Need reliable Groundwork Contractors in Sydenham for a build, extension or garden project? We handle everything from site clearance and excavation to drainage, concrete work and retaining walls. Expect tidy working, clear timelines and a finish built to last in SE26.
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From garden rooms to new patios and driveway rebuilds, good groundwork makes everything else straightforward. Our team supports homeowners across SE26, including Lower Sydenham and Bell Green, with safe excavation, accurate levelling and robust concrete bases. We’re used to working close to boundaries and mature planting, especially near Sydenham Wells Park. Every job starts with a practical site assessment and a plan you can trust.
Sydenham’s Victorian villas, Edwardian houses and period conversions often come with tight side access, older drains and varied ground levels. We regularly prepare foundations for extensions, stabilise slopes with retaining walls, and upgrade drainage to protect basements and lower-ground rooms. If you’re in Forest Hill or near Dulwich Wood, we’ll factor in tree roots and ground movement risks. You get workmanship that respects the property and its setting.
We manage the full sequence: site clearance, excavation, spoil removal, foundations, drainage runs, concrete work and final levelling. You’ll receive clear method statements, waste transfer documentation where required, and proactive communication throughout. Our crews arrive on time, protect paths and entrances, and keep disruption to neighbours minimal. Homeowners choose us because we’re consistent, transparent, and we stand behind the work.
As groundwork contractors in London Borough of Lewisham, we plan for narrow streets, parking constraints and shared access common around SE26. We also account for mature trees near Sydenham Hill Wood and the impact roots can have on excavation and drainage routes. Period housing often has older clay pipework and shallow footings, so we investigate before we dig. Where needed, we liaise with inspectors and follow current building standards from day one.
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Costs vary with access, depth of dig, disposal, and whether you need drainage or retaining walls. In Sydenham, small groundwork packages (site clearance, minor excavation and levelling) often start around £1,200–£3,000. Foundations for an extension commonly fall in the £4,000–£12,000 range. Drainage upgrades can be £1,500–£6,000+, while concrete slabs are typically priced per square metre after a site visit.
Most domestic groundwork in SE26 takes 2–10 working days, depending on scope. A straightforward dig-and-pour concrete base may take 2–4 days including curing time allowances, while foundations and drainage for an extension often take 1–2 weeks. Timescales change with restricted access, skip permits, unexpected obstructions (old footings, roots, services), and wet weather. We provide a realistic programme before starting.
Many garden and driveway groundworks are permitted development, but there are important exceptions. New or altered driveways may need compliant permeable surfacing and correct drainage to avoid water running onto the highway. If you’re near protected trees, in a conservation area, or altering levels close to boundaries, additional permissions can apply. We’ll flag likely requirements early and can work with your designer or building control to keep everything compliant.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for qualifying groundwork elements, including foundations, concrete bases, drainage installations and retaining walls. This covers defects arising from installation issues, such as settlement caused by inadequate compaction or incorrectly laid drainage runs. It doesn’t cover damage from third-party work, extreme events, or pre-existing structural problems outside our scope. You’ll also receive documentation on materials and construction details for peace of mind.
We tailor the build-up to your project: reinforced concrete slabs for garden rooms, strip foundations for extensions, and permeable sub-bases for driveways. Drainage options include channel drains, soakaways, French drains and rodding access points for maintenance. For retaining walls, popular choices are concrete block with render, brick to match the house, or sleeper-style solutions where suitable. We’ll advise on longevity, load requirements and finishes to suit your budget and property.
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