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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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ES Building Services is a family run business with a team of highly skilled, well experienced and passionate professionals who puts your needs at the forefront of what we do. All our work is completed to the highest industry standards and compliance with current regulations is always met. We focus on providing a high end finish on all of our projects regardless of budget. We will make sure you are involved and understood at every step of the process, from design to completion. Whether it’s a simple maintenance job or a full internal refurbishment, we aim to provide a level of service that exceeds your expectations. Our predominant active contacts consist of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment work. We work alongside multiple industry leaders and have an excellent track record in providing high quality installations across London. With a skilled and mature team of professionals we have an abundance of experience in all areas of building services. We specialise in full internal refurbishments covering all aspects of the build: strip out, plastering, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrics and everything in between. With over 300+ 5* reviews accross all platforms, rest assured your property is in safe hands with ES Building Services. Kitchens Bathrooms Refurbishments Electrical installation + Everything in between NICEIC Aproved Contractor. GasSafe Registered Engineers. SafeContractor Approved.
We hired ES Electrical to fit our new Kitchen and also added a toilet and shower unit downstairs. From the begening we found Harry and his Team to be very professional but also had have a very friendly approach. They listerned to our concearns during the process of the instillation and also gave us some good advice and ideas. We found them to be very tidy with their work and respected our property. Overhall we are very happy with the outcome of our new Kitchen and Bathroom,hence we have giving this rating.
Church Lane Building Maintenance Yorkshire Limited
Groundwork / Foundations
With 30 years of experience in the building trade and a skilled team that includes bricklayers, ground workers, electricians, and carpenters, you have a solid foundation for tackling various construction projects. We specialise in new builds, extensions, loft conversions, and both internal and external building works showcases our versatility and capability. Whether the job is big or small, our team's expertise ensures that we can handle it effectively. We also cover all property maintenance for both domestic and commercial.
Chameleon Refurbs have over 25 years experience in all types of Building Refurbishments so choose Chameleon Refurbs with confidence
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Fortune Construction was funded in 2005 by CEO Zygmunt. In 2014 the CEO partnered with Anna to implement the business on providing a stronger customer-focused approach, services and a constant quest for top-class quality, which has enable the company to sustain leadership in its major line of business. Fortune Construction is based in South London but works all around London on general building and refurbishing.
Thanks for installing the shelves so quickly for us - we are delighted with the results!
SRG Renovations Ltd have built a reputation to be proud of, with our team of highly qualified tradesmen we can carry out any project you may have in mind weather it be a small job or a major renovation project all at a very competitive price.
Clean, high quality plasterers. positive attitude. Highly recommended.
Time served joiner of 36 years being in the joinery/ kitchen fitting trade no job to big or to small all aspects of joinery from bespoke to manufacturing from external doors to internal door frames door linings architrave skirting boards laminate flooring but and scribe worktops from laminate worktops to oak work tops free quotes was film by mark miller company installing a kitchen for his TV program dream kitchens and bathrooms for channel 5
Well established family run building company based in London,we have built a strong relationships with well known building societies across the London due to our quality and trustworthy service High quality levels of work in major building projects,we specialise in planning and design,project management and general building services
5 star
We have 25 years experience,----our specialist are experts in construction and maintenance.
Martin did a fantastic job building and installing covers for our meter boxes. His work was of excellent standard and he kept us fully up to date on timing and progress. Highly recommended.
Specialists in replacing roofs, slates or tiles. I source and supply all materials saving the customer time and hassle researching the materials. All of the materials I use are of the highest standard. I always supply samples of tiles or slates to ensure we get what suits best for your property and price range. I also do new build houses from wall plate to finish and fit fascia boards and soffits. Other jobs we regularly complete include full loft Conversions and replacement of old roof windows due to them becoming drafty or if they have been fitted for 25 years and over and need a upgrade. All of my jobs are completed to a high standard and come with a 10 year warranty.
We are a family business that covers all type of building work : Flooring, Electrical and Plumbing installations, Painting and Decoration, Bathroom and Kitchen installations, Extensions and Loft conversions, etc. All our work is certified and guaranteed.
Alion and the team worked tirelessly to compelete our bathroom in what was a tight schedule, achieving a stunning result, and for a fair price. I couldn't recommend them enough.
