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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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About Andrey's Property Services. Thank you for looking at our profile page here at Andrey's Property Services. We are a team of highly skilled multi-talented tradespeople and between us we can do pretty much all work required in your home to a very good standard. This can be confirmed by looking at our excellent reviews and pictures of our previous work. Some of the things that make us stand out from the rest - NO UPFRONT DEPOSITS We only ever ask for payment once the work is complete and you have had a chance to make sure you are totally happy with everything. WE DO EVERYTHING Why have multiple tradespeople or multiple companies working on the same job when we can manage the whole project start to finish and take responsibility and ownership for everything. REVIEWED & CHECKED We have been through numerous checks into our background by independent organisations including TrustATrader and others that you can find on our website Including criminal background checks, public liability insurance checks, necessary qualification checks. ALL WORK GUARANTEED At Andrey's we are so confident in the quality of our work that we offer a full one to ten year guarantee on any work we do, totally free of charge. This combined with our 1 million pound public liability insurance should give you full confidence in Andrey's Property Services.
I am very disappointed with the service from Andrey’sRoofing The quality of workmanship was poor and far below what was promised. Issues included: cracks in the plastering after only 2 months of it being finished. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter, the company failed to take responsibility or provide a satisfactory solution. Communication was unprofessional when my husband and I were contacting him, at one point he hung up on us I would not recommend this company based on my experience.
Here at acorn we offer services from garden maintainance , hedge cutting , tree surgery (rope climb) to a garden tidy and power washing for drives , patio and roofs . Chimney pointing to stop them dreaded leaks , chimney cowls (Gas or Smoke) , roof repairs , GRP roofing systems , facia boards and soffit . Stone slate turned & chipped . Fencing and flagging,patio services . Wood work , tiling .. GRP flat roof systems , stone roof 's repairs & turning . Cellar conversions . QUALIFIED PLUMBER (SON) UNDER PINNING JOB UNDERTAKEN . Pls ask for pictures of our latest cellar conversion .
Steve did a decent job. Thank you
We are a family run Utility & reinstatement business that are based in the area of Coventry. We have been trading since 2016. We specialise in gas, water and electric service renewals to existing and new builds and also offer driveways, and drop kerb services. Also brickwork ,concrete pads . Garden make overs . All our workers are time served with correct credentials and experience. We hold the below accreditations 1. iso9001 2. Constructionline Gold 3. Acclaim 4. SSIP 5. LRQA GAS, WATER & ELECTRIC services & mains 6. Tarmac, backfill, bricklaying nvq
"From Tidy-Ups to Transformations" - Building and Landscaping that lasts the test of time **One of our teams has just completed the YOTEL Edinburgh design and build project on Queen Street which you can go to observe for yourself. To be trusted by large commercial corporations and deliver a high standard of work in a time sensitive manner, we will surely be able to deliver a project you will be satisfied with! With over 30 years of landscaping and building experience enjoyed throughout the company, you no longer have to compromise quality. Be the envy of your neighbours and call the reputable company to get it done right the first time. We offer a full design and build landscaping function as well as a subscription service on fortnightly (or monthly) garden tidy maintenance as well. Not only can we transform your space, but keep it looking new year round! With highly skilled staff and constant support a text away, we are here to make your service experience as pleasureable as your new extension, patio, driveway, or fence is going to look.
Tree and garden
Very disappointed, poor workman ship WOULD NOT RECOMMEND
Construction and brickpaving company...we have been In business since 2005 with over 100 happy customers to date no job too small.... James eves JLE paving ????
James is a fantastic tradesman: he is highly skilled and knowledgeable. James is a great communicator and he talked me through all the options. What a hard working and friendly person. I highly recommend James
Family run business. Have been a bricklayer for 30 years and now my son has followed in my foot steps. I have always been proud of my work especially conservation. I have recently joined rated people because I have had enough of the site work and feel its time to slow down and offer my experience to private work. I have done private work in the past and always ensured works were completed on time,at a reasonable rate and took pride in my work. I am a registered company and can be found on company house. I can supply my registration number for any checks.
