FAQ

Groundwork involves the preparation of the ground before construction begins. It includes removing obstacles and preparing the surface to ensure a solid foundation for the building process.

Groundwork foundations provide a stable base for any structure, distributing the weight evenly and ensuring the building's structural integrity.

‍Commercial Groundworks: These involve preparing the ground and foundations for commercial and industrial properties. Such projects typically require meticulous project management, professional budget control, and large teams. Examples include schools, hospitals, office blocks, factories, sports centres, retail hubs, oil refineries, and airports.

Domestic Groundworks: These apply to smaller, residential projects. They involve preparing sub-surfaces, foundations, and footings for homes and other domestic structures like garages, sheds, workshops, annexes, and studios.

Groundworks encompass various tasks required before building can commence. These include:

• Mains installations
• Paving
• Slabbing
• Patios
• Footings
• Building Extensions
• Tarmac services
• Fence Installations

Additionally, groundwork services also encompasses the following:

• Soil Testing and Ground Investigation: Testing ground materials, drilling boreholes, and sampling.
• Site Clearance: Removing debris, previous building materials, and waste.
• Foundations: Establishing a stable base for the building.
• Trenching: Digging trenches for cables, pipes, and utilities.
• Sewerage: Installing pipes for water and sewage connections.
• Drainage: Ensuring proper water drainage to prevent flooding.
• Landscaping: Hard landscaping tasks such as fencing, paving, patios, paths, decking, and constructing walls. For more on hard vs. soft landscaping, read our blog.

Generally, planning permission is not specifically required for groundwork foundations. However, it’s crucial to comply with local building regulations and obtain necessary permits.

Consulting with a qualified engineer or groundworks specialist is essential. They can assess site conditions, load-bearing requirements, and other factors to recommend the appropriate foundation type.

In some cases, modifications or repairs to existing foundations are possible. It’s advisable to consult with an expert to evaluate feasibility and ensure structural integrity.

The duration depends on various factors, including project size and ground conditions. Typically, it takes a year, but consulting with your groundworker professional can provide a more accurate timeline.