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.
Handyman full property house maintenance includes softwood and hardwood door fitting all locks , window locks handles , MOULD damp moisture problems cleaning , painting decoration, garden trees branch cutting rubbish removal, fitting shelves tv brackets small fittings , small leaks taps drains radiators, blocked drains being kitchen waste drain , rat mouse control , wardrobe doors kitchen doors hinge tighten , fencing storm damage repairs no job too small reliable trustworthy fully qualified 40 years experience in the London areas
R E General Builders - We have 12 years of experience in all types of roofing and building services and we take pride in our work and always work to the highest standard aiming to satisfy our customers. We are committed to providing a friendly, approachable and professional service. We offer free no obligation estimates so just give us a call.
We always aim to keep our customers happy and we love recommendation we have years of experience and a very friendly respectable team we use the best equipment to ensure our customers get what they desire.
Great job!! Very pleased with the new fencing. Thanks.
High quality of any work a free quote is given we do any building work from patio driveways drains compete build new fencing plastering plasterboards
We are very pleased with the work carried out by R and J Lubbock. Richard and Dean installed internal wall insulation in a couple of rooms in our house. They turned up on time, carried out the work carefully, and left the rooms clean and tidy at the end of the job. I would not have any problem recommending them.
'%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}
We provide a professional building service throughout Lancashire and Cheshire. The business undertakes commercial projects and all kinds of private work I.e New Build single and two story extensions structural work full refurbishments and all aspects of construction with a large Client base . Please feel free to call between 9 am and 5 pm Monday - Thursday and 9 -12.30 on Fridays.The business is closed at the weekends W we are a member of the National Federation of Builders
Karl did a good job taking care to make minimal mess and noise. He understood my requirements and explained what he was doing in just the right detail.
Hi, we are a small business based in DONCASTER,and surrounding are. We specialise in bathroom refurbs, disabled level access wet rooms, tiling and plumbing. We offer a very friendly and enjoyable service as we know having work done can be a stressful which is our top priority to make sure this isn't the case. With 10 years’ experience we now have the experience at hand to make sure all work is at the highest standard. We are fully insured for all work we carry out. We always offer a competitive quote for our work and we are very professional at what we do. We pride ourselves in our reputation. We hope our feedback speaks for itself. K&F decorative is one of the Doncaster Property Maintenance Service. We have over 10 years’ experience in property maintenance, working in high end residences, as well as office and retail spaces. It is our aim to provide an outstanding, bespoke customer experience, to leave every customer delighted with the service and the job they have received . Our tradesmen carry out thousands of skilled jobs including: plumbing, handyman, painting and decorating, finding and resolving leaks, dr
Very punctual and helpful and job done to perfection Many thanks
Our team has the skills, experience, qualifications, and desire to ensure we deliver a high standard of workmanship and complete customer satisfaction.
Luke Taylor Construction
Groundwork / Foundations
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success!!! All jobs require the highest level of effort and attention to detail, my belief is every customer deserves the service I would expect for myself. I can offer professional advice and assistance to the keen DIY’er or self builder. Alternatively, I can take on and complete your home improvement projects. No job too big or small. Exterior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting •Patios & Decking •Driveways •Fencing •Drainage •Sheds and bases •Raised planters •Landscaping •Garden clearance •Demolition work •All small jobs including garden furniture assembly Interior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting and decorating •carpentry work •Light fittings and socket replacement •Flooring, skirting boards, door hanging & architraves •Blinds and curtain poles •Shelving and wall mounted TV’s •Bespoke built in wardrobes & media walls •Wooden furniture Repairs •Furniture and flat pack assembly I have the experience and knowledge to deliver most home projects. All jobs considered
Im a builder/plumber with experience in kitchen and bathroom refurbishment and full house renovation.
Lucasz did a brilliant job for us he was timely tidy and took a real pride in his work coming up with a great solution for the issues with our kitchen. I cannot recommend him enough to you excellent in all respects and a fair price
TCL Building and Landscapes, friendly professional service.
Quick response and turn around
Quigley's
Groundwork / Foundations
Trusted local builders. Many work undertaken and all completed. Extentions, Bathrooms, Kitchens and all other aspects In building construction.
Small team of hardworking individuals dedicated to bringing the best to our clients.
Amazing service - attentive and always communicative in terms of doing the right thing. Great job!
We are a Specialist re-pointing service based in south east Northumberland but we cover a wide area across the north east of England with over 18 years experience. We are also fully insured and can provide a free no obligation estimate upon request. We also undertake all aspects of external property maintenance Such as replacing wall ties,as your mortar fails due to age water gets to the wall ties which makes them rust and expand which then cracks will appear in the brickwork For advice or a estimate give us a call
Andy came round promptly and gave us a reasonable quote very quickly. The job involved repointing the back wall of an old terrace property.. Once the scaffolding was up Andy and his team completed the work to a very high standard. We were pleased with the job and would definitely recommend him.
GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALISTS with a vast portfolio and customer base, our company has been established 10 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.
SAS RESOLVE LTD
Groundwork / Foundations
GETTING YOUR PROPERTY REPAIRED IS OUR NO.1 PRIORITY. We are Concept Claims Solutions Buckinghamshire. An end to end project management service to return residential and commercial premises back to their pre-loss condition following our tried and tested processes and systems. With over 20 years of experience; Our system allows the complete cradle to grave management of both a property insurance claim and private renovation job from first notification through to settlement. As Principle Contractors, we undertake all aspects of property repair, rectification and renovation. SAS Resolve Ltd trading as Concept Claims Solutions (North Bucks) is an Appointed Representative of Citrus Compliance. Citrus Compliance is a trading name of Andrew Smith which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Concept Claim Solutions (North Bucks) is a franchise owned and operated under license, with a registered name of SAS Resolve Ltd. Registered Address: Jubilee House, East Beach, Lytham St.Annes, Lancashire, United Kingdom, FY8 5FT. Registered in England. Please note that photos are for illustration purposes only.
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%
My name is Mariusz Olkowski and I am the owner Olek Builders ltd. We cover every element of the building process from design, , building work, through to finishing your project by fitting kitchens/bathrooms and overall decoration
Wehad the pleasure of hiring Olek and his team for a recent tiling project, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor stood out. We wholeheartedly recommend Olek for any tiling project. His workmanship, courtesy, and commitment to customer satisfaction are truly outstanding. Thank you for transforming our space into something remarkable!
Roman home improvements is a company who pride them selves on high quality workmanship at affordable prices. We have over 20 years experience and cover all aspects of construction. We are here to not only build for your needs but with our experience and knowledge to help design for your needs.
Hi I’m John from NEW GEN roofing & landscaping been in the business for 12 years if you want a free quote just give me a call or text don’t hesitate thank you
This gentleman was very polite and knowledgeable he explained everything to me before I hired him and on completion he had done a fantastic job even dealing with a very difficult neighbour in a polite way I highly recommend Thank you so much
ANR Construction are a company based in St Ives Cambridgeshire. We specialise in all aspects of the building trade from larger Construction projects to smaller and more intricate interior works. We have professional tradesmen with NVQs in City and Guilds.
Slow measured start- due to getting out of date fixtures - fittings brought upto new standards - finished well and good quality work
'%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