Need Groundwork Contractors in Herne Hill for a garden build or extension? We handle site clearance, excavation, drainage and concrete work with tidy, well-managed logistics. Expect clear timelines, safe working and a solid base for whatever comes next.
Response within 24 hours
From garden rooms to new patios and driveways, good groundwork decides how well everything performs long-term. Our team supports homeowners across SE24 with site clearance, excavation, levelling and reliable foundations. We regularly work near Brockwell Park and around Herne Hill station, where access and neighbour considerations matter. The result is a stable, well-drained base ready for landscaping or building work.
Herne Hill’s Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses and period conversions often come with tight side returns, older drains and mixed ground levels. We plan excavations and spoil removal to suit narrow access routes and shared boundaries. Whether you’re improving a rear garden in Dulwich or preparing a frontage closer to Brixton, we tailor the build-up to the property’s age and layout. Our experience helps avoid common issues like settlement, pooling water and cracked concrete edges.
We start with a site visit, measurements and a practical method statement, then confirm levels, falls and drainage runs before digging begins. You’ll get straightforward communication, clean working practices and careful protection of paths, walls and planting. Every job is signed off against agreed levels and compaction standards, with photos available for your records. Fine Landscaping is based nearby (around 15 minutes away), so follow-ups and coordination are quick and dependable.
Herne Hill sits across the London Borough of Lambeth/Southwark, so we factor in local parking constraints, skip permits and delivery timing. Many streets around the Sunday market and the Velodrome get busy, so we schedule plant and muck-away to minimise disruption. Period properties can have shallow services and older clay drains, so we locate and protect utilities before excavation. We also design retaining walls and access roads with boundary lines and neighbouring structures in mind.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 280 verified reviews
Costs vary with access, depth of dig, waste removal and the amount of concrete or drainage required. As a guide in SE24, small groundwork packages (clearance, minor excavation and levelling) often start around £1,200–£3,000. Drainage upgrades and concrete bases commonly fall in the £3,000–£9,000 range. Larger foundation and retaining wall projects can be £10,000+, especially where access is restricted.
Most residential groundwork jobs take 2–10 working days depending on scope. Site clearance and levelling may be 1–3 days, while drainage, concrete slabs and retaining walls usually need 4–10 days including curing time. Timescales change with restricted access near terraces, the volume of spoil to remove, and whether we uncover unexpected issues like old foundations or damaged drains. We provide a staged programme before starting.
Many garden groundwork tasks are permitted, but some situations need checks. New or altered driveways can require rules on permeable surfacing and drainage to avoid runoff to the highway. Works near boundaries, retaining walls, and changes to front gardens may trigger additional requirements, and listed buildings or conservation areas can add constraints. We’ll flag likely approvals for the London Borough of Lambeth/Southwark and help you confirm with the council before work begins.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for installed groundwork elements such as sub-bases, concrete work, drainage runs and retaining wall construction (subject to normal use and maintenance). It covers issues caused by installation defects, for example poor compaction leading to settlement or incorrect falls causing persistent pooling. Materials are supplied to manufacturer standards, and any third-party products carry their own guarantees. We keep records of levels and build-ups for peace of mind.
We can build groundwork to suit many finishes and layouts. Popular options include reinforced concrete bases for garden rooms, Type 1 sub-bases for patios and driveways, French drains or channel drains for wet areas, and engineered retaining walls with proper backfill and weep holes. For access roads and paths, we advise on permeable build-ups where appropriate. We’ll recommend the best specification based on levels, soil conditions and your planned surface materials.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.