Groundworks Costs

Groundworks for a new build house include site clearance, excavation, foundations (strip, raft or piling) and often drainage and services. Cost depends on size, ground conditions and design. This guide outlines typical ranges and how to budget.

Site clearance removes vegetation, structures and obstructions; muck-away is the cost of excavating and disposing of soil and spoil. Prices depend on volume, type of material, distance to tip and access. This guide gives typical ranges.

Piling costs vary by type (driven, bored, mini piling), depth, diameter and ground conditions. Prices are often quoted per linear metre. This guide gives typical ranges and what affects the final cost.

Excavation is typically priced per cubic metre for dig and cart away, or per m³ for reduced-level dig (dig only). Cost depends on access, depth, material type and distance to tip. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

Underpinning strengthens or deepens existing foundations. Cost depends on length, depth, method (mass concrete, mini piling) and access. This guide gives typical ranges and what drives the price.

Retaining wall costs depend on height, length, type (block, concrete, reinforced) and ground conditions. Prices are often quoted per linear metre. This guide gives typical ranges for domestic and small commercial schemes.

Driveway cost per m² depends on whether you mean groundworks only (sub-base and drainage) or full build including surfacing. Block, tarmac, resin and gravel all have different prices. This guide gives typical ranges.

Ground investigation cost depends on the number and depth of trial pits or boreholes, lab testing and the report. Typical domestic and small commercial investigations range from about £1,500 to £5,000+. This guide outlines what drives the price.

Concrete foundation cost depends on volume, reinforcement, depth and access. Strip and pad foundations are typically priced per m² or per m³ of concrete; rafts are per m². This guide gives typical ranges.

Mini piling is often used for extensions, underpinning and restricted access. Cost is typically quoted per linear metre and depends on depth, diameter and ground. This guide gives typical UK price ranges.

Vibro compaction and vibro stone columns improve marginal ground so shallow foundations can be used. Cost is typically per m² or per column. This guide gives typical ranges and when ground improvement is cost-effective.

Drainage installation cost depends on length, depth, pipe size and connections. New build and retrofit have different challenges. This guide gives typical ranges for surface water and foul drainage.

Soakaway cost depends on size, type (crates vs rubble) and ground conditions. Design may require a percolation test. This guide gives typical UK price ranges for domestic and small commercial soakaways.

Topsoil stripping removes the vegetative layer before construction so it can be reused for landscaping. Cost is typically per m² or per m³. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

A reduced-level dig excavates to the required level but does not include carting spoil away. Cost is typically per m³ and is lower than dig and cart. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

Enabling works cost covers access roads, hardstanding, temporary drainage, fencing and hoardings. It varies with site size and programme. This guide gives typical ranges for small to medium sites.

Extension foundation cost depends on size, ground conditions and whether the existing building needs underpinning. Strip foundations are common where ground is good; mini piling or raft may be specified on poor ground. This guide gives typical ranges.

Raft foundations spread the load over a large area and suit variable or poor ground. Cost is typically per m² of footprint and depends on depth, reinforcement and ground. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

Groundworks often carry more uncertainty than superstructure work. A contingency of 10–15% is common; more may be wise on brownfield or where ground investigation is limited. This guide explains how to budget for unknowns.

Mass concrete underpinning extends existing foundations to a deeper level. Cost is typically per linear metre and depends on depth and access. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

Strip foundations are the most common type for domestic and small commercial buildings on good ground. Cost is typically per m² of footprint or per linear metre of wall. This guide gives typical UK ranges.

Piling design is carried out by a structural or geotechnical engineer. The cost depends on the number of piles, complexity and whether load testing is specified. This guide outlines typical design fees and what is included.