What you can't see matters as much as what you can. Groundworks is the work that gets the ground ready before a new surface or wall goes in. We do groundworks as part of new driveways, patios, walls and decking for homes in Harpenden and across Hertfordshire, including Wheathampstead, Redbourn and St Albans.
Here's what groundworks means, why it matters and how it fits into the rest of the job. The survey is free, you get the quote in writing, and we never ask for a deposit.
Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338, email hello@5stardrivewaysandpatios.co.uk, or get your free quote.
Why groundworks matters
A surface can only be as good as what's under it. Careful groundworks gives you:
1. A firm base. Something solid for cars, garden furniture and feet.
2. Good levels. A gentle tilt to send rain away from the house.
3. Somewhere for water to go. Drains, or soakaways where the ground allows.
4. A clear site. The old surface and rubbish gone before the new work starts.
What groundworks includes
Clearing the site
Getting the area ready. That can mean lifting an old drive or patio, or taking out turf and shrubs.
Taking the old material away
The old surface, soil and rubble that come out are taken away.
Levels and slopes
Setting the levels so the new surface is even and slopes slightly away from the house. On a sloping garden, it can mean cutting into a bank, often with a retaining wall.
Sub-bases
Laying the sub-base and compacting it. This is the firm layer the new driveway or patio sits on.
Foundations for walls
Every garden wall, pillar and retaining wall needs a foundation matched to its size and the ground it stands on.
Drainage
Channel drains, or soakaways where the ground allows. Our drainage page explains more.
Part of your new driveway or patio
We do groundworks as part of the job, so the base, levels and drainage are planned with the surface that goes on top.
1. Driveways. Clearing, sub-base, edging and drainage, ready for the surface.
2. Patios. Lifting turf or an old patio, setting levels and laying the sub-base.
3. Sloping gardens. Cutting into the slope, with retaining walls, steps and drainage.
4. Garden walls. A foundation to suit each wall.
5. Decking. Getting the ground ready for the frame.
What we look at on the survey
1. What's there now. An old surface, turf, shrubs or rubble that has to come out.
2. The slope. Which way water runs now, and which way it should go.
3. Access. How machinery can get in, and where the old material can go.
What affects the cost?
We don't publish prices, because every site is different. Groundworks costs depend on:
1. How big the area is.
2. How much old surface and soil has to come out.
3. How much has to be taken away.
4. The sub-base the ground and the use need.
5. Slopes, banks and retaining walls.
6. Channel drains or a soakaway.
7. How easily machinery can get in.
Groundworks are priced in your written quote for the whole job. There's no obligation to go ahead.
How the groundworks are done
1. Visit. We measure the area, check which way it slopes, and go through the job with you.
2. Quote. You get it all in writing. We never ask for a deposit.
3. Clearing. We lift what's there now and clear the site.
4. Taking away. The old material is removed from site.
5. Levels and drainage. We set the levels and put in any drains the job needs.
6. Base and foundations. The sub-base is laid and compacted, plus foundations for any walls.
7. Ready to build. The ground is ready for the new driveway, patio, wall or deck.
Most jobs are completed within a working week, Monday to Friday.
Groundworks we've done
There's more in our photo gallery.
Groundworks questions
What are groundworks?
It's everything that gets the ground ready: clearing, levels, sub-bases, foundations and drainage.
Why do old drives and patios get dips and cracks?
Over time, water, tree roots and heavy loads can all move what's underneath, and the surface can follow.
Is taking the old surface away part of the job?
Yes. Clearing the site and taking away the old material is set out in your written quote.
Why does water run towards my house?
If a drive or patio tilts the wrong way, rain follows the slope. On a new surface, the levels are planned to send it away from the house.
Does every new driveway or patio need groundworks?
Yes. The ground has to be cleared and levelled, and a sub-base laid, before the surface goes down. It's all part of the job and in your written quote.
How long do groundworks take?
Most jobs are completed within a working week, Monday to Friday.
What does the 10-year guarantee cover?
Our 10-year guarantee covers the driveways, patios and walls we build. There's no deposit. See our guarantee and insurance page.
Areas we cover
We do groundworks in Harpenden and 23 nearby towns. See our areas page.
Get your free quote
Tell us a little about the job and we'll arrange a free site survey and a clear written quote. We never ask for a deposit, and there's no obligation.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338. You're welcome to send photos of your driveway or garden on WhatsApp first.