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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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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.

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Reviewed by John on 2/8/2023

An excellent service, completed on time. Would recommend

I’ve been plastering for 35 years with vast experience in all aspects of traditional plastering

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Reviewed by spiro on 31/12/2024

good workmanship

Next Level bricklaying services with an exceptional level of quality workmanship and service.

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Reviewed by Keith on 20/6/2024

I am delighted with the quality of Lefter's work. The job was a demanding one, and he responded to all the challenges. He is a perfectionist who works very hard. He is very easy to talk to and happy to explain how things are developing. I would recommend him highly.

We are a two man, father and son family run business with over 30 years of experience in roofing, roofline fascias/soffits and other home improvements. also all property repairs, inc,carports/ we also check all old pvc fascias that was coverd over for rotten timber, gutters cleaned and maintied.

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Reviewed by Surya on 20/9/2019

Very pleased with Andys work ,he was very considerate with my requests and did the job to my full satisfaction I would recommend him any time.

we are experience refurbishment contractors. we are reputable and reliable builders, established since 2010 and over 20years experience in building trade. using our skill and materials, we are eager to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied.

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Reviewed by Vinoth on 5/3/2025

Did not received the quote / response after sent the details.

Goldsmith's building services for reliable tradesmen , professionalism and quality workmanship.

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Reviewed by Aaron on 27/4/2024

Did a great job measuring and putting up my blinds. Showed up on time, very reasonable price and a nice bloke

Goldkey supply and fit windows doors and conservatories, we also repair upvc windows, doors and upgrade conservatory roofs.

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Reviewed by STEPHEN on 5/4/2025

Very nice work and great man to deal with wood definitely use again

Hi im Tom from secure carpentry & renovation Ltd. We cover all aspects of property renovation and developments . We have over 25 years of experience and qualifications and pride our self in being at the top of our game the reviews speak for its self . We are a friendly and well organised company our work ethic is impeccable and extremely professional and tidy . Fully insured for all aspects of the trade.

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Reviewed by Azur on 5/11/2024

Happy with job overall, skilled caftmanship. After job issue: Glue has leaked onto door from frame and hardened until seen on day of instalation. Was advised it can be fixed and will attend to it when passing by. The rating will be changed once this is fixed or new door installed as I paid for new door. It is not my doing thaglue leaked.

We do all aspects of bathrooms and minor building works, we take pride in our work and enjoy leaving the customers with a smile on their faces.

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Reviewed by Dee-Dee on 11/8/2024

Our build prerequisites were to divide a room & close an open archway, build two extra walls, move steps and a handrail, put in two entrances with doors for the new build and paint & carpet this area. Matthew (MDCC Construction) was qualified and very helpful – giving us good advice. He is an honest, tidy and thorough builder, willing to accommodate the building manager's questions and happy to make amendments. We were thrilled with the speed and finish of this build, and we will definitely use them again.

Excellent time served Plasterer with 16 years building experience all over the UK .No job to small and always to highest standard possible. Experienced with:Skimming,Boarding,Damp proofing, wall removal (Steel work), extensions, Rendering, roofing, tiling, bathroom fitting Coving,brickwork , joinery. All work is guaranteed . Give us a call for your free quotation

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Reviewed by Michael on 3/3/2025

Brilliant job! Shaun and his team were very punctual arriving early doors and worked non-stop. Did everything we asked for to a very high standard nothing was a bother. Lovely group of lads who we'd highly recommend! Thank you!

We are a construction company which specialises in these types of jobs.We take pride in all jobs done properly.We are fully insured with Direct Line for 2 million.We get great discount from local suppilers.Please call or Email for free advice or quotation

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Reviewed by Alexander on 27/10/2023

Really nice and cleaned up after himself. Reasonable price, would use again

We specialize in construction services, delivering high-quality residential, and commercial projects. Our team of experienced professionals excels in design, construction, and project management, ensuring every project meets modern standards and aligns with our clients' needs. We are committed to providing professional, cost-effective services and achieving complete customer satisfaction.

At NS Roofing & Building Ltd, we offer expert roofing services and building solutions throughout Weston Super Mare and the surrounding areas. Specialising in roof installation, roof repairs, re-roofing, and general building services, our skilled team ensures high-quality craftsmanship and reliable results. Whether you’re in need of a new pitched roof, flat roofing, or emergency roof repairs, we provide tailored services to meet your needs and protect your property for years to come. Our dedication to customer satisfaction and attention to detail sets us apart in the roofing and building industry. We use only premium materials to deliver durable, long-lasting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. From small roof repairs to large-scale construction projects, NS Roofing & Building Ltd offers cost-effective, dependable services that ensure your home or business remains secure and protected against the elements.

