What We Estimate
Full Scope of Groundworks Estimating
We cover every element of the groundworks package — from initial site clearance through to the completed ground floor slab and external works. Every estimate is fully itemised by trade element.
Site Clearance & Demolition
Strip topsoil, remove existing structures, clear vegetation, and prepare the site for construction. Includes disposal of arisings and temporary fencing.
- Topsoil strip & disposal
- Demolition of existing structures
- Tree & vegetation clearance
- Temporary site hoarding
Excavation & Earthworks
Bulk excavation, reduced level dig, and cut-and-fill operations. We estimate plant, labour, and disposal costs using live fuel and haulage rates.
- Bulk excavation & reduced level dig
- Cut-and-fill operations
- Spoil disposal & haulage
- Imported fill & compaction
Foundations
All foundation types from simple strip footings to complex piled solutions. Includes concrete, reinforcement, and formwork.
- Strip & trench fill foundations
- Raft & pad foundations
- Piled foundations (CFA, driven)
- Ground beams & pile caps
Underground Drainage
Foul water, surface water, and combined drainage systems. Includes manholes, inspection chambers, soakaways, and connections to existing sewers.
- Foul & surface water drainage
- Manholes & inspection chambers
- Soakaways & attenuation tanks
- Sewer connections & diversions
Service Connections
Incoming service ducts and connections for water, gas, electricity, and telecoms. Includes trenching, ducting, and reinstatement.
- Water & gas service connections
- Electrical & telecoms ducting
- Meter chamber installation
- Trench excavation & reinstatement
Ground Floor Slab
Concrete ground floor slabs, beam-and-block floors, and insulated raft systems. Includes blinding, DPM, insulation, and reinforcement.
- Concrete ground-bearing slab
- Beam & block floor systems
- Insulated raft foundations
- DPM, insulation & reinforcement
External Works & Hardstanding
Car parks, access roads, paths, and hardstanding areas. Includes sub-base, surfacing, kerbs, and drainage.
- Car parks & access roads
- Tarmac & block paving
- Kerbs, edgings & channels
- Sub-base & formation preparation
Retaining Structures
Retaining walls, sheet piling, and ground anchors for sites with significant level changes or basement construction.
- Concrete retaining walls
- Sheet piling & king post walls
- Gabion & crib walls
- Ground anchors & propping
| Element | Unit | Standard | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip | per m² | £4–£9 | £8–£14 |
| Bulk Excavation (machine) | per m³ | £18–£28 | £25–£40 |
| Strip Foundations (concrete) | per linear m | £120–£180 | £160–£240 |
| Trench Fill Foundations | per linear m | £90–£140 | £130–£200 |
| Raft Foundation (reinforced) | per m² | £120–£180 | £160–£240 |
| CFA Piled Foundation (per pile) | per pile | £800–£1,400 | £1,200–£2,200 |
| Underground Drainage (PVC) | per linear m | £55–£90 | £80–£130 |
| Manhole / Inspection Chamber | each | £600–£1,100 | £900–£1,600 |
| Soakaway (crate system) | each | £800–£1,500 | £1,200–£2,200 |
| Concrete Ground Floor Slab (150mm) | per m² | £65–£95 | £85–£130 |
| Beam & Block Floor | per m² | £55–£85 | £75–£115 |
| Tarmac Car Park / Access Road | per m² | £35–£55 | £50–£80 |
| Block Paving (driveway) | per m² | £55–£85 | £80–£130 |
| Concrete Retaining Wall (1.5m high) | per linear m | £350–£550 | £500–£800 |
Important: These are indicative ranges only. Actual groundworks costs depend heavily on ground conditions, site access, contamination, groundwater levels, and programme. Always commission a site investigation before finalising your groundworks budget. We recommend a 15–20% contingency on all groundworks packages.
Typical Project Groundworks Budgets
Domestic Extension Groundworks
Typical 4m × 6m rear extension
Excavation, strip foundations, drainage connection, ground floor slab
New Build Detached House
150m² footprint
Site clearance, foundations, drainage, services, ground floor slab, external works
Small Commercial Development
Up to 500m² GIA
Full groundworks package including piling, drainage, slab, and car park
Residential Development (10 units)
10 × 3-bed houses
Site-wide drainage, roads, foundations, slabs, and external works
Need a project-specific groundworks estimate?
Send us your drawings and we'll produce a fully itemised estimate within 24 hours.
Send Us Your Drawings
Share your site plans, architectural drawings, or even a rough sketch. We also accept engineer's drawings, drainage layouts, and site investigation reports. The more detail you provide, the more accurate your estimate.
We Review & Clarify
Our groundworks estimators review your documents and contact you if any clarification is needed — ground conditions, specification level, programme constraints, or access restrictions. We'd rather ask than assume.
Full Itemised Estimate
We produce a detailed, itemised groundworks estimate broken down by element — excavation, foundations, drainage, slab, external works. Every line includes quantities, rates, and totals. Delivered within 24 hours.
Review & Refine
We walk you through the estimate and answer any questions. If you need to value-engineer the scheme or explore alternative foundation solutions, we can produce revised estimates quickly.
Why Contractors & Developers Choose Us
We've been the go-to groundworks estimating partner for contractors and developers across the UK for over 38 years.
38 Years of Groundworks Experience
We've estimated groundworks packages on everything from domestic extensions to major infrastructure projects. We know where the risks are and how to price them.
Live UK Cost Data
Our groundworks rates are updated quarterly using real project data from across the UK. We track fuel costs, plant hire rates, and disposal charges — all of which move frequently.
Risk Identification
We clearly flag provisional sums and risk items in every estimate — contamination, groundwater, tree roots, unmapped services. You know exactly what's certain and what isn't.
24-Hour Turnaround
Most groundworks estimates are delivered within 24 hours of receiving your drawings. For large or complex packages, we agree a turnaround time upfront.
Excel & PDF Formats
Estimates are delivered in both Excel (for easy editing and comparison) and PDF (for client or lender submission). All formats are clearly structured and professionally presented.
Nationwide Coverage
We cover the whole of the UK with region-specific cost data. London and South East rates are priced separately from Midlands and Northern rates — no national averages that miss the mark.
Never Skip the Ground Investigation
Groundworks costs are the most unpredictable element of any construction project. Unlike brickwork or carpentry, what lies beneath the surface can't always be known from drawings alone. A ground investigation report — also called a geo-technical survey — identifies soil types, bearing capacity, groundwater levels, and contamination before you commit to a foundation design.
The cost of a ground investigation (typically £1,500–£5,000) is tiny compared to the potential cost of redesigning foundations mid-construction. We always recommend commissioning one before finalising your groundworks budget.
Common Questions
Groundworks Estimating FAQ
Everything you need to know about groundworks costs, estimates, and the factors that affect your budget.
Ready to Get Your Groundworks Estimate?
Send us your drawings and we'll produce a fully itemised groundworks estimate within 24 hours. No obligation, no guesswork — just accurate costs you can build a budget around.