Excellent work. Highly recommend
Hello everyone, I am civil engineering, I worked with different company in France and UK , I finally decided to create my own company COMFOROOMS LTD. I have long experience in building and groundwork . I am a serious person, I like my job, I respect my customers and I always tried to make them happy. I promise you a good job, nice and clean. You have my warranty for every job I will do. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon Thank you H.Turki Director
Work completed quickly and efficiently. Area left clean and tidy.. Recommended
We are a small, family run company based in the Midlands with more than 25 years experience in concrete reinforced structures and groundworks. We specialise in raft slab foundations; reinforced bases for summerhouses, sheds and garages; concrete retaining walls; footing foundations and all associated groundworks. We pride ourselves in delivering high quality workmanship at a fair price. "We form a firm foundation for you to create your vision"
Craig was very responsive, knowledgeable and competitively priced when he came to quote. The work carried out is great, Craig and Connor worked tirelessly to finish in 30+C heat, and the results are better than what I had planned in my head.
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M & C Landscapings and Home Improvements is a business by a professional. with years of experience. Always looking for new designs and products for your garden and home needs. Whether you need garden maintenance, a new designed garden 100% satisfaction.
Work was done to perfection I am so happy with the decking polite and efficient service I would highly recommend
Pm building & landscapers ,with 35 years building experience we cover all aspects of building works to be carried out ,extensions ,conversions ,garages ,porches brickwork .stonework ,retainers and much more ,ins work carried out .
We are a company with over 15 years experience across UK and Europe.
I recently hired Viorel to replace a ceiling beam in my rental kitchen, and I was thoroughly impressed with his work and professionalism. Viorel demonstrated excellent craftsmanship when tackling what turned out to be a more complex job than initially expected. During the ceiling beam replacement, he uncovered several additional issues that needed attention. Rather than simply ignoring these problems or hitting me with surprise costs, he took the time to explain each issue clearly and kept me updated.
Hi we are a two band company me and my son plus contractor when we need them we do all aspects of the building game as specified in are categories from bricklaying to decorating we aim to keep all are customers happy from start to finish thanks
Very quick response and came the following day to remedy the issue; immediate quote provided no nonsense
time served bricklayer. 35yrs experience All types of brickwork undertaken
We are a small business that has 20 plus years experience in piling and foundations and all groundworks involved in the building trade. We have all the qualifications needed to help are customers in the projects from new builds to shed base.
Baden at BMR was professional in every respect and completed the work in commendably good time. We are very happy with his work and wholeheartedly recommend him to others.
Chameleon Refurbs have over 25 years experience in all types of Building Refurbishments so choose Chameleon Refurbs with confidence
We are a reliable, friendly company specialising in home improvements and property maintenance. Fully insured, we are committed to providing an excellent service to our customers. Our services include; General property maintenance Roofing Kitchen/bathroom installation Joinery Driveways Fencing Landscaping Mowing and Hedge cutting services And more.. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your requirements. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote!
We carry out all aspects of roofing. From small roof repairs to whole roof replacements. Be it slate, tiled or stone roofing. We also do fascia and soffit replacements. We do dormer conversions, loft conversions and chimney repairs or re-builds. Lead work, flat roofs or garage roofs. All of our work and materials are guaranteed. As a trusted and reliable local firm most of our new business comes from customer recommendations. We do domestic and commercial roofing of any size. We also now do solar pv installation and external wall insulation (EWI) and have several domestic contracts with some of the UK’s largest energy providers. We strive to repair your roof in all instances and will only recommend a replacement where absolutely necessary. We pride ourselves on providing all customers with the most cost-effective solution. If that isn’t possible then the next best alternative will be advised. We also carry out all small or major house renovation projects, fire damage, flood damage and from start to finish projects. Call our team today to book a free survey - or for free help and advice contact our experienced staff.
W.Bradshaw Builders offer the full range of building services from start to finish. With over 25 years of experience we will turn your vision and dreams into a reality. In
I was very happy with Wayne and team, They were punctual, polite, very helpful, explaining everything that was necessary and options that were available. Would not hesitate to use his services again..
we are brickwork direct a professional time served building team, specialising in all aspects of brickwork,joinery and extensions.offering full project management from planning to the final brush strokes of paint.est 1989.
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