Need robust groundwork before you build, landscape or pave? Our Groundwork Contractors in Catford handle everything from site clearance to drainage and concrete work, with a clean, organised finish.
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From Catford Broadway to SE6 side streets, good groundwork is what keeps projects on track. We prepare sites properly with careful excavation, levelling and safe spoil removal. Whether you’re planning a new patio base, driveway, extension footing or garden redesign, we build stable foundations that prevent future movement and drainage issues. Our team works neatly and keeps access clear wherever possible.
Catford’s mix of Victorian terraces, 1930s semis and ex-council properties often comes with tight side access, shared boundaries and older drainage runs. We’re used to working around existing services, outbuildings and mature gardens, especially in nearby Hither Green and Grove Park. If you’re upgrading levels for a new lawn or creating a retaining wall, we plan the dig and build-up to suit the property and the plot. Every job starts with a practical survey and clear scope.
You’ll get a methodical process: site set-up, protection of paths and fences, measured excavation, and properly compacted sub-bases. We install drainage and concrete work to specification, then leave the site tidy and safe at the end of each day. Homeowners choose us for straightforward communication, reliable scheduling and workmanship that stands up to heavy use. We’re based just 25 minutes away, so support is close by if you need us.
As groundwork contractors in London Borough of Lewisham, we plan for busy roads, restricted parking and narrow access common around Catford. Ground conditions can vary between gardens, so we assess soil, existing drains and nearby structures before digging. We also factor in party walls and close boundaries typical of terraces and semis. Where required, we coordinate deliveries and spoil collection to minimise disruption.
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Costs depend on access, spoil removal, depth of dig and whether you need drainage or concrete. As a guide, small site clearance and levelling may start around £800–£2,500. Excavation and sub-base preparation for patios/driveways is often £2,000–£6,000. Foundations and drainage packages commonly fall between £3,500–£12,000+. We provide an itemised quote after a site visit in the Catford area.
Many domestic groundwork jobs take 2–7 working days, such as clearance, excavation, levelling and a compacted sub-base. Larger projects—foundations for an extension, significant drainage changes, retaining walls or access roads—can take 1–3 weeks. Timescales vary with weather, access for machinery, depth of excavation, and how quickly spoil can be removed. We’ll confirm a realistic programme before starting.
Most garden groundwork and like-for-like driveway or patio bases are usually permitted development, but there are important exceptions. New or altered driveways may need permeable surfacing or drainage to a soakaway, and works near boundaries, trees or public highways can trigger extra rules. If your property is affected by specific restrictions, we’ll flag it early. We can also advise on Building Control where foundations are involved.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for eligible groundwork elements, including sub-base preparation, concrete work, drainage installation and retaining wall construction (subject to design and use). The warranty covers defects caused by installation issues, not damage from third-party works, extreme events or misuse. We also keep clear records of materials and build-up layers. If a problem arises, we respond promptly and put it right.
We tailor the build-up to the finish you want: Type 1 sub-bases for paving, reinforced concrete slabs for heavy loads, and drainage options such as channel drains, soakaways and French drains. For retaining walls, popular choices include concrete sleepers, blockwork with render, or natural stone facing. We’ll advise on levels, falls and access requirements so the final surface performs properly. Samples and practical recommendations are provided before you commit.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.