Groundwork Contractors in Kent: Drainage, Bases & Foundations
Excavation, foundations, drainage and bases, done right before anything is built.
Groundworks are the part of a project you never see once it is finished, and the part that decides whether everything above it lasts. We carry out excavation, foundations, sub-bases, concrete slabs and drainage for extensions, garden buildings, driveways and landscaping.
Kent's ground varies a lot, from chalk to heavy clay to made-up ground on older plots. We look at what is in front of us and dig, drain and build up accordingly, rather than applying one approach everywhere.
We work directly for homeowners and alongside builders and other trades, and we can prepare a site ready for the next stage of work.
Options
Choosing what’s right for you.
Foundations for extensions
Trench or strip foundations dug and poured to the depth and design agreed with building control. Depth depends on the soil, nearby trees and the structure above.
Bases for outbuildings
Concrete slabs or pad foundations for garden rooms, workshops and sheds. A level, well-drained base stops doors sticking and timber rotting.
Surface water drainage
Channel drains, gullies and soakaways that move rainwater away from buildings and paved areas. Useful where water pools on patios or runs towards the house.
Site preparation
Clearing and levelling ground ready for paving, lawns or building work, including removing old concrete and hardstanding.
Our work
Groundworks & Drainage we’ve built.
Large porcelain patio with lit steps and new fencing
White porcelain patio for a new rear extension
Sandstone side-return patio in place of old decking
More photos
Worth knowing
Before you start.
- 01
Clay and trees
Clay soils swell and shrink with moisture, especially near trees. Foundations near trees on clay often need to go deeper. Building control and, where needed, an engineer will set the depth for structural work.
- 02
Building control sign-off
Foundations for extensions and new buildings are usually inspected by building control before concrete is poured. We work to that inspection so the job is not held up.
- 03
Where rainwater goes
Surface water should not be sent into the foul sewer without permission. Soakaways need suitable ground and must sit a sensible distance from buildings. We plan drainage to suit the site.
How it works
Four clear steps, no surprises.
From the first visit to the final sweep, you’ll know what’s happening, when, and what it costs.
Site visit
We come out, measure up, check levels and drainage, and talk through what you want and how you use the space.
Clear quote
A written, itemised quote with materials, timings and what is and isn’t included. No pressure and no hidden extras.
The build
Proper excavation and sub-base first, then the finish. We keep the site tidy and keep you updated as we go.
Handover
We walk the finished job with you, clear away, and explain any aftercare so it looks right for years.
Areas
Groundworks & Drainage across Kent.
We cover every district in Kent. Our area guides explain local ground conditions, planning and highways rules.
Questions
Groundworks & Drainage: common questions.
How deep do foundations need to be?
It depends on the soil, nearby trees and what is being built. For extensions, building control will confirm the minimum depth, and on clay near trees it can be considerably deeper than on firm ground. We dig to what the ground and inspector require.
Can you fix water pooling on my patio or driveway?
Often, yes. Pooling usually means the falls are wrong or there is nowhere for the water to go. Solutions range from adding a channel drain and soakaway to relaying part of the surface to the correct level.
Do you work for builders as well as homeowners?
Yes. We carry out groundworks for homeowners directly and as part of larger projects, preparing foundations and bases ready for the next trade.
What base does a garden room need?
That depends on the size and weight of the building and what the manufacturer specifies. Options include a concrete slab or ground screws. A level, well-drained base is essential whichever route you take.
Related
Often done together.
Why people hire us
- 15+ yearsbuilding driveways, patios and brickwork in Kent
- Free site visitand a written, itemised quote before any work starts
- Same person throughoutRoss prices the job and builds it, so you always know who to call
- 14 jobs photographedfrom the dig to handover, so you can see how we work
- Quick repliesmost enquiries get an answer the same working day
- 4.9 on Googlefrom 8 reviews
- Fully insured£2 million public liability cover with Zurich
- 5-year guaranteeon our workmanship, in writing
Free, no-obligation quote
Get a free quote for groundworks & drainage in Kent
Four quick details and a photo if you have one. Ross will get back to you to arrange a free site visit and a written, itemised quote.
- Free site visit and a written, itemised quote
- No obligation and no pressure
- Your details are only used to reply about your job
Get your free quote
We reply to every enquiry, usually the same working day.