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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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Touchstone (Surrey) LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
At Touchstone (Surrey) Ltd, we are a trusted and established building company backed by over 20 years of industry experience. Formed in 2019, our team is made up of highly skilled tradesmen who take pride in delivering top-quality workmanship across every project, big or small. We are proud members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), a mark of excellence that reflects our commitment to high standards, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're planning a home renovation, extension, or a new patio, we offer fair, transparent, and competitive pricing—with no compromise on quality. Why Choose Us? - 20+ years of hands-on experience - Fully qualified and trusted professionals - FMB-accredited for your peace of mind - Reliable, clean, and respectful service - Honest quotes and competitive rates - Projects delivered on time and on budget We understand how important your home is, which is why we treat every job with care, attention to detail, and professionalism. Your vision is our priority. Get in touch today for a free quote or friendly advice—we're here to help bring your ideas to life.
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.
Very honest , transparent, and polite team , providing a service from concept design to finished product
Unfortunately, over 12 months into the project, it is still not finished. There were a few circumstances outside of Tom's influence, but the delay's have been accompanied by repeated lies about finalising the project, and poor quality of the work that has been done.
JN PRO BUILD LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
We are small independent building firm who work to extremely high standards, Over the many years we have undertaken 1000s of full building conversions, Inc bathrooms,kitchen, load bearing walls, studwork, first and second fix joinery, first and second fix plumbing. We our fully qualified and work to the very highest standards I
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We are specialised in Kitchen, bathrooms and all type of furniture instalation. We are team of handyman, plumer, electrician and carpenter.
Excellent Kitchen Tiling! Peter did an amazing job! Professional, friendly, and efficient, he completed the work quickly. The pricing was fair, and he kept everything clean throughout. Highly recommend for quality tiling!
We are a building company located in manchester, providing all aspects of building services to our clients.
All work done as asked all rubish taken away we dont mind traveling to give a free quote
Very good job
Experience in: Tiling Plastering Painting Laminating Bathrooms Roofing Block paving Brick work Garage conversion Extension Mould Treatment END MORE
I was badly disappointed with the work, discussed this with Petru, sent him photos, he was still adamant he had done excellent work. I had to engage another contractor, who I had to pay not only to do the work, but to undo the poor outcome of Petru's work. I hired Petru based on his excellent feedback, and considered asking him to do more work in my home; I regret that decision, and will not hire contractors via websites like this any time again.
Welcome to creative gardens an honest and reliable service with traditional values. We are a friendly team and will take on your garden from start to finish. From design to completion we will make the process as comfortable as possible. With over 20 years experience and with many jobs at high standard under our belt you can be assured your work will look great. All work is guaranteed for 5 years. There is no salespeople just skilled workers offering fair and honest prices.
Adam and Dan have did a great job, we are really happy. Adam was flexible to our design changes once the project was underway. We had the bottom of our garden cleared, new featherboard and slatted fencing, shed base and new patio. They also moved some existing plants and reused some existing materials where we wanted to. Dan did a great job with the fences and worked really hard throughout the job! The garden was left clear and they repaired an existing slab that became loose during the work!
I have been a builder for 42 years. I do brickwork, repointing, drainage, block paving, patios, concreting, landscaping, stone work, exterior painting etc.. I cover all aspects of building work. and all aspects of groundwork and we specialise in lime mortar pointing
My name is Max Akkaya and my company started with plumbing and bathroom refurbishments after graduating from my NVQ level 2 course in Heating and Ventilation. In the last 20 years we have evolved into One Stop Design and Construction Ltd - a fully insured company that covers all aspects of home improvements such as loft conversions, extensions and bespoke refurbishments. I haven’t been on Rated People in a while as I have got all my work through recommendations, however I recently moved to Surrey so I am building my client base out here also. I’m straight forward, honest and pride myself to giving attention to the smallest of detail. We undertake small and last scale projects and work with a team to deliver loft conversions, extensions and bespoke refurbishments including all plumbing, electrical and gas needs.