Plumbing, groundwork and Underground water services At gcb utilities we strive to provide our customers with a high quality end to end service. we know it can be stressful dealing with leaks, repairs and improvements But with our expertise and professional staff we get the job done in good time and with as little disruption to you as possible. From the first contact our friendly staff have you covered. Whether your looking for a leak fixing,you have pressure issues, need pipe work installing or moving, new water supply or external leak repair With our wiaps, chas,constructionline and water safe approval, guaranteed work your in safe hands Give us a call or message for a free no obligation quote
Enthusiastic to sort-out our problem. Planned to meet and it happened bang on time. Came-up with the solution and had the job done within their own time estimate.. Problem solved on time and around the estimated budget. Well done!
M S Building Services is a Worcestershire based building company with over 20 years of experience, proudly serving clients across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Birmingham. We specialise in all aspects of groundwork, building and landscaping, delivering high-quality results tailored to your needs. No job is too big or too small – from minor improvements to large-scale projects, we bring the same dedication, expertise, and attention to detail every time.
Mark was very professional and reliable. Excellent standard of work, left everything clean and tidy on completion of the job. We are very pleased and would highly recommend them.
Choose To Build Ltd are a hard working and friendly team that have 15+ years experience. We specialise in refurbishments and new builds. We have taken on and complete a range of different projects such as loft conversions , rear and side extensions and all internal building works. Choose To Build undertake any jobs big or small.
Adrian the owner was very helpful and understanding the job was perfectly completed The estate agent who looks after the flat for me was very pleased and has added Adrians company to their list for recommendations to other landlords The bathroom looks very modern and has added value to the property I would recommand Adrian for a job well done
We are a small team of 12 covering all trades. We have been running for 7 years and slowly getting bigger. We are interested in giving free advise and a free quote to any project large or small. Fully Insured and Qualified team for all aspects. building projects Lenny
over 40 years fitting quality flat roof systems .no one has more experience of flat roofing. Warm flat roofs (cool in summer warm in winter). Tapered flat roofs which allow correct drainage if rainwater. We can give you a permanent solution to any flat roof problems Wide range of FLAT roof systems .and finishes. All guaranteed.WE HAVE FULL LIABITY COVER INCLUDING USE OF ALL POWER TOOLS AND HEAT. quality assured contractor. We will fully survey the job (images taken of condition etc..) .give you a detailed outline of works./quote. we will then take images of every stage of works from start to finish so you can see your job is being carried out as specified / quoted. our guarantee covers workmanship and materials Covering a 40 mile range of Manchester
Barry and his son did a great job re-felting the roof on my bay window. They turned up when they said they would, did the job brilliantly and charged what they said it would cost. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend using Rooftech.
BELLO ELECTRIC Bello Electric is a company with a rich legacy of over 5 year's. Our commitment to collaboration, innovation, safety and proficiency with codes and standards has made us a trusted partner in delivering high-quality and efficient electrical services.
Dorian was super. He is knowledgeable, hard working, and a true pro. I would use his skills again and have no hesitation in recommending him. Thanks Dorian, and sorry it has taken me so long to write this review. I’m not as expeditious as you! :) And also thanks again mate for staying that extra ten minutes to protect me from that nutty lady ;) I dread to think what might have happened had you not stayed to pretend to fix a plug! :)
We are typically residential builders roofers and property conversion specialists, we carry out any project from a simple roof repair to a new build block of apartments no job too small.
Christopher texted soon after I placed the job. The pump was replaced the next day. I considered the job quite expensive but it was well done at short notice just before Christmas. I would recommend this firm.
LITA CONTRACTORS LTD We are a family owned construction company with over 10 years of successful commercial and residential building projects. Based in London, we help clients with all kinds of construction needs, with existing plans or brand-new designs and solutions. Some of our services include: - Ground work - Drainage - Basements - First Fix & Second Fix - Kitchen & Bathroom Fit Out - RC Frame & Steel Frame We are specialised in delivering reliable and best quality services that will last a generation.
From a single wall to a complete house, inside and out, plastering/rendering. Also roofing, stonewalling, extensions and general maintenance....no job too small. Please feel free to email me or leave me a message and I'll get back to you.
Reliable, personable, conscientious, trustworthy and reasonably priced. Can definitely recommend .
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.
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