Prepare a dependable formation
The finished structure or surface depends on what is excavated, retained, compacted and built below it.
05 · Groundworks
Groundworks
Groundwork enquiries organised around access, excavation, material movement, drainage, compaction and the structure that follows.
A short description of the property and the change needed is enough to get started.
Set levels, drainage and support correctly before anything is covered.
Groundworks control what is often hardest to change later. Accurate setting out, suitable formation, managed water and documented assumptions create a dependable base for the visible project.
Explore the options below and see which practical decisions are likely to affect the result.
Common project priorities
Manage water and levels
Drainage routes, thresholds and surrounding ground should be coordinated before work is covered.
Plan the site operation
Plant access, spoil movement, deliveries and protection can determine the workable method.
Explore groundworks topics
Foundations
Foundation work begins with the load, ground and nearby constraints, not with a standard trench depth copied from another property.
Read about foundationsSite preparation
Good site preparation protects access, neighbours, existing property and the programme before the main construction work begins.
Read about site preparationExcavation
Excavation work needs a defined depth, safe method, material plan and understanding of what may lie below the surface.
Read about excavationDrainage groundworks
Drainage work is about levels, capacity, access for maintenance and a lawful destination for water or waste.
Read about drainage groundworksConcrete bases
A concrete base needs the right footprint, sub-base, reinforcement where specified, thickness, level and edge detail for the structure or equipment it supports.
Read about concrete basesGroundworks for extensions
Extension groundworks connect the proposed building to real ground, existing drainage and the levels of the house and garden.
Read about groundworks for extensionsGroundworks for driveways
The surface of a driveway lasts only as well as the formation, sub-base, edge restraint and drainage beneath it.
Read about groundworks for drivewaysRelated trades worth considering early
Related work
View extensionsExtensions
Extension setting-out, foundations, drainage and finished floor levels begin in the ground.
Related work
View drivewaysDriveways
Formation, sub-base and drainage determine how a driveway performs below its surface.
Related work
View landscapingLandscaping
Retaining, steps, paving and lawn preparation depend on coordinated levels and water movement.
Useful enquiry information
What helps Flyson understand the job.
- What the groundwork must support or prepare for when complete.
- Known drains, trees, previous structures, level changes or ground information.
- Access width, storage space and constraints on removing excavated material.
How the work takes shape
Define the outcome
Confirm dimensions, datums, access and known underground constraints.
Inspect the real site
Plan excavation and material handling before plant arrives.
Write the scope
Inspect formation and drainage routes before covering them.
Agree the next step
Record levels and preparation so the following trade inherits a clear base.
Burntwood guidance
See the Groundworks in Burntwood page or browse all areas covered.
Project enquiry
What needs preparing below ground?
Describe the property or site, what needs attention and where the work is.