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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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Family run fabrication and welding business and construction company offering all types of manufacturing and installation that works closely with our clients our aim is to provide fabrication and welding solutions also building construction with honesty and quality also help to complete project on time
What an amazing job John did. He is a very talented ironworker . Our gate looks like it was made for our house . Would highly recommend .
All aspects of Carpentry are undertaken no job too small
Iain is very friendly and professional and did a fantastic job fitting our new bedroom door, cleaned up after himself and charged a very reasonable price, I would have no hesitation in using his services again and I highly recommend him to one and all!
social distance complaint thanks you NHS proclad Roofing Ltd is a family run business over 20-years experience in the fascia and Roofing industry we don't employ salespeople and most quotes can be worked out on measurement with a surveyor the same day check our website for reviews and profiles procladltd
Fast and good value.
We have a very experienced team that specialise in various services and no job is too big or too small. The below is a list of our services: -Shed and garden building specialist (made to order) -All groundworks including drainage -Carpentry indoor and outdoor - All types of tiling - floor and walls And all other aspects of property maintenance Although we are new to rated people our team have over 20 years of experience and are highly skilled. All our jobs are managed by our project manager who will ensure that everything runs smoothly and the jobs get done within the agreed time frame.
At CLG Projects we offer a range of services and specialise in Construction, Hard/Soft Landscaping and Groundwork. We take pride in combining our experience and passion for our work with our client communication to help achieve their vision and make the duration of their project as affordable and stress free as possible. We keep customer satisfaction as one of our top priorities as we believe that good working relationships are key to a successful project. Based in Essex, serving Essex and the Surrounding areas. Services we provide Construction Landscaping Groundwork Refurbishment Garden Rooms/summerhouses Conversions Driveways Fencing Pergolas Drainage Why work with us - Professional workmanship - Friendly service - 10+ years experience - Complete building and landscaping package - Fully insured - Free, no obligation quotations
Not the cheapest but also not the most expensive. Very friendly. Sent a detailed quote ahead of time. Turned up when he said he would and everything was very well organised and efficient. Very happy with the quality of the work and the job as a whole. Highly recommended.
At Sabr construction We Provide customers with the best quality of work for affordable prices.
Nice work, many thanks Omar
Over 15 years in trade Fully qualified gold ECS CARD Managers black card ESC CARD Very honest and reasonable prices
We are a midlands based building company who specialise in renovations, extensions and upgrades to your property. We also carry out all general repairs. We have many year’s experience with time served tradesmen who are fully qualified in all aspects of work required for your project, and we carry out all projects with our own in house team members.
In CT Interiors we specialise in all aspects of internal domestic works i.e. conversions, refurbishments, kitchens, bathrooms, windows and decorations. Our remits is to deliver our service, promptly, efficiently and professionally.
Howdens flat-pack kitchen installation with full design provided. 5-day job agreed, but arrogant attitude, references to “bigger jobs in Fulham,”. Issues dismissed but I should be grateful for his time and price. I did not negotiate his price. Claims “out of scope” items e.g. tall larder unit, integrated bin, drawer under oven. Incomplete work: door panel not fitted, tall larder shelf not installed, base unit wrongly placed, units with gaps. Waste left. Kitchen messy. Paid to leave.
We are a long established company and pride ourselves on job satisfaction, we can also provide references from previous customers and also photographs of previous work all are work is fully guaranteed
James did a fantastic job. He refitted an existing bathroom and created two new ensuites, and also built wardrobes and panelling in our hallway. He is reliable, trustworthy, friendly and his work is of great quality. I fully endorse and recommend him- he turns up as expected every day, communicates well and delivers brilliantly. We are quite happy for anyone to come and see his work .
General construction, refurbishment .......
Alex has completely refurbished my bathroom and i am thrilled with the result. Alex is very skilled and his work is excellent. He takes pride in what he does, and his attention to, and the care he takes with the smallest details, are not seen so often these days. Alex is obliging and helpfull with advice, and will consult his customer on details. He gets on with the job and does not mind staying late until he's finished what he is doing and cleans up before he leaves. He is a very pleasant man.
