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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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joiner with over 30 years experience in all aspects of joinery and building work
Very reliable, good work and a friendly man. I have booked John in for more work already.
We are a roofing company with over 25 years experience. We are based in Gloucester but serve the surrounding areas as well. We put customer service first and foremost, we offer a range of services and pride our selves on a first class standard of work.
Professional, friendly and reliable. What more could you ask? Oh yes, Pneuma Roofing were also the cheapest of the quotes I got. Highly recommended.
We are fife based company we cover all of Scotland. We are time served individuals and cover all types of roofing such as tiling,slating,felting,cementing,UPVC fascia & soffit,roughcasting. We aim for every job to be done to the best of its ability and to the highest standard.
Excellent service cleaned up behind them, kept me updated with the work getting done. Would recommend them and would definitely hire them again if required.
WBH PROJECTS LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
WBH Projects Ltd are a general building company that undertakes all construction projects and aim to provide high quality services and cost effectiveness.
hi I'm brand new here , I've worked on sites for over 13 years . worked away from home now trying to set up my small business in the local area .
Russel did a great job and left the area clean and tidy I would use him again and recommend him highly. Very happy with the work he did for us polite and punctual
We are a family run construction company with over 20 years in the trade. We offer all aspects of building, extensions, kitchens, bathrooms, plastering and conversions
Job completed on time
We are a local company providing honest service with quality and very competitive prices. Conversions extensions bathrooms and kitchens are our main line of work with all experienced trades on board to see the job through from start to finish.
If you want your project to be professionally done with the minimum of fuss and input. With clear and constructive ideas from Luke about what the best solution is to maximise the space and make the building flow as it should then PG Developments are the team for you. Exceeded our expectations.
Hi my name is mick astin I have 40 years in the plumbing trade. I also do tilling as well and full bathroom refurbishments
We are modern building company with traditional values. We offer our customers best of both worlds: modern innovative technologies to save time and comply with regulations from one side and skilled workmanship and reliability to achieve quality result.
Very intelligent and capable,
F.l Property Maintenance Ltd, Fully insured, fully vetted and confederation roofing contractors insurances backed guarantees we are a limited company with over 20 years of experience in the roofing business. We aim to provide the best quotes and the highest Quality of our work, all our work is fully guaranteed and we are fully insured. We specialise in all types of property work with putting a new roof on to changing single tiles so no job to big or to small. Work what we do, •New roofs •Roof repairs •New flat roofs •Flat roof repairs •Tile replacement •All aspects of repointing such as ridges, valleys, chimneys, gable verge and walls •New Fascias, suffix, guttering •all repairs off fascia soffit gutters •Gutter and fascia cleaning •all types all moss removal and treated •all landscaping work undertaken •new brick wall and patio •new decking installed and repairs •new driveways installed and repairs • all brick work undertaken • all fencing work undertaken And much more, please feel free to give us a call to discuss your work it’s free of charge to come out and run through everything and give good advice on what’s the next step. Thank you for taking time to look at our page.
Excellent job completed (the garden had become a jungle!) Very professional, knowledgeable & efficient. Would definitely recommend.
We are a team with over 15 years of experience in internal and external handyman services, painting plus wallpaper-hanging. Having worked on council and private projects,we offer high-quality service, reliability and outstanding professionalism.
Jordan and Danny did such an amazing job, Very professional, very respectful and very efficient. Always clean and tidy. And always on time. They did such a great job of decorating the inside of our house, that we had them straight back to do the outside. 1 year later the quality of work still shows and they have done my parents and friends houses as well.
After working in the building and construction industry for many years we have a huge amount of experience from your simple diy work to full blown construction including extensions and driveways we take the stress away just leave it with us
Really pleased we went with Jamie and his gang. The standard and quality of the work completed was impeccable. Very clean tidy workers, polite, friendly, punctual and put us at ease. It was very clear from day one they had all been given clear instructions by jamie and they just cracked on and got the job finished in a timely manner. Really cannot find fault, will definitely make jamie my go to builder for any future projects
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We are a reliable, fully qualified, fully insured builders & landscapers, with many years experience and a long list of satisfied customers. Check out our reviews! Please visit our website to view our photos.
Oli is superb. Tidy, conscious, and adaptable. He stripped out the plasterboard walls and studwork in our home prior to remodelling. He worked quickly and confidently and respected our home. Whilst stripping out he came across some asbestos and he dealt with it appropriately, contacting an asbestos registered colleague and bagging it up and safety removing it at a very reasonable cost. We plan on using him again soon
Apex Property Services LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
Apex Property Services LTD has provided exceptional contracting services, offering high quality roofing, building & landscaping services in Serving Edinburgh, Fife & Surrounding Areas for many years. Our objective is satisfying our customers by extending affordable, high quality, and professional general contractor service.
UWB are a small family run business with over 30 years of experience in the building & window & conservatory industry, our services include extentions & new build plus all aspects of alteration work with all associated trades included. Planing, drawings & Building Regs plus steel calcs are all covered by our team to take the pressure of our customers. Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries WarmRoofs included & are all covered by building control.
Excellent service, very professional, highly recommend
We offer professional and comprehensive services including sanding and hardwood flooring installation. Over the last 10 years we've been providing services for companies, institutions, as well as for private houses.
We are a company which provides a full range of quality building services including planning and designing. Home improvement and constuction projects. we do variety of home improvement and construction projects.
Girts and his work mate did an excellent job enlarging my small patio. They were both very professional cleaned up after themselves left my garden neat and tidy. I would use them again
Hillstone Landscaping
Groundwork / Foundations
Hillstone Landscaping is a trusted landscaping company serving Canterbury and the surrounding Kent areas. We specialise in driveways, patios, fencing, brickwork, pressure washing, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, repointing and resanding. Our aim is to provide high-quality workmanship, reliable service and excellent customer care on every job. We take pride in transforming outdoor spaces and completing work to a professional standard. Whether you need a new driveway, garden improvement or property maintenance, Hillstone Landscaping is here to help. We offer competitive prices, honest advice and dependable service from start to finish.
D.Sterlini Roofing & Building offers a wide range of roofing and building services on domestic and commercial properties. We have been running for over 8 years but have 17 years of knowledge. The quality of our work is at a high standard and we take pride in our customer service.
Daryl did a great job repairing and pointing the parapet walls. He came out to quote, tested for leaks and identified the source. His repair went beyond the quoted works as he also rendered the walls below the parapet at no extra cost. His communication was excellent. I can thoroughly recommend Daryl and will use him again for roofing work.
Iqbal Construction is a building company based in Birmingham with over 10 years of experience in the Construction industry, We carry out all aspects of Domestic/Commercial building works across the West Midlands to the highest standards. Services include plumbing, carpentry, brickwork, loft conversions, extensions, house renovations, painting/decorating, plastering and all other general building works.
Very pleasant guy, responded quickly and worked really fast. Explained what he had done and why. No mess or messing about. Likely to get more work from us in future.
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