Hi I'm Chris from Chris Seddon roofing.i do all types of roofing I specialise in reroofs we also do facials soffits gutters flat to pitched conversion chimney removals and we work all throughout Lancs and Cheshire I do all the work myself with labourers.all reroofs come with a 5 year guarantee. And we have full liability cover also. Finance can be arranged to cover your reroof.

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Reviewed by Alex on 26/6/2024

Family company who started trading in 2013 .Our mission is to impact lives, offer our greatest services and advice to homeowners and to develop ongoing relationship for the future. In an ever more tough environment which is governed by the big companies we still believe that developing a good relationship with people is paramount. We always give 100% in order to deliver big or small projects on time with a great sense of duty and responsibility. This being said we are here to offer out our five star services to you in a way that we would like any business regardless of their domain to provide . Many thanks and God bless you. Tudor

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Reviewed by Beverley on 25/4/2025

I cannot recommend this company highly enough. Tudor & Darius did a brilliant job re-decorating my 2 bed flat, moving furniture around as needed without any fuss. They work quickly and meticulously neatly & cleanly. Tudor gave good advice on what type of paint to use on my woodwork, I didn't want it to look too shiny so chose eggshell. Whilst here they also sanded and re-hung my front door to prevent it from sticking. I would definitely use them again.

Whole spectrum of decorating jobs plus joinery and plumbing.

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Reviewed by Dawn on 9/5/2024

We have an old cast iron bath and had the bath panels to fix to it. We didn't feel confident doing it ourselves as it was quite a tricky job. Lukasz took time to get the measurements and the cutting was perfect. Looks great. Also we asked him to fix the old original bathroom door which has never closed shut. He put new hinges and shaved it and now it shuts. He did some plastering too. It took a day and charged his day rate (£150) plus a little extra for the hinges, plaster and frame. Great job!

We are a family run business with over 10years experience in the trade, specialising in fencing-roofing and landscaping. Covering Kent Essex and London. All aspects of work undertaken no job is to big or to small. all work is guaranteed fully insured

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Reviewed by Matt on 11/2/2025

Really great team. Joe and Tom quickly identified what several previous "roofers" had failed to spot. They also fixed issues created by the previous "roofers". Very pleased. Finally found someone who knows what they are doing does what the promise and can be trusted.

we are a construction company based in the north east with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. we have a fully trained time served team of employees who work to the highest of standards. Our speciality is extensions and house refurbishment and we also undertake insurance work i.e. fire, flood and impact damage, with customer satisfaction at the top of our list. we offer a full package, from the foundation excavation to final decoration, meaning we can efficiently complete jobs without waiting for outside tradesmen to turn up. Regards Colin, Mark and the team CAM construction Group ltd

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Reviewed by Katie on 29/11/2024

Colin from cam construction was extremely helpful with our quote for potential extension work to a home we were looking to purchase. He made himself available for a specific appointment at the property, gave us some great ideas for what would be possible then fully costed it up, and even accompanied it with a proposed planning drawing. The service we received was extremely professional. We haven't been able to go ahead with the purchase for unforeseen reasons, but would recommend cam thus far.

Professional, Honest and Empathetic. BNS Construction Ltd is a highly professional company that strives to deliver a quality construction service that is professional at all times and understanding towards our customers. We understand that building works can be stressful. The idea of budgets, designs, messy homes and more can be a daunting prospect. But when BNS Construction Ltd handles your building project, we not only respect your home – keeping it clean and tidy to the best of our ability – we ensure that we support you throughout the duration of the build. We offer helpful and insightful advice on maximising every inch of your property based on your individual lifestyle. Our commitment to constant communication enables us to deliver exactly what you want to the highest standard possible, at the price we quote, with no nasty surprises. We ensure that you are never out of the loop and your dedicated site manager will be available on-site every day to discuss the project with you and oversee the transformation of your home to the exceptional standard you expect. Project work we undertake: Loft Conversions Extensions Refurbishments New Builds Basements Commercial We have recently launched a dedicated service for loft conversions, which is backed by BNS Construction Ltd - search for BNS Lofts for more information.

A family run local business trading in North wales for over 20 years.We undertake all aspects of home improvements from a simple tap swap to full house refurbishments. Customer satisfaction is our number one goal!

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Reviewed by Adam on 9/8/2024

Didn't clear the weeds and bramble from behind the side gate other than that they did what I ask them to do

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