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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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Dedicated to our craft. We cover all aspects of building work including: - home extentions - renovations - conversions - plumbing and heating - kitchens - roofing - all general building work
Gary and his team are very professional and did an excellent job. Gary takes a great pride in his work and does all the preparation necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient job. Had extra work done re rendering, driveway and patio as their work was so good. Would recommend
Stafford & Lloyd heating plumbing - solar hot water systems
Groundwork / Foundations
Family run business since 1995. My son and I pride ourselves in high standards. Design - Build - Maintain. Sustainable builds including extensions and loft conversions. Renewable heating and hot water installations. Full bathroom and kitchen renovations.
Very pleased with Francisco got our shower working and moved the radiator for us. Good communications arrived on time and also helped us out for another call. Thanks
we are a construction company based in the north east with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. we have a fully trained time served team of employees who work to the highest of standards. Our speciality is extensions and house refurbishment and we also undertake insurance work i.e. fire, flood and impact damage, with customer satisfaction at the top of our list. we offer a full package, from the foundation excavation to final decoration, meaning we can efficiently complete jobs without waiting for outside tradesmen to turn up. Regards Colin, Mark and the team CAM construction Group ltd
Colin from cam construction was extremely helpful with our quote for potential extension work to a home we were looking to purchase. He made himself available for a specific appointment at the property, gave us some great ideas for what would be possible then fully costed it up, and even accompanied it with a proposed planning drawing. The service we received was extremely professional. We haven't been able to go ahead with the purchase for unforeseen reasons, but would recommend cam thus far.
Davies Building Services is a well established business based in Herne Bay. We service within a 50mile radius of Herne Bay, we provide a wide range of building services including extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and barn conversions. We provide excellent communication and offer competitive prices, get in touch for a free quotation and we will get back to you quickly.
Great job, professional to deal with and left job very clean. Would highly recommend.
We provide excellent renovations for Roofing/Flooring/Painting/Kitchens/Tiling with an experience of more than 25 years. Our aim is to exceed customers expectations.We always pay attention to the customer request and try to finish the job within the deadline.
Artan responded quickly, came to price the job and gave a quote promptly. Once accepted he gave us a quick start date. He arrived when he said he would, and carried out the work thoroughly and professionally. He included items that we only became aware of after he started, not a problem. Communication was good all the way through. Happy to recommend.
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We are a Derbyshire based building company who work to very high standards and expectations all our staff and sub contractors are time served professional people Monument castle has been trading since 2009 and have built up great relationships with trades and suppliers during this time , We undertake all types of building works from extension to new build homes to commercial works
Extremely happy with work carried out, first class job at the right price, would recommend to family and friends.
Keep it Klean offer a wide range of internal and external cleaning. We also cover a wide range of general building and maintenance: Driveway/patios, Roofing, Fencing, tree felling and clearances. We are a professional, reliable and honest company.
Swift and helpful
Rds roofing specialist is family run business with 30 years in the industry. We are experts in all aspects of roofing have a look at my profile and reviews 5 star work we are new roof specialist have a look at my profile on my builder over 790 5 star reviews I look forward to hearing from you . Thanks Russ
Explore the comprehensive services offered by CDL Building & Carpentry Ltd in the Swansea and south wales areas, we cover all aspects of building and carpentry jobs including comercial and domestic. Some of the job we do are: Extensions Conservatories Loft conversions Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling Garden walls Windows & doors Roofs Repointing Fascias Guttering Flooring Patios Driveways Paving Decking & fencing Plastering All interior carpentry Lime rendering Lime pointing Sand/shoot blasting Fiberglass roofing Fencing New build home / self builds Damp Proofing Complete office refurbishments Complete shop fitting Insurance repair work CDL Building & Carpentry Ltd delivers excellence in every project. Contact us to turn your vision into reality with our professional and reliable services.
Craig and his team (Carne, Jason and the carpenters) were excellent. They were friendly, hard-working and tidy. They coped with unforeseen issues very competently. The communication between trades and with ourselves was very good. We have no hesitation in recommending them and will use them again.
Top Tier is a small family run business with years of experience in all aspects of roofing and property maintenance with a passion for perfection on all jobs, no matter how big or small.
Easy to do business with. Job quality was very good and the quote was highly competitive. James was generally very responsive to messages to deal with any issues that arose. There were very few of these and were dealt with quickly. Strongly recommend.
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.
Friendly fully qualified joiner, floor fitter (herringbone specialist ) and handy man Class my self as the gentleman Joiner giving you the best from start to finish
Growing up, we were immersed in the building trade through our father’s work. Tom in particular, would assist our father on weekends, serving as his labourer. Tom’s main specialism is plumbing please see below ratings and reviews. After forging separate career paths in customer care, the NHS, and the plumbing industry we decided to pool our collective skills in customer service management and building services industry knowledge. During this time, Beth also founded an independent cleaning business while still maintaining her full time employment, with a primary focus on changeover cleans. We identified a niche for a building services company that offers an integrated cleaning service. We help you improve your home, whilst treating it like our own. If it wouldn’t happen in our own house it won’t happen in yours, remember we are great problem solvers with 50+ years of experience. As well as helping home owners on a regular basis, we specialise with holiday let management focusing on package bundles of cleaning, maintenance, and health and safety compliance to streamline processes to allow owners more freedom and let go of the day to day. Plumbing charges are as follows: Minimum charge per visit excluding parts is £155.00 including call out (no vat) Our minimum hourly rate chargeable is £45.00 (no vat) Minimum Call Out Fee £95.00 (no vat) After 6pm and Weekend Call Out Fees Minimum Charge: £180.00 (no vat) Replacement of toilet siphon Min Charge £280 inc. parts and fittings (no vat)
A successful, tidy plumbing solution. Recommended professional.
