Fine Landscaping delivers Groundwork Contractors in Dulwich for projects that need solid preparation and clean, compliant execution. From excavation and drainage to concrete bases and retaining walls, we build the structure your garden or driveway relies on. Expect tidy working, clear timelines and premium results.
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If your project starts below ground, it pays to get it right first time. Our team supports homeowners across East Dulwich and SE22 with site clearance, excavation, foundations and precise levelling. Whether you’re preparing for a new driveway, patio or garden room, we set out accurately and manage spoil removal responsibly. We’re often working near Dulwich Park and the surrounding residential streets, where access and noise control matter.
Dulwich’s affluent village atmosphere and period architecture bring specific challenges, from tight side passages to mature tree roots and older drainage runs. We regularly work on Georgian and Victorian houses as well as large detached properties in West Dulwich and SE21, where ground levels and boundary structures can be complex. Our groundwork contractors dulwich area clients rely on us for retaining walls, concrete work and stable sub-bases that suit premium finishes. We plan the build-up layers to minimise settlement and protect adjacent structures.
We begin with a site visit, measurements and a clear scope covering excavation depths, drainage falls and foundation requirements. You’ll receive a written plan, staged programme and transparent allowances for muck-away, aggregates and concrete. Our crew protects paving, planting and neighbouring boundaries, and we keep the site safe and organised throughout. Homeowners choose us because we communicate well, document changes, and stand behind the work with a long-term warranty.
Working in the London Borough of Southwark often means managing restricted parking, controlled access and considerate working hours. In Dulwich Village and around Dulwich College, plots can include mature trees and older services, so we locate utilities and plan excavation carefully. We design drainage and foundations to suit mixed ground conditions and existing structures. Where access is tight, we use smaller plant and phased spoil removal to keep disruption low.
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Costs vary with access, excavation volume and what’s being built. As a guide in Dulwich, small groundwork packages (site clearance, minor excavation and levelling) often start around £1,500–£3,500. Drainage upgrades and concrete bases commonly fall in the £3,500–£9,000 range. Larger projects involving foundations, retaining walls and access roads can be £10,000–£30,000+. We provide a detailed breakdown after a site visit.
Most domestic groundwork jobs take 2–10 working days, depending on scope. A simple excavation and sub-base for a patio or driveway may be 2–4 days, while drainage and concrete work can take 5–10 days including curing time. Foundations for extensions or garden rooms can run 1–3 weeks. Timescales are affected by access, spoil removal logistics, weather, and any unexpected services or ground conditions.
Many garden and driveway groundwork projects are permitted development, but there are important exceptions. If you’re changing levels significantly, building retaining walls near boundaries, altering drainage to the public sewer, or laying non-permeable surfacing at the front, you may need consent or to meet SuDS rules. Conservation considerations can apply around Dulwich’s period streets. We’ll flag likely requirements, advise on compliance, and can liaise with Southwark where needed.
Yes. We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for qualifying groundwork installations, including sub-bases, concrete work, drainage runs and retaining wall construction. The warranty covers defects arising from installation, such as settlement due to inadequate compaction or failure of specified components. It doesn’t cover accidental damage, misuse, or issues caused by third-party works after completion. We also document materials and build-up layers for peace of mind.
We tailor the specification to the finish you want and the demands of the site. Popular options include reinforced concrete slabs for garden rooms, MOT Type 1 sub-bases for paving, permeable aggregates for SuDS-friendly driveways, and engineered drainage channels with soakaways where suitable. For retaining walls, we can build in concrete block, brick to match period homes, or rendered systems. We’ll recommend options based on levels, loading, and long-term maintenance.
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