Fine Landscaping provides Groundwork Contractors in East Dulwich for projects that need solid preparation and precise levels. From site clearance to drainage, foundations and concrete work, we build the base your garden or extension relies on. Expect tidy working, clear communication and workmanship that lasts.
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If you’re planning a new patio, driveway, garden room or extension, the groundwork decides how well everything performs. Our team supports homeowners across SE22, including projects near Lordship Lane and around Peckham Rye. We handle site clearance, excavation, levelling and access so the next stage runs smoothly. The result is a stable, well-drained base that helps prevent sinking, cracking and waterlogging.
East Dulwich is known for Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses and period conversions, often with narrow side access and shared boundaries. We’re used to working carefully around existing walls, mature planting and neighbouring properties. For older homes, we pay close attention to drainage routes and ground make-up before any foundations or concrete work begins. That local experience helps avoid surprises once excavation starts.
We begin with a site visit to confirm levels, access, spoil removal and any underground services. You’ll receive a clear scope of works covering excavation depths, drainage falls, concrete specification and retaining wall requirements where needed. Our crews protect paths and entrances, keep the site organised, and coordinate deliveries to minimise disruption. Homeowners choose us for dependable scheduling, transparent updates and a finish that’s ready for the next trade.
As groundwork contractors in London Borough of Southwark, we plan around controlled parking, delivery slots and tighter residential roads. In East Dulwich, access can be restricted behind terraces, so we tailor machinery choice and waste removal accordingly. We also account for typical period property layouts and existing drains, ensuring falls and connections are practical. Where required, we liaise with local requirements so your project stays compliant and efficient.




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Costs vary with access, excavation depth, spoil removal and whether you need drainage or concrete. As a guide, small site clearance and levelling can start from £800–£1,800. Excavation with skip/grab removal often falls between £1,500–£4,000. Concrete bases and foundations commonly range £2,500–£8,000+, depending on size and specification. We provide a detailed breakdown after a site visit.
Most domestic groundwork takes 2–10 working days. Simple clearance, levelling and a small concrete base may be completed in 2–4 days, while drainage runs, retaining walls or deeper foundations can extend to 1–3 weeks. Timescales depend on access, weather, spoil volumes, curing time for concrete, and whether we uncover unexpected obstructions such as old footings or redundant pipework.
Many garden and driveway groundwork jobs are permitted development, especially where you’re not changing the use of land or building above certain limits. However, rules can apply to new or altered access, drainage to the public sewer, work near boundaries, or if your property is listed or in a conservation area. We’ll flag likely permissions early and can help you check Southwark requirements before work begins.
We back our workmanship with a 10-year warranty on completed groundwork elements we install, such as sub-bases, drainage runs, concrete bases and retaining wall construction (subject to correct use and normal ground movement). The warranty covers defects caused by installation issues, not damage from third-party works or extreme events. We also document specifications and levels so future stages of your project align properly.
We tailor the build-up to your finish: Type 1 sub-base for patios and driveways, reinforced concrete for heavier loads, and permeable sub-bases where SuDS-friendly drainage is needed. Drainage options include channel drains, soakaways and French drains, depending on falls and soil. For retaining walls we can build in concrete block, brick to match period homes, or engineered systems. We’ll advise on the best specification for longevity and budget.
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