Berkshire Building & Construction
Groundwork / Foundations
We offer only the best in workmanship. Punctual, honest and are here to work with you to achieve your goal however large or small on your property. Our work is never sub-contracted out and all work is done by or with us or our team. We have an excellent team that can excel in any given project. We have access to the best plumbers, electricians, plasterer’s, ground workers, brick layers and decorators. James’s background and passion is carpentry with level 3 city and guilds carpentry qualification 20years personal experience in construction and also 4th generation carpenter but through the many many years in the industry have learnt new skills and branched into other trades along the way. Thus being able to take care of everything in a property from the roof down to the oak flooring and everything in between. Ryan’s expertise is brickwork, ground work, patios, block paving, drainage etc. Ryan has over 20 years experience in the construction industry specialising in all forms of brick work on site and also on extension and new building homes for clients. All work is carried out to the highest specification while being competitively priced. All trades that are under our umbrella are all qualified and have all the correct tickets and certificates in their specific field. We pride ourselves in the work we do but we also take great pride in our communication with our clients. Keeping good lines of communication throughout the process. Giving you peace of mind and keeping everything transparent as your vision is our goal Our list of works that can be undertaken by ourselves Conversions Extensions New build Out houses Loft conversions Steel fitting All roofing work All 1st carpentry All 2nd fix carpentry Stairs Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring Electrics Plumbing Gas engineering Brickwork/Blockwork Plastering Garden walls Retaining walls Painting and decorating Block paving and driveways Decking and fencing Fibreglass roofing We look forward to meeting you and leave you feeling once we have finished the job that you were glad you chose us
M Wraight Electrical Services undertakes work in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. No job is too big or small.
Excellent service and great job would recommend highly
We are a small family business with over 20 years of experience in roofing from missing tiles to new.Roofs all lead & chimney work.Firestone rubber flat roofs and upvc fascias soffits and guttering.were fully insured we work within a 70 mile radius
This team arrived when they said they would. Started work when they said they would and did an excellent job. Thank you.
JN PRO BUILD LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
We are small independent building firm who work to extremely high standards, Over the many years we have undertaken 1000s of full building conversions, Inc bathrooms,kitchen, load bearing walls, studwork, first and second fix joinery, first and second fix plumbing. We our fully qualified and work to the very highest standards I
Dc driveways and landscapes .co.uk
Groundwork / Foundations
Hello my name is Dan Connors and I’m the owner of the company. I have over thirty years experience in construction. I finish all projects to a high standard and complete with a five year certificate of guarantee. I take pride in listening to my clients to ensure we meet the same goal.
With over 30 years experience Here at Cornish landscaping we Prior ourselves on top quality work private and commercial we are a small company that Concentrate on the small details that make all the difference we know that it’s a stressful Process to find the right company for the job and get your ideas across to them Here we appreciate and understand this We listen and work hard to make your dreams become a Reality Whether it’s trimming a shrub or Reconstructing a home we make sure it’s done to your liking and to the highest standards. We specialise in all types of tree and landscaping all types of brick laying block paving , slabs whether it’s a repair replacement or just a new Design whether it’s a driveway patio or path we do it all We have Carried out work for some of Our customer over 30 years ago and still work for them now So give us a call or visit Our website we would be happy to give you a price have a look or just give you helpful Advise We’re here to help
Shane and Kyle were so efficient in carrying out the work I wanted done. I am really pleased and would not hesitate to hire Cornish Landscapes again. Thank you so much
My name is Mentor, I have more than 10 year’s experience in construction especially Landscaping, decorating, extension and loft conversions! I pride myself being able to complete the jobs in attention to detail and leaving happy customers! For over 10 years been getting work mostly as a recommended trader, looking forward to extending the business and helping new customers to build their homes & gardens ,to help converting your ideas and visions in reality!
Really quick response and work completed really well. Would certainly use again, recommended. Very nice guy also.
Jd projects have been going 28 years in the construction industry,we are a family run business operating from ruislip covering greater London and beyond. We specialise in all thing building from bathrooms to lofts fencing tiling and more. We would love to hear from you either it be a small job or large project expect a friendly timely quote. John Jdprojects
27 years experience a company you can trust,leave nothing to detail.
Steve replaced our guttering, downpipes and a bargeboard. It wasn’t a straightforward task as it’s an old property but he did an excellent job and carried out the work quickly and efficiently at a competitive price. I would highly recommend him.
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