Very pleasant experience. Punctual, polite, efficient and friendly. The job was finished to a very high standard. Would recommend 100%
GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALISTS with a vast portfolio and customer base, our company has been established 12 years. Fully insured, all employees and sub contractors cscs trained/qualified. All works completed to a high standard at competitive prices
I am very pleased with the work done by JMR. The tradesmen were pleasant and happy to make any changes or additions to the original plans, with the approval of James (the boss). Nic did an amazing job of the plastering, and Tristan applied his many skills to the build. The estimate was reasonable, and was also the final price charged for the original plan. James charged a fair price for the extra work I requested, and was open to discussion on any aspect of the build. A job well done.
Simicus Construction LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
This is Simicus Construction Ltd, we are a team of builders with over 20 years of experience in the Construction Industry.
Hi im Alfie I am a solo trader I’m a landscaper but also come from a fireplace (HETAS registered) and general building background. I Have done loads of projects for company’s where I have been recommended/subcontracted. I really enjoy hard work, making things go from nothing in to something and at the end of it, seeing a smile on the Clients face, i get a lot of satisfaction from my work, it is always a privilege to be able to walk away knowing I’ve done a excellent job and everybody is happy. Communication is key, always happy to answer any questions or queries. No job to big or small, have great tradesmen around me to get any project done. Groundwork’s Hard landscaping Fencing Patios Driveways Artificial grass Turfing Brickwork
I contracted Alfie to refurbish a large area of Cotswold stone terrace and pathways around my home in Godalming. The terrace was a mess. Alfie and his team made a great job of removing all the old cement mortar pointing, relaying loose slabs, re-jointing and tidying up the area, including rebuilding the front door step. His young team were friendly, polite and hard working and I am happy to recommend them to anyone considering hard landscaping work. Everything was delivered to the agreed plan.
Here at Sovereign Roofing & Building it is our main priority to keep all of our customers satisfied and happy at all times. We provide a reliable and affordable service. Using only the best materials in all of our work. With many years experience. And I quote, “our reputation is your assurance of quality”. Services that we offer: All aspects of Roofing Exterior Cleaning including: UPVC Fascia's, Soffits & Guttering cleaning Patios Roofs Walls Driveways
We agreed the work. The guys were available quickly. After starting, they needed to borrow my wheelbarrow, SDS drill and crow bar. Midway, they suggested the job should change as all the damaged patio tiles under the gutter outlet were not damaged by water run off, but the cement beneath them being too hard. The grout they put in washed away. They came and fixed it.
Plum Building Services Ltd is a building company based in London. We work for both landlords and private home owners on new builds, extensions, refurbishments, repair and maintenance. No job is too big or too small. Quality is our guarantee.
Thank you for reading our profile. We have over 20 years experience in all aspects of Roofing, from small repairs to a full new roof. We really do care about all our customers and take pride in our work . We are hard working, punctual and honest.
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.
We are a small company, specialising in supplying quality workmanship, to customers, all our installers have aquiared many years of experience, this includes electrician, carpenters, painters, floor layers , we specialise in garage conversions, and refurbishment work ,
DO NOT USE THIS BUILDERS THEY ARE ROUGH TRADERS
We aim to be a world class Construction Company providing efficient affordable, sustainable, cost effective services of highest level of quality. We undertake all projects, big or small and specialise in major renovations including; Extensions – Loft Conversions – Restoration & Alterations Garage Conversions – Landscaping & Patios – General Building Work Renovating a property can bring a new lease of life to your home with the feeling that you live somewhere new without having moved. Whether it's a major remodel by knocking down walls and building new ones to change the entire look of your home, to simple and subtle updates and upgrades like new floors, new doors, a modern new kitchen or a stunning bathroom, using modern materials we can help you create your ideal living space.
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