Garden Groundworks in Shortlands that set your project up properly from day one. From site clearance and excavation to drainage, grading and foundations, we build stable, long-lasting bases for patios, lawns and access routes.
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If your garden plans start with uneven levels, poor drainage or awkward access, professional groundworks make all the difference. We deliver reliable preparation work across BR2, with careful excavation, levelling and waste removal. Homeowners near Shortlands station often need discreet, efficient work that keeps disruption low. Whether it’s a new patio base or a full garden regrade, we prepare the site properly before any surfacing begins.
Shortlands has a mix of large Edwardian houses, Victorian villas and well-kept 1930s properties, many with mature gardens and established boundaries. That means groundworks must be precise around roots, retaining edges and existing services. We’re used to tight side access and shared driveways, particularly around Bromley and Beckenham. Our team plans spoil removal, material deliveries and dig depths to suit each plot, not a one-size approach.
We start with a site visit, levels check and a clear method statement covering excavation, grading and drainage falls. You’ll get transparent recommendations on foundations, access routes and any remedial drainage needed before landscaping. We keep the site safe and tidy, remove waste responsibly, and document key stages so you know what’s been done. Local homeowners choose us because the finished garden performs properly through heavy rain and year-round use.
This part of the London Borough of Bromley includes sloping plots and mature gardens, so grading and drainage need careful planning. We factor in parking restrictions and delivery access near St Mary's Church and surrounding residential roads. Where properties have older drainage runs or shallow services, we locate and protect them before excavation. Our garden groundworks Shortlands area approach prioritises neat edges, minimal disturbance and dependable sub-bases.
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Costs vary with access, spoil volume, dig depth and drainage needs. As a guide, small clearance and levelling jobs often start around £900–£2,000. More involved excavation with grading, new drainage runs and sub-base preparation commonly falls between £2,500–£7,500. Foundations for patios, steps or retaining features can add £800–£3,000+ depending on size and specification. We provide an itemised quote after a site visit.
Most groundworks take 1–3 days for smaller gardens, such as clearance, basic excavation and levelling. Larger projects with drainage, foundations and significant grading usually take 4–10 working days. Timescales depend on access (wheelbarrow-only vs mini-digger), the amount of waste to remove, weather, and whether unexpected issues appear, such as old concrete or redundant drains. We confirm a schedule before starting and keep you updated daily.
Many garden groundworks are permitted development, especially like-for-like preparation for patios, lawns and paths. However, permission or additional rules can apply if you’re changing levels significantly, adding retaining walls, affecting drainage to the public highway, or working near boundaries in sensitive situations. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, requirements may be stricter. We’ll flag likely permissions early and can help you check Bromley Council guidance before work begins.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for groundworks we install, including sub-bases, foundations and drainage runs, when used as specified. This covers issues arising from installation defects, such as settlement due to inadequate compaction or incorrect falls. It doesn’t cover damage from third-party works, extreme events beyond reasonable design assumptions, or changes made after completion. We also share maintenance guidance to help protect your finished surfaces.
We prepare bases and falls for a wide range of finishes, including porcelain paving, natural stone, block paving, resin-bound surfaces, turf and artificial grass. We can also form steps, edging restraints and foundations for pergolas, garden rooms or retaining features. During the survey, we’ll discuss how you want the space to function, then specify the right dig depth, sub-base build-up and drainage strategy to match your chosen materials and budget.
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