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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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Ben Andrews
Groundwork / Foundations
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All kind of work undertaken with the experience of 14 years !!
Help with a job in the garden removing bushes. Very helpful, friendly and punctual with completion of the job. Would recommended for further use.
Here at knights roofing we pride our selfs on customer satisfaction giving all our customers stress free experience. We provide guaranteed work of all aspects. We are a family run business with over 20 years experience. Friendly and are happy help with the smallest of jobs to the biggest.
Do not under any circumstances use Knights Roofing or Tommy King who also has other companies.He did not complete the roofing/chimney work and he kept promising to come back and 6 months on we are now getting no response from him.Our chimney is leaking more than before and we are getting another professional to sort the problem
NICUABRU SERVICES LTD is a company formed over 7 years ago, specialized in flats, houses renovation and house extensions. Our aim is to provide good quality services at a reasonable price and customer satisfaction is crucia
Fantastic work, above and beyond what we asked them to do. Very happy with the finished job, done quickly too. Also great advice on other aspects of the refurb. Would definitely want to use the guys again. Thanks Nicu and Daro.
Hi this is A.S. Harrison and my name is Craig Harrison. We are an electrical and mechanical business in the heart of Essex. We serve Essex and London, but are always happy to travel further afield for bigger projects. Customer satisfaction has always been at the heart of everything within our organisation. With nearly 20 years experience we are more than capable, and willing to meet all your needs. I come from a commercial background, I’m bringing all the skills & knowledge I have gained to the domestic world. I trained as an apprentice many years ago! I have all the accreditations including NICEIC, level 2 and 3 electrical, test and inspect and i am JIB approved. We use only the best tools & materials in the Industry. We Employ the most qualified, experienced Electricians, who’s attention to detail is of paramount importance to me. We are always on hand to help & offer advice. As a team we run the project for you in the background. Taking the stress out of the job at hand is why so many of our clients return again and again. There is no lack of contact or waiting to be phoned back with us we can assure you of that. We have an enviable track record at delivering a friendly, professional and first class service. Give us a try and see for yourself. Please do take a look at our website for a more in-depth look at what we offer. We look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks in advance from all of us at A.S. Harrison.
We are very proud to offer our Building Services in Cornwall . We have 30 yrs of work experience in Cornwall. We always give our customers a fixed start date, always turn up and we also give finishing dates on all works. No Builders, locally works tidier than us.
Great job done , would hire again , well recommended
Making your dreams reality! We are friendly and reliable contractors that will do our best to make the job run smoothly and fit within your budget. we cover all aspects of building and renovation, kitchen/bathroom fitting and more... we will give you the best quote we can and more importantly make sure the job is done properly inside and out. Just look at are 5* star rating! I look forward to hearing from you, please give us a chance to make your dreams a reality.
Kai and his team done a fantastic job on my garage extension. In this time of lockdown Kai went the extra mile to keep getting the Materials for the Job which he did admirably. I would have Kai and His team back anytime I need work doing A good honest tradesman
Hawk Building & Landscaping
Groundwork / Foundations
We have 7 years experience in the construction & landscaping trade. From single story extensions, to building walls, flagging & fencing are just some of the services we offer. We always strive to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Friendly local family run business with over 20 years experience, specialising in exterior in home improvements to the highest standards. Including .... Roofing and Roof Repairs, Paving/Patios, Decking, Landscaping, Walls, and Fencing,
With experience from Italy and from U.K in painting and decorating. We try to do our best for the client, to give quality , responsibility and advice if its necessary in our jobs. We believe your home should reflect your personal taste and style.
Had bathroom window sill and window repaired, excellent service, highly recommend. Came out and gave us a quote and then came to do the job within a week to high quality, well-priced and very efficient. Thank you!!
