. seriousness, punctuality and responsibility are the assets that define us John
Polite, good job, fair price
RATED PEOPLE LIMITED
Groundwork / Foundations
Welcome to Final Finish, a team of skilled plasterers with over 20 years experience. Based Hinckley, we cover the entire Midlands area. We do all types of plastering, rendering, giving your property the much needed love and attention to make it a home. We pride ourselves in a high quality final finish on all jobs .
Greg was fantastic. Kitchen install was finished to a really high standard and his attention to detail turned our design into reality! I would highly recommend for anybody looking for a local tradesman that takes genuine care in their work and your finished product. Thanks Greg!
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