Fine Landscaping provides Groundwork Contractors in Shortlands for projects that need solid preparation from day one. From site clearance and excavation to drainage, concrete work and retaining walls, we build safe, lasting bases for gardens and extensions. Based 20 minutes away, we work efficiently around BR2 access and parking.
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If you’re planning a new patio, driveway, garden room or extension, the groundwork is what makes it last. Our team supports homeowners across BR2, including near Shortlands station and around Bromley and Beckenham, with careful site clearance, excavation and levelling. We also handle foundations, drainage runs and concrete bases to the required depths and falls. The result is a clean, stable platform ready for the next trade.
Shortlands is known for large Edwardian houses, Victorian villas and well-kept 1930s properties, often with mature gardens and established boundaries. These homes frequently need sensitive excavation near existing footings, trees and neighbouring fences. We’re used to upgrading tired garden levels, improving access roads and forming retaining walls where plots slope towards Ravensbourne. Every job is planned to protect the character of the property while improving performance below ground.
We start with a site visit to assess levels, access, spoil removal and drainage routes, then provide a clear scope of works. Our process includes setting out, safe excavation, compacted sub-bases, tidy concrete work and proper reinstatement where required. We keep you informed throughout and coordinate deliveries to minimise disruption on residential roads. Homeowners choose us because we work neatly, document what’s been done, and stand behind the finished groundwork.
Working in the London Borough of Bromley, we’re familiar with the mix of clay-heavy soils and variable garden levels found around Shortlands and Bickley. Access can be tight on residential streets, so we plan machinery choice, parking and deliveries in advance. We also consider proximity to boundaries and existing drains, common in older Edwardian and Victorian plots. If approvals or inspections are needed, we help you navigate the process and keep works compliant.
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Costs depend on access, depth of dig, spoil removal and whether you need drainage or concrete. As a guide in BR2, small groundwork jobs such as localised excavation and levelling may start from £900–£2,500. Drainage and concrete bases often fall around £2,500–£7,500. Larger packages including site clearance, foundations and retaining walls can range from £8,000–£25,000+ depending on engineering and quantities.
Many domestic groundwork projects in the Shortlands area take 2–7 working days, such as preparing a base for paving, a garden room or a small driveway. More involved work—foundations, significant excavation, retaining walls and drainage—often takes 1–3 weeks. Timescales vary with access for machines, weather, depth of dig, drying/curing time for concrete, and whether unexpected obstructions (old footings or services) are found.
Most garden groundwork, patios and like-for-like driveway bases are usually permitted development, but there are important exceptions. New or altered driveways may need permeable surfacing or drainage to a suitable soakaway, and work near boundaries or trees can require extra checks. For extensions, foundations must meet Building Regulations. We’ll advise what’s likely required for your property and can help you confirm rules with the London Borough of Bromley before work begins.
Yes. We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for installed groundwork elements such as sub-bases, concrete work, retaining walls and drainage we supply and fit. It covers defects caused by installation issues, including settlement from inadequate compaction or failures in our drainage connections. It doesn’t cover damage from third-party work, misuse, or extreme events beyond reasonable design assumptions. We also keep clear records of depths, materials and construction stages.
We tailor the build-up to the finish you want and the conditions on site. Popular options include reinforced concrete slabs for garden rooms, MOT Type 1 sub-bases for paving and driveways, French drains and channel drains for surface water, and retaining walls in concrete block, brick-faced or sleeper styles. We’ll recommend depths, membranes and drainage layouts based on your soil, levels and intended use, then coordinate with your chosen surface materials.
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