Need help understanding the cost of groundworks? Read on for a breakdown of the cost of groundwork contractors.
Groundworks labour cost per day: £100 to £160+
Strip foundation laying (7 m x 5 m x 1 m): £5,000 to £5,500+
Trench fill foundation laying (15 m x 9 m x 1 m): £11,300 to £11,800+
General groundwork and foundation cost per m²: £95 to £280+
Groundworks form the foundation of any construction project, literally and figuratively.
Whether laying strip foundations or preparing the ground after learning how to lay bricks, understanding groundwork costs is crucial for budgeting.
Typical costs for strip foundations range from £3,100+ for a small area to £10,500+ for larger spaces, with groundwork contractors charging an average of £130 per day.
This guide explores groundwork costs, helping you estimate expenses for your project.
Data for this guide was collected in November 2024 from online sources.
Here, you’ll find a clear breakdown of estimated costs for different types of groundwork services.
As you'll also find with house rendering costs, the amount you'll pay largely depends on the size of the area.
Task or service | Cost (low) | Cost (high) | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
Strip foundation laying (5 m x 2.5 m x 1 m) | £3,100+ | £3,500+ | £3,300 |
Strip foundation laying (7 m x 5 m x 1 m) | £5,000+ | £5,500+ | £5,250 |
Strip foundation laying (15 m x 9 m x 1 m) | £9,500+ | £10,500+ | £10,000 |
Trench fill foundation laying (5 m x 2.5 m x 1 m) | £3,600+ | £3,800+ | £3,700 |
Trench fill foundation laying (7 m x 5 m x 1 m) | £5,600+ | £6,000+ | £5,800 |
Trench fill foundation laying (15 m x 9 m x 1 m) | £11,300+ | £11,800+ | £11,550 |
General groundwork and foundation costs per m² | £95+ | £280+ | £188 |
Costs accurate as of November 2024
Strip foundation laying costs
Strip foundations are a reliable choice for supporting smaller structures, distributing weight evenly.
Strip foundations consist of a continuous strip of concrete laid to spread the load of a wall or a line of closely spaced columns across a wider area.
They typically require excavation of a shallow trench that is then partially filled with concrete, leaving space for brickwork or blockwork above.
Laying a strip foundation of 5 m x 2.5 m x 1 m typically costs between £3,100 and £3,500+, with an average price of £3,300.
From there, you can create stone or brick structures. If you're planning on hiring bricklayers, check out our guide on how much bricklayers charge.
For larger buildings, a bigger strip foundation might be required. A 7 m x 5 m x 1 m foundation costs between £5,000 and £5,500+, averaging at £5,250.
It provides a solid base for ensuring long-term stability.
When it comes to supporting large-scale builds, a 15 m x 9 m x 1 m strip foundation is up to the task. The cost ranges from £9,500 to £10,500+, with an average price of £10,000.
This would be a critical investment for major projects.
Trench fill foundation costs
Trench fill foundations are ideal for areas with weaker soil, providing extra support.
They involve filling the entire trench with concrete up to ground level or just below, eliminating the need for brick or blockwork within the trench.
Trench fill foundations are faster to construct, particularly on sites with unstable ground or deeper excavations.
This is because they reduce the risk of trench collapse and minimise the need for skilled labour at the foundation stage.
For a 5 m x 2.5 m x 1 m trench fill foundation, costs range from £3,600 to £3,800+, with an average of £3,700.
They’re perfect for robust and reliable builds in less stable settings.
For medium-sized projects requiring deeper, stronger foundations, a 7 m x 5 m x 1 m trench fill foundation is a solid choice.
Prices typically range from £5,600 to £6,000+, averaging around £5,800.
Large-scale projects often call for a trench fill foundation of 15 m x 9 m x 1 m, offering excellent support. Costs range from £11,300 to £11,800+, with an average price of £11,550.
General groundwork and foundation preparation costs
For general groundwork and foundation preparation, costs range widely from £95 to £280+ per square metre, with an average of £188.
This covers everything from excavation to laying the foundation, ensuring your project is ready to go.
Groundworks often take place before creating large masonry structures.
You can learn about these potential expenses with our guide on how much stonemasons and dry stone wallers cost?
If you’re going to hire a groundwork contractor, this is what you can expect to pay.
Task or service | Cost (low) | Cost (high) | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
Labourer cost per day | £100+ | £160+ | £130 |
Labourer cost per hour | £8+ | £15+ | £12 |
Costs accurate as of November 2024
Hiring a labourer for a full day is a cost-effective way to get various groundwork tasks completed efficiently.
Labourer cost per day
Daily rates typically range from £100 to £160+, with an average cost of £130.
It’s a practical option for keeping your project on schedule without overspending.
Labourer cost per hour
For smaller jobs or quick tasks, labourers often charge hourly rates, which range from £8 to £15+, with an average of £12 per hour.
This flexible approach allows you to pay only for the time you need, making it ideal for light groundwork or assisting with ongoing projects.
Like with new construction and loft conversion costs, there are several factors that might make your groundworks cost more or less.
