Groundworks company Sussex

This is work that is completed by groundworkers to prepare the surface prior to any kind of construction works beginning. A groundwork contractor has an important job to ensure:

• The base / ground itself is made good.
• Install any sewer and drainage connections that could be needed.
• Create foundations and footings.

Groundworkers may need to complete other works, but this is all dependant on the sort of construction that is being built and the base it requires.

A construction project will follow a set of stages carefully to ensure the stability of the final structure. These stages are performed in a particular order and are very important to the ground working process so that the project runs smoothly.

Ground investigation

This is a legal requirement for all groundwork contractors to complete, it is also good practice. The ground investigation of the site helps identify any issues in relation to stability levels and what the land has been used for in previous years. These investigations gather details on any potential defects such as contamination or abandoned mineworks, as all of this would need to be considered before building any type of construction on the ground. These assessments can include hydrology, geology, soil conditions and contaminated land issues. Once the information has been gathered by a professional groundworker, the appropriate actions can be taken or carried out before structural work begins.

Site Clearance

This is where the land is prepared as most sites usually need to be cleared. During this process the topsoil is taken up from the footprint of the structure. The depth of this will depend on if the site has a slope and also the lay of the land. If it is sloped the ground will need to be levelled.

Footings and Foundations

A groundworker will dig these out and create them depending on the structure type.

Foundations are the solid base that a structure rests on, and the cost for this work can vary depending on a range of factors. Here is a short list below:

• The type of structure (e.g., house, garage, or conservatory).
• Size of structure.
• Soil type.
• Type of foundations that need to be laid.
• Site access.

We normally calculate new foundations on a per metre rate, which can vary from (£xx to £xx) once all of the different factors are taken into consideration.

Depending on the types of groundworks we are performing this will then dictate our rates, for example we typically price building foundations using a metre rate, however, with site clearances we would work out how long it would take us to complete the job and price it accordingly.

Below is a list of the different types of subsoils that can be found. The type of soil on your land will dictate the sort of foundations required:

• Rock.
• Chalk.
• Gravel and sand.
• Clay.
• Firm clay on soft clay.
• Peat.
• Filled ground.

The standard depth of a foundation is approx. 1metre and has a width of 0.6m (600mm).

Yes, the team of groundworkers we have employed are fully qualified and all hold CSCS – Constructions skills certification scheme cards. They will also hold a drivers licence and machinery tickets to show they can operate certain types of machinery. All of the groundworkers we employ have many years of hands-on experience as well.

Yes, we supply all of the materials and machinery required to complete any type of groundworks job. The type of machinery required will depend on the kind of groundworks we are undertaking. Common machinery our groundworkers use can be anything from backhoe loaders, excavators, loading shovels, compactor plates, forward tipping dumpers and ride on road rollers. If we do not have certain specialist equipment available, we will hire the machines or tools for the duration of the project.