Need reliable Groundwork Contractors in Shirley for a garden build or extension base? We handle everything from site clearance and excavation to drainage, concrete and retaining walls. Fast surveys, clear pricing, and a finish built to last in CR0.
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Quality landscaping starts below ground, and that’s where our team excels. From plots near Shirley Windmill to homes by Addington Hills, we prepare sites properly so patios, driveways and extensions don’t shift or crack later. We deliver site clearance, excavation, foundations, drainage and concrete work as one coordinated package. Expect tidy working, safe dig practices and clear communication throughout.
Shirley’s mix of 1930s semis, detached houses and newer developments often comes with varied levels, older drains and tight side access. We regularly work across CR0, including nearby Addiscombe and Addington, adapting our approach to each plot. Whether you’re creating a new access road, levelling a sloped garden, or forming a base for paving, we design the groundwork to suit the property and intended finish. That means fewer surprises once the build begins.
We start with a site visit, levels check and service scan, then provide a written scope covering excavation depths, drainage runs and concrete specifications. Our crew protects paths, fences and neighbouring boundaries, and we remove spoil responsibly. Every stage is signed off against the agreed plan, with photos available for your records. Homeowners choose us for dependable scheduling, clean workmanship and long-term performance.
As groundwork contractors Shirley area homeowners can rely on, we plan for narrow driveways, shared access and on-street parking common around CR0. Ground conditions vary across the London Borough of Croydon, so we allow for clay-heavy soils, seasonal waterlogging and tree roots near established gardens. We also schedule deliveries and muck-away to reduce disruption to neighbours. Our method statements and waste handling are aligned with local expectations and site safety standards.




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Costs depend on access, spoil removal, depth of dig and whether you need drainage or reinforced concrete. As a guide in Shirley, small groundwork packages (clearance, minor excavation and sub-base) often start from £1,200–£3,000. Drainage runs and manholes commonly add £900–£3,500. Foundations, slabs or retaining walls can range from £3,000–£15,000+ for larger or engineered builds.
Most residential groundwork jobs take 2–10 working days once we start on site. Simple clearance and levelling may be 1–3 days, while drainage plus excavation and concrete work often runs 5–10 days. Timescales can extend if access is restricted, if we uncover old drains or buried rubble, or if wet weather affects excavation and concrete curing. We’ll confirm a schedule after the survey.
Many garden groundwork projects are permitted development, but rules can apply depending on what you’re building. New or altered driveways may need attention to permeable surfacing and drainage to avoid water running onto the highway. Retaining walls, changes to levels near boundaries, and work affecting trees can also trigger approvals. We’ll flag likely requirements, check constraints, and recommend when to speak with Croydon Council before work begins.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for installed groundwork elements such as sub-bases, concrete work, foundations, retaining walls and drainage runs, when built to the agreed specification. It covers defects caused by installation issues, not damage from third-party works, extreme events, or lack of maintenance. We also keep clear records of depths, materials and compaction so any future work on your property is straightforward.
We tailor the build-up to your finish and budget, including MOT Type 1 sub-bases, geotextile membranes, reinforced concrete slabs, and soakaway or channel drainage options. For retaining walls we can form concrete, build blockwork with render, or prepare bases for brick and stone. Access roads can be designed for permeable paving, resin-bound, or tarmac finishes. We’ll advise on durability, drainage compliance and appearance to match your home.
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