1. Size and scope of work
Larger areas require more materials and time, increasing costs
Complex tasks, such as deep excavation or drainage installation, add to expenses
2. Type of foundation
Strip foundations: generally less expensive and suitable for small or stable buildings
Trench fill foundations: more expensive due to the larger volume of concrete needed – and the associated concrete costs per m3 – but ideal for less stable ground
3. Soil conditions
Hard or rocky soil requires specialist equipment and longer labour hours, raising costs
Softer soils may require additional reinforcement, increasing expenses
4. Labour costs
Rates vary by region, with urban areas typically charging more than rural locations
Specialist groundwork contractors may charge a premium for expertise
5. Access to site
Sites with difficult access or those requiring heavy machinery may incur extra charges for transport and equipment hire
6. Additional services
Drainage installation, paving, or turf preparation will increase overall costs
Foundation removal or remediation of contaminated soil adds further expenses
Want to learn more about the cost of groundwork services? Take a minute to read the most-asked-and-answered questions below.
What is included in groundwork services?
Groundworks cover a range of tasks, including:
Site clearance and excavation
Laying foundations
Installing drainage systems
Preparing ground for paving or turf
Groundworks can vary in scope and scale from one project to the next. This, naturally, has a major impact on the cost of the work.
How long does groundwork take?
The timeline largely depends on the scope of the work:
Small projects (e.g. strip foundation for a single extension): 1 to 2+ weeks
Larger projects (e.g. full foundation for a new build): 3 to 6+ weeks
Of course, these are estimated timelines that can vary depending on your specific situation.
How do strip and trench fill foundations differ?
While strip foundations and trench fill foundations both provide fine performance, they're suitable for different situations.
Here's how they differ:
Strip foundations use less concrete and are more cost-effective for stable soil
Trench fill foundations are deeper and require more concrete, making them ideal for weak or unstable ground
Groundwork contractors can give you construction advice and support, and help steer you towards the most suitable solution.
Can I reduce groundwork costs?
Like with most other construction and house renovation costs, there are ways to save money on groundworks:
Plan your project during off-peak seasons to secure lower rates
Combine groundwork with other tasks, such as drainage installation, to benefit from bulk discounts
Compare quotes from multiple contractors
Can I complete groundworks myself?
While DIYers can learn how to make concrete and even how to skim a wall, it's less likely they can do more complex work, like laying strip foundations.
In general, groundwork tasks are more intensive and demanding than most DIY projects, so we do not recommend attempting this work without prior experience.
What factors increase groundwork costs?
Difficult soil conditions, such as clay or rocky ground
Poor weather prolonging project timelines
Complex site preparation or restricted access
For these reasons, there are times during the year when groundwork contractors are more in demand, and therefore more expensive.
Do I need planning permission for groundworks?
It might surprise you to learn that, just like you must check if you need planning permission for a loft conversion, you have to check for groundworks, too!
For minor works, planning permission is usually not required
For major projects, such as extensions or new builds, permission may be necessary
If you’re unsure about whether you’ll need planning permission, check with your local authority.
What is the cost of foundation excavation?
Like concrete costs, Artex asbestos removal costs, and pretty much any other type of construction or renovation expense, the amount you'll pay here depends on your circumstances.
While excavation costs typically range from £95 to £280+ per m², but the exact amount depends on soil conditions and depth.
For larger projects, costs can stack up quite quickly. Always ask prospective groundwork contractors for an estimate before you hire them.
Can groundworks damage existing structures?
Improper groundwork can destabilise nearby structures if the work isn’t administered carefully.
For this reason, it’s critical that you only hire experienced professionals.
How do I choose the right groundwork contractor?
The key to getting groundworks complete to a high standard is finding a groundwork contractor with a proven track record.
Here's what you can do to find the top professionals in your area:
Check qualifications and experience: many professionals will hold either a Level 1 Certificate in Groundworks or Construction Skills or a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Groundwork and General Construction
Read reviews and ask for references: take the time to read recent customer reviews, focusing on the type of work that you need completed – asking for references is also a valid way to check service quality
Ensure they have public liability insurance: make sure any service you hire has the necessary insurance, just in case something goes wrong and you, your property, or someone else is hurt during the work
If you’re having trouble finding a service you like, check out TrustMark’s top tips for hiring tradespeople.
Can groundwork continue in bad weather?
Some groundwork, like excavation, can be delayed by heavy rain or frost as it affects soil stability.
Just like rain affects how long cement takes to dry, these conditions can cause issues with progress on your groundworks.
Your groundwork contractor will assess the conditions and may reschedule to ensure safety and quality.
What are the risks of skipping proper groundwork?
Whether you're learning how to render a wall or lay flooring tiles, proper preparation is key – and for construction projects, groundwork is that preparation.
Poor groundwork can lead to structural issues, such as uneven foundations, drainage problems, or subsidence.
When these problems occur, expensive repair bills almost always follow.
Investing in quality groundwork ensures the long-term stability and safety of your project.
Groundworks are a critical stage of construction, with costs ranging from £3,100+ for small strip foundations to £11,800+ for larger trench fill foundations.
Proper planning and understanding cost factors can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises.
Ready to hire a groundwork contractor? You can easily find local professionals on Yell.
Start browsing groundwork contractors near you today. Read recent reviews and browse service offerings to find the best fit.
No time to search? Just post a free enquiry instead! Simply provide a few details and wait to hear from groundwork services in your area.
For more cost guides, hiring advice, and money-saving tips, check out the Yell blog today.
Disclaimer
Cost data was gathered from an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location and complexity of the task, project or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.