With over 20 years of interior fit out and design experience, the Kingsburgh team are more than able to bring your design from concept to finished installation, with minimal fuss and stress free as possible. Our knowledge and expertise in the KBB industry is second to none and along with our in house team of carpenters and designers, we have an extensive network of skilled tradesmen. who can take you from concept, design, build and deliver. We pride ourselves on our reputation as much as our work ethic, our clients satisfaction is paramount to us and as such we strive to leave all our clients 100% happy with their project big or small. We offer a full project management service, as well as supply and fit and a supply only service. At Kingsburgh every budget and taste is catered for with each project individually tailored to suit your needs. Our aim as a company is to leave you with a showroom standard project at a realistic price meaning you can have your dream room at a fraction of the cost without compromise. Get in touch with one of our team to arrange a free design consultation
Most tradespeople do what you ask and don’t offer comment or suggestion. Garry’s approach was different. He used a design-led and creative process to make sure every inch of space in my kitchen was crafted to meet my needs. His professionalism and workmanship is exceptional. He gave me a bespoke kitchen for the price of an off the peg one. He totally transformed the space available. My finished kitchen is stunning. I can’t recommend Kingsburgh Interiors highly enough. The Maserati of tradespeople!
Hi I�m Roly from RA Building Services ,I�ve been a general builder in the trade for over 20 years ,I cover most trades including renovations ,plastering ,painting .Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us .We strive to give an excellent job for an affordable price .
Very fast, very happy with the work, they left everything clean. Thank you
With years of experience in the building industry and a strong track record of positive client feedback, we specialize in delivering high-quality renovation and construction projects. From full kitchen and bathroom renovations to loft and garage conversions, home extensions, and bespoke garden rooms or offices — we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our focused, hands-on approach means every project receives our full attention from start to finish. We don’t split our time across multiple jobs — instead, we commit fully to each client to ensure efficiency, clear timelines, and exceptional results. We pride ourselves on our strong work ethic, where customer satisfaction always comes before profit. We offer free consultations and maintain clear, consistent communication throughout every stage of the project. Our goal is simple: to deliver outstanding work and ensure our clients are fully satisfied at every step.
A recent start-up company, Providing a qualified electrician with 12 years of experience in industry, homes and commerce. Our service is economic with excellence. P.S Due to our start up circumstance we are open to provide services on other handy works.
Apex is a maintenance service company, specialising in Plumbing, Heating and General Building. Our experienced team offer a host of skills, covering many different sectors to allow us to be your one-stop shop. So whether you're a domestic customer with a plumbing and heating issue, or, a domestic client requiring general property solutions, we can tailor your needs under one roof. Our team is fully insured and with over 30 years of experience, we're the go-to company for plumbing and heating, with a quick-to-action call-out priority covering Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berkshire.
Fantastic job. Clear communication and completed the work within time. Will recommend whole heartedly.
Vamax LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
VAMAX LTD is a building company based in Bournemouth,we offer building services to commercial and residential customers.From small repairs to full scale projects. The services we provide include -New Build -Extentions -Garden walls -Garage conversions - Repointig -Landscaping and renovation works -RSJ installation
capital roofing ?are a small family company that specialise in all your roofing needs including slate and flat roofs to fascias, soffits, dry verge capping and guttering, we offer a wide range of roofing solutions that will help transform your home. -
Quick and efficent
Our team consists of specialists who can properly assess the damages and apply certain techniques of working, which are specific for the given type of brickwork. We have experience in refurbishing and restoring the facade of homes and buildings across UK.
A very professional job completed and an excellent job approach to our particular problem.
TSS Building Services
Groundwork / Foundations
TSS Building Services is a local family-run building company with over 30 years of experience, proudly serving homeowners in Telford, Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas. We specialise in home extensions, garage conversions, and property renovations, helping customers transform and improve their homes with practical, high quality building solutions. Whether you are looking to create additional living space, convert an unused garage, or renovate your property, we work closely with you to bring your ideas to life. We take pride in delivering a friendly, reliable and professional service. Our experience allows us to manage projects efficiently while maintaining excellent workmanship and attention to detail. We are always happy to provide free quotations and honest advice for any upcoming building work.
Robeco 2010 Ltd : Rendering,Plastering , Tiling, Drylining,Drywall &Insulation -Residential -Commercial ,Extensions,Loft Conversations
Rob and his team did a really high quality job and we are very pleased with the end result (and I am the son of a builder, so my expectations were high to start with).. The finish is excellent on the render and the quality is constant through what was a fairly large rendering job on my detached house. The team were tidy and worked hard to the deadline throughout the process. If you need a high quality rendering job, then I would highly recommending considering Rob's services.
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