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A Simple Guide to Groundworks

A Simple Guide to Groundworks

What is Groundworks?

Groundwork in construction is the preparation work carried out to prepare sub-surfaces before construction work can start. This is the first stage of construction and covers a range of services to prepare the area before construction can begin.

What types of groundworks are there?

Groundworks fall under two distinct categories, domestic groundworks, and commercial groundworks.

Commercial Groundworks

Commercial groundworks are works undertaken to prepare the ground and foundations for construction when building commercial and industrial properties. Commercial groundworks will usually involve a much larger area that domestic groundworks projects. Carrying out groundworks at this level requires astute project management, professional budget control, and large teams of professional commercial groundwork contractors to complete the work on time and on budget.

Examples of commercial groundworks projects may include preparation for the construction of:

  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Office blocks
  • Factories
  • Sports centres
  • Retail hubs
  • Oil refineries
  • Airports

Domestic Groundworks

Domestic groundworks, as dictated by the name, apply to domestic situations which are usually smaller than their commercial counterparts. Domestic groundworks usually involve the preparation of sub-surfaces, foundations, and footings for housing and other domestic projects such as:

  • Garages
  • Sheds
  • Workshops
  • Annexes
  • Studios

 

What Tasks Count as Groundworks?

Both domestic and commercial groundworks include a similar range of tasks dependent of the scope of the project in hand. The term groundworks covers many types of works which need to be carried out before any building can start. These may include, but are not limited to:

Soil testing and ground investigation – Can include testing of all ground materials including rock, soil and other materials, drilling and creation of boreholes, sampling and more.

Site clearance – Clearing of debris, previous building materials, waste, and debris from the site.

Foundations – A fundamental element of building, foundation works provide the underground base on which construction is built, providing a firm footing and even weight distribution for the building above.

Trenching – Trenching involves digging cutaways and trenches in the ground to house cables, pipes for telecoms, water, gas, and other essential utilities.

Sewerage – Trenching and laying of pipes connecting water and sewage works to the site.

Drainage – Covers a range of services designed to drain water away from the building to avoid flooding and water damage.

Landscaping – Landscaping falls into two categories; hard landscaping and soft landscaping. When talking about groundworks we are talking about hard landscaping. This involves tasks such as some forms of fencing, paving and patio works, laying of paths and decking, and the construction of rises and walls. For more information, read our latest blog to discover the key differences between hard landscaping and soft landscaping. 

 

Groundworks Services in Surrey

Axtell offer unparalleled expertise for commercial and domestic groundworks in the Guildford and Surrey area. No job is too big or too small, and with over 20 years in business Axtell Surfacing & Groundworks have the skills and experience to get the job done on time and on budget.

Our commercial groundworks services include all aspects of the job under one roof, from foundations and footings to walkways. Depending on your requirements, we use both state-of-the-art machinery and hand-lay techniques, ensuring that your new groundworks are completed to the highest possible standard, working closely with you to ensure that all project specifications are met.

Contact Axtell Surfacing & Groundworks for All Commercial & Domestic Groundwork Requirements

For more information about our groundwork’s services, or to start a conversation with Axtell Surfacing & Groundworks to discuss your project requirements, simply contact our friendly team or call us on 01483 357277 for a quote today.

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