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.
We are a local building company, experts in extensions and refurbishment with over 30 years experience. We have fully qualified tradesmen and public liability insurance. References available, no upfront fees and honest advice. Our latest project involved raising the roof level of a bungalow, extension and complete internal alterations. Before and after pictures below.
Wow, that was a long time ago and I forgot to leave a review! All I can now confirm is that the job was completed and to my complete satisfaction.
Welcome to Rothwell Contracts & Rothwell Kitchens Ltd Nottinghamshire based family run businesses
Whoops, sorry, about the last comment about rcl builders, that comment was to another builder.
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 are a family run business with over 15 years in the building trade. From joiners, plumbers, electricians, painting/decorators, landscapers and plasterers we have it all. We take great pride in our work and customer care is priority. We do apply an out of hours charge after 6pm, weekends and bank holidays.
Prompt service.
'%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}
Full property renovations, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings & more.
Absolutely useless made our life a misery never book these had a bathroom fitted horrible job then when it leak and destroyed my front room ceiling trust when I say don't use them .
Anamera Group specialises in complete home renovation to a very high standard in all aspects of work . Structural alternations, Open plan projects, Conversions, Construction, Refurbishment, Renovation, Restoration, Extension. We are based in Hampshire and cover all over the Hampshire area including london. Written quotes will be given .
I was very impressed with Krystian, prompt contact after enquiry, was the only tradesman to actually listen to what I needed and produced a quote which met my needs fully. His price was fair and consistent, perhaps not the cheapest but I didn’t necessarily need the cheapest, I wanted the best value with quality and trust. He completed one bathroom within a month of instructing, to a high standard and we were delighted. This gave me full confidence to let the second bathroom which again was superb
We pride ourselves with providing a local friendly service. With over 20 years experience in construction covering all aspects We are fully insured , qualified and cover all aspects of carpentry and construction Within our community. Get in contact today for a free estimate, Alternatively. Find us on instagram.
Sam gave a good price to supply and install solid oak stair cladding his workmanship was exceptional and outstanding. He was a lovely man couldn’t do enough for us. He cleaned up after himself. He come when he said he would come. He finished the job as when he said he would finish the job, he was very kind very friendly and the Work was very reasonably priced. I can’t make the Man high enough. He was a lovely man and his Work is outstanding..
With over 10y on to construction industry,we operate a small family business owner aimed to provide an high quality services across the trades we offer, We have over 5y experience doing painting and decorating works leaving behind smile and the best experience, From Tv wall mountings to removals, storage ,and refurbishment,we cover all aspects of works . For a friendly man part of the team on site ,please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us..
Fantastic experience - really lovely guys, great job and super reliable and professional. Look forward to working with them again soon
With over 40 years combined experience in the building trade our company has grown and build an amazing portfolio of jobs and customer clientele. We cover all aspects of building and landscaping no job is to small and no job is to big we can handle them all. Our company cover everything from start to finish on all jobs so no need to worry about sorting anything, making it a smooth process for our customers
1st Rate Roofing
Groundwork / Foundations
1st Rate Roofing is a small company that values reliability and craftsmanship over anything else. We are polite and always put you first, making sure you understand whats being done and how we are going to do it. We always charge a fair price and believe you'll think so to. We provide free no obligation estimates. We are very responsive to emails and calls!
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%
DX Construction ltd is a building company based in sheffield south yorkshire with Experienced and qualified builders With over 11 years experience in the trade we pride ourselves on perfection & 5 STAR quality. We have the skills, knowledge and creativity to solve your site specific problems. References available. Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service We cover following areas: - Sheffield - Rotherham - Doncaster - Chesterfield - and other surrounding areas SERVICES WE PROVIDE 1 Extension 2 Loft conversions 3 Refurbishments & full house renovation 4 Roofing 5 Chimney removal 6 Landscaping and garden work 7 Carpentry & joinery 8 Kitchen & bathroom fitting 9 Electrical & plumbing Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service
Andrea and his team were excellent. He is very reliable, efficient and hard working. He made a very challenging job look easy and did some extra things for me that weren’t included in the quote, without charging extra. He got back to me quickly and the whole job took less than 2 weeks from me posting to completion. I would definitely recommend this company and I’m sure I will ask him to do other jobs for me.
