Garden Groundworks in Downham that set your garden up properly from day one. From site clearance and excavation to drainage and solid foundations, we prepare ground that stays level, dry and safe. Expect tidy work, clear timelines and a finish ready for paving, turf or planting.
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If your garden is uneven, waterlogged or difficult to access, good ground preparation makes all the difference. We carry out site clearance, excavation, levelling and grading to create a clean, stable base for patios, paths, lawns and sheds. Homeowners near Downham Fields and around BR1 often call us in to sort out poor drainage and tired, compacted ground. We also handle waste removal so your space is left ready for the next stage.
Downham’s established residential estate includes 1920s cottage homes, 1930s semis and post-war housing, many with long rear gardens and side access constraints. These properties can hide old hardstanding, shallow topsoil, or previous DIY foundations that need careful removal. Our team understands how to protect boundaries, manage levels between house and garden, and build falls that move water away from the property. For the garden groundworks Downham area homeowners need, we plan around real plot sizes and practical access.
We start with a site visit to assess levels, drainage routes and the intended finish—paving, turf, decking or a new outbuilding. You’ll receive a clear scope of works covering excavation depths, sub-base build-ups, drainage details and disposal. We use the right machinery for the job and keep disruption down, including protecting existing paths and keeping the site safe. Our workmanship is backed by a 10-year warranty, which is why local homeowners recommend us.
Working across the London Borough of Lewisham, we’re used to tight access, on-street parking considerations and protecting shared boundaries. Around areas such as Bellingham and Grove Park, gardens often need careful grading to manage run-off and keep water away from extensions and conservatories. We plan spoil removal and deliveries to minimise disruption, and we can advise on drainage connections and soakaway locations where appropriate. Every job is set out to suit the property type and the way you use the garden.
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Costs vary with access, excavation depth, spoil volume and whether drainage or foundations are required. As a guide, small clearance and levelling jobs often start from £900–£2,000. Typical groundwork prep for a patio or lawn area is commonly £2,500–£6,500, including waste removal. Larger projects with drainage runs, retaining edges or shed bases can be £7,000–£15,000+. We’ll survey and itemise options.
Most garden groundworks take 1–5 days, depending on the size of the area and how much excavation and grading is needed. Adding drainage channels, soakaways or concrete foundations can extend this to 1–2 weeks for larger gardens. Timescales are affected by access (narrow side alleys), skip/lorry positioning, hidden obstructions like old slabs, and weather. We agree a schedule before starting and keep you updated daily.
Many garden groundworks are permitted development, especially where you’re preparing ground for patios, paths or lawns. However, rules can apply for front-garden hardstanding, significant level changes, drainage to the public sewer, or work near boundaries and trees. In Lewisham, surface water management is important, so permeable finishes and suitable drainage may be required. We’ll flag any likely permissions, check constraints, and help you stay compliant.
Yes. Our garden groundworks are covered by a 10-year warranty on workmanship for the installed groundworks elements, such as sub-bases, foundations and drainage we supply and fit. The warranty covers defects arising from installation issues, not damage from third-party alterations, extreme events or poor maintenance. We also provide aftercare guidance for new lawns, paving build-ups and drainage points. Warranty terms are confirmed in writing with your quote.
We prepare bases for porcelain or sandstone patios, block paving, resin-bound surfaces, gravel paths, turfing and raised beds. Groundworks can include concrete shed bases, reinforced footings for garden rooms, and drainage options like channel drains, French drains and soakaways. We’ll advise on build-up depths, edging types and falls to suit your chosen finish. If you’re unsure, we can recommend practical options for your budget and garden use.
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