Small family run building company with over 40 years experience over 2 generations as a premium general building company. All types of building work carried out to the highest standard. A one stop shop for all your building needs right from the design and planning stage to completion. Joinery, roofing specialising in flat roofs Building and Plastering A wealth of experience in remodelling and renovations, extensions and sunrooms. Landscaping and paving. All areas covered. Fully insured, trained and certified tradesmen
The advertised job I have could not get much better because it has been first class.
S&D Construction Services is a premier general construction business with over of 23 years of Experience in the construction industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in delivering comprehensive construction services with a wide range of sectors including residential and commercial projects across London Our mission is to provide exceptional construction services and client-focused approach to every project we undertake
Fantastic job adding textured render around our newly fitted patio doors and on a blocked up old door. Was a particular finish we were looking for and the match was spot on. Highly recommended
We as a company we take on all roof, pitch or flat and lead roofs. We also do all lead work and lead welding. No job is to big or small for us we cover all new roofs and repair. We take on all work we do all fascia and guttering as well. We do gutter and fascia cleaning. We like to help everyone out so if you want any advice or a free quote please get in touch. We done all kinds of building work from garden wall to extensions we do all landscaping and patio. We can do all your fencing. Weather it is a small job or a big job we will look after you all through the process ?? Many thank from G.Scott roofing and building services
We are specialized on landscaping and garden maintenance. Our leader, Norbert is professional hard landscaper. He has more that 10 years experience in fencing, timber work, laying patios, build driveways and create practical and enjoyable garden spaces.
Person came around and viewed but decided not to take on job. No quote or anything. Wasted our time.
LCB Property can carry out one off room conversions or refurbishments to full house property management service. Our Renovation & Conversion Services Includes: - Plumbing Work - Electric Work - Kitchen & Bathrooms - Plastering - Carpentry - Flooring - Painting & Decorating - Gardening/Driveways - Garage Conversions - Room Knock Throughs & Extensions
Horrible ,we had garage conversion done by Lee, 2 months after water started to leak from the ceiling, called him to check it, he came said he will take ceiling down, check if this is condensation, dry it and put it up again, we set the date to come and fix it, 7 months later nothing has been done, Lee didn’t answer any emails or phone calls, we had to take ceiling down ourselves to find out he cut pipe from bathroom fan just to make the wall look straight causing condensation
C Jenkins & Sons Limited Welcome to C Jenkins & Sons Limited, your trusted partner for comprehensive property solutions in London. With a rich legacy of excellence, we take pride in offering a diverse range of services tailored to meet all your property maintenance needs. From roofing to landscaping, patios, driveways, and power washing, we are your one-stop destination for elevating the aesthetics and functionality of your property. Our Specializations: 1. Property Maintenance: C Jenkins & Sons Limited is your go-to partner for proactive property maintenance. Our dedicated team ensures your property remains in optimal condition, providing regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance services to protect your investment. 2. Roofing Services: We specialize in roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Whether you require repairs, installations, or renovations, our skilled craftsmen employ the latest techniques and premium materials to deliver roofing solutions that marry durability with aesthetic appeal. 3. Landscaping Services: Transform your outdoor spaces into a haven of beauty with our bespoke landscaping services. From garden design to regular maintenance, our creative team crafts environments that harmonize with your lifestyle and preferences. 4. Patios and Driveways: Enhance your property's curb appeal with our expertly designed patios and driveways. Our team combines functionality with aesthetics to create inviting outdoor spaces that reflect your style. 5. Power Washing: Revitalize the exterior of your property with our professional power washing services. We remove dirt, grime, and stains, restoring surfaces to their original glory and leaving your property looking fresh and rejuvenated. Why Choose C Jenkins & Sons Limited: Comprehensive Expertise: With a wide range of services, we offer a holistic approach to property enhancement, ensuring all your needs are met under one roof. in property maintenance, roofing, landscaping, patios, driveways, and power washing services. Your property deserves the best, and we are here to deliver it. Customer-Centric Approach: We value your vision and work closely with you to understand your preferences, ensuring a personalized and satisfying experience. Timely and Reliable: At C Jenkins & Sons Limited, we understand the importance of timeliness. We complete projects efficiently without compromising on quality. Elevate your property with C Jenkins & Sons Limited – where excellence meets diversity .
I couldn’t be happier with the work! Chris and his team transformed my back garden into a beautiful, functional space I actually enjoy spending time in. Professional, punctual, and creative from start to finish. Highly recommend for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space!
midland improvements has over 35 years in the home improvement market from a kitchen to a bathroom from a garage conversion to a full renovation whatever your home improvement needs we have the experience and trades to complete the job ,
Garage conversion into living accommodation, en-suite, and retained small section for storage accessible from both outside and inside. Great work that's stood up to almost 4 years of solid regular use so far.
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