Local Groundworking experts
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
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
Browse Groundwork / Foundations specialists
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.
Sign up as a groundworking expert
Sign up with Rated People to connect with high-quality homeowners looking for groundwork contractors like you. We do the legwork by providing you with leads, so you only need to quote for jobs that match your skills. With tens of thousands of ads posted every month, there’s always a demand for your services. Join today to grow your business with Rated People.
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
General builders
Krzysztof started the job as the original plan however, our door supplier (Doorweb) let's us down badly by sending a wrong frame. Krzysztof was very helpful and rearranged the installation. His quality of work and craftsmanship has been excellent. He pays attention to details and the finished product is very good. His quotation was reasonable and it is good value for money. He is highly recommended and we wishing him good luck in future projects. Mr & Mrs Shirvani
Aubrey Construction & Maintenance
Groundwork / Foundations
We are a small family run business, established in 1989 in honour of our late mother, Audrey. With decades of experience, we take pride in delivering high-quality workmanship in all types of construction work; new builds, refurbishment, extensions, garage & loft conversions, patio/driveway cleaning & repointing. Every project treated with care and professionalism no matter the size.
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
If you’ve been meaning to take care of a specific home improvement project, but can’t seem to find the time or lack the skills or tools, why not rely on professionals to handle it? With over 7 years of experience of working in the trade, my team and I have proficient to work on a range of tasks around the home. From ensuring that your garden lush and well-looked after to assembling al types of furniture, to putting up a fence, and installing new tiles in your bathroom, we can get the job done swiftly and with superior results that will delight. Our significant experience means that we know how to overcome challenges and come up with ideal solutions in the nick of time for a positive outcome. We always honour our deadlines and work efficiently and swiftly to never compromise quality. We are friendly, patient, and will listen to your ideas and concerns and discuss our approach prior to starting on any task. Whether it’s a minor repair job or a more complicated installation job, you can rest assured that we will devote 100 per cent of our attention on every phase of the project for precise and impeccable results. If you are seeking a skilled and reliable team of handymen who take pride in their workmanship and excellent customer service, please contact me.
Unfortunately have not heard from Octavio since agreeing a price and date to do the work.
The Cambridge Painting Company
Groundwork / Foundations
ACL GP Ltd provides a complete building, maintenance & construction service to an extremely high standard by our qualified tradesmen and currently hold the position of reactive maintenance contractor for Rochford District Council.
Extremely happy with the services provided by ACL. Not only has the communication the whole way through been exceptional but also before even being instructed to do the works I had numerous communications with them to work out the best way to do our garage conversion do discuss legal requirements and cost savings. I would highly recommend ACL to anyone I know getting works done.
Hello, I have been a plasterer for 18 years and building for 25 years. Plastering is my main trade but I am a good brick layer and general builder.
Polite speedy response, unfortunately needed the job completed asap and he was busy this week. Would contact again for future work
Very approachable and ready to alter instructions as the job progressed and take on new tasks. Good value and happy with results.
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.
Expert, Reliable and Insured.
Done a very good job, and price was very reasonable.
High Blue Builders
Groundwork / Foundations
High Blue Builders are a team of highly dedicated and experienced professionals with a passion for the built environment and a proven track record of delivering successful projects of various scales. Be it an extension, refurbishment or a large scale new build development, we take pride in delivering projects tailored precisely to match the vision of our clients. High Blue Builders have an in-house RIBA Chartered Architect who has vast experience in producing effective conceptual and detailed designs that are most likely to achieve planning consent. We can also take complete responsibility of your planning application and can provide insightful industry guidance to help you maximise the potential of your site. Furthermore, we are very experienced in engaging with local councils, Building Control (complying with building regs), party wall surveyors and managing stakeholders of sites such as neighbours and pedestrians. Our management ensures each project is delivered as smoothly and efficiently as possible. No project is too large or small for High Blue Builders and we strive to provide an outstanding quality of service at the most competitive rates.
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 cover all building and joinery work ,we do a good tidy job at a fair price
Great correspondence and quote
4 Friends is a commercial construction company located in Nottingham. We are a full service, general building contractor specializing in public and private projects. Created in 2017, 4Friends already has an extensive number of completed contracts that we are proud to showcase. These include house renovations, commercial renovations, house improvements . We employ a highly skilled workforce and our employees have extensive experience in all areas of commercial construction, from pre-construction to close out. We believe in doing what we say we will do and always deliver an impeccable work product on time and on budget. The consistent, reliable service we provide evokes accolades and referrals from satisfied customers. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of our organization and excellence is demonstrated in everything we do.
Ben responded quickly and fitted me 2 rads the next day, gave me a very good quote which included labour and parts so I knew exactly the cost. made sure everything was working before he left, would use this guy again. Rob,
Tharai is a family run business based in Esher, Surrey. Our team have a combined 20 years of experience working in property development. We have a genuine and transparent approach to our work and are completely client-focused, building long-term
Kamran provided quote in time, reasonable price consistent with other competitive offers and he has a team readily available. He is quite responsive to queries and refined the scope for a quick and clean execution. Looking forward to completing the project in time, quality and budget.
Heritage Construction London creates environments that are responsive, adaptive, inviting and exciting. We believe that architecture and environments are deeply connected, and that each one has an influence and effect upon the other. We are innovative and agile. We are modern and have traditional values of aesthetics. Each member of our team comes with a unique set of skills and together, we create buildings that stand out from the rest while fitting in harmoniously and beautifully. The 3 partners have over 100 years joint industry experience and have worked on New Build , General Residential, Listed Buildings, Heritage Buildings, Conservation area projects. As well as residential we also carry out office and shop refurbishments. Refurbishments, Loft Conversions, Extensions, Basement Excavations, full house remodel, Flats into Houses and Houses into Flats, All staff a regular tradesmen that we know and trust, All electricians are NICEIC qualified and all are our Gas Engineers Gas Safe certificated. We offer free no obligation estimates or we are happy to Tender for larger projects and particularly enjoy working with Architects On the new build side we are competent to build 1 to 50 houses and we have run and managed new build Flats in London and the home counties.
Really pleased with job. Very polite courteous and efficient.
I love helping people Transform their outdoor space from the usual lawn and boarders into their own little paradise. No one garden is the same and can be unique to the family and that’s why I like to get to know my clients and get as much detail as possible to help build the garden they deserve. There's nothing more I like than to leave the job knowing the customer is 100% happy with my work
Booked very last minute as I had an unexpected delivery. Good Energy and reasonable prices, what's not to like? Will recommend.
UK Drainage Solutions is an experienced team drainage specialists. We provide a professional 24/7 service wherever we are needed. Services we provide are blocked drains, cctv surveys, root cutting, fat/grease removal, drain re-lining and excavations.
Quality work and good price
Family running business based in Gravesend. Our priority is excelent service and satisfide customer. Top quality work is our trademark. Specialised in all type of build work with very expirienced team. Plenty of references form our previous satisfied clients. In need of top quality builders? call for more informations.
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles