Services
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.
What’s included
- Site clearance and setting out
- Machine and hand excavation
- Strip and trench foundations
- Compacted hardcore sub-bases
- Concrete bases and slabs for outbuildings, sheds and garden rooms
- Surface water drainage, channels and soakaways
- Underground pipe runs and connections
- Muck away and site tidy
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.
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.
What affects the price
- Volume of excavation and spoil to remove
- Ground type and depth of foundations
- Access for machinery
- Quantity of concrete and hardcore
- Drainage runs and connections
- Any obstructions such as old foundations or roots
Every quote is written and itemised after a free site visit.
How we work
Straightforward, from first visit to final sweep.
- 01
Site visit
We come out, measure up, check levels and drainage, and talk through what you want and how you use the space.
- 02
Clear quote
A written, itemised quote with materials, timings and what is and isn’t included. No pressure and no hidden extras.
- 03
The build
Proper excavation and sub-base first, then the finish. We keep the site tidy and keep you updated as we go.
- 04
Handover
We walk the finished job with you, clear away, and explain any aftercare so it looks right for years.
FAQs
Groundworks & Drainage: common questions
Something else? Call 07724 730872 or send us a message.
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.
Planning groundworks & drainage?
Free site visits and written quotes across Kent. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll come and take a look.