Taurus Home And Garden
Groundwork / Foundations
Taurus Home and Garden was launched in 2021 with the aim of providing our clients with an honest and reliable service, specialising in what we love most: landscaping and damp-proofing. Taurus is a Sussex based company where a clear vision for each project is shared among us, the contractors, andhomeowners. As well as landscaping and damp-proofing, we also undertake renovation projects on request – you only have to ask! Our goal is to become the go-to company for landscaping and damp-proofing work, and to share our vision of creating, improving, and protecting every space we have the opportunity to work upon. We aim to restore trust in contractors by delivering clear, well-planned, and expertly executed projects to our clients, providing full transparency throughout. We understand the anxieties many people experience when entrusting their home visions to others. Our transparent process, from planning to completion, is designed to help our clients rebuild that trust.
Quigley's
Groundwork / Foundations
Trusted local builders. Many work undertaken and all completed. Extentions, Bathrooms, Kitchens and all other aspects In building construction.
Hello, My name is Michael, the owner of m p e building services est 2000, I am a fully qualified N.V.Q joiner and builder, time served craftsman who specialises in woodwork, wet trades, plastering, tiling, and brickwork/stonework including Indian stone and concrete paving, I have over 25 years experience in the construction industry, and I have all the skills and knowledge to complete your project, I am reliable friendly and honest. The photos are of my personal works which are displayed on this page, are just a tiny collection of the many successful projects I have completed for my many happy customers over the years, I have a full portfolio of photos of building projects that I have completed and lots of real excellent customer references and personal recommendations of my business, that I can provide and can show on appointments when quoting for new customers.
A gentleman came out to check the door frame and i went with a different company. I offered to pay any expenses incurred and he is charging me £200 for his time and visit. Rather expensive just to get a quotation . I would suggest that you do not ask this company to even quote for you
My name is Shaun Ross .My business name is Agnoscar services Ive been trading since 1997
Job has been accepted by Shaun. Courteous,friendly,professional. Work still to be done.
We have over 30 years experience in landscaping and general home improvements, no job to big or small, we provide free quotations and site visits. Customer satisfaction comes first for us every time. All of our work comes guaranteed, we use high quality products, machinery and all work is done in house. We don’t sub contract any work out.
Here is a description about my company testing 2 updating just testing
Test without the bad word
Welcome to EXTENSION SPECIALIZE LTD, a , family run, local business that you can rely on. We are a team of skilled and able tradesmen who love a good challenge. Whether your job is large or small, indoors or outdoors, private or commercial, we are confident that we can deliver it with speed, cleanliness, excellent workmanship, quality materials and as a bonus, at an affordable price. ? Do you have a tap that's been dripping for years? Maybe you bought loft insulation and never had the time to lay it? When you build your flat-pack furniture do you spend most of your time scratching your head? Or have you saved for a complete interior or exterior makeover but don't know where to turn? ? EXTENSION SPECIALIZE provides you with a 'one stop shop' for all your property needs. We provide maintenance, repair and improvement services to homeowners, tenants, landlords, letting agents and commercial clients. Best of all, we are equally at home fixing small items on your 'to do' list as we are completing larger projects LIKE NEW HOUSE
S&D Construction Services is a premier general construction business with over of 23 years of Experience in the construction industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in delivering comprehensive construction services with a wide range of sectors including residential and commercial projects across London Our mission is to provide exceptional construction services and client-focused approach to every project we undertake
Fitted window but required snagging. Window was fitted properly but one of the plastic corner protectors had been left in place whilst fitting which the window fitter offered to remove and correct the fitting.
'%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