Over the last few years, there has been a huge increase in demand for building and landscaping works as people expand their homes to enjoy and maximise their own gardens and spaces. Throughout the pandemic people spent more time in their homes and gardens than ever before with travel restrictions in place. Even though holidays are now back on, it’s the rise in property prices forcing many to stay put and make the most of their existing homes and gardens.
When it comes to building works and landscaping, ‘foundations and groundworks’ are an essential part of proceedings and will become familiar terms as you start your renovation projects.
Here we look at the core details about what you need to know.
What are groundworks?
Groundworks are known as the first stage of construction.
Groundwork and foundations can be a bit of a mystery for many because we don’t see a lot of the work that goes into it; a lot of homeowners aren’t sure what is involved, and it’s therefore particularly tricky to work out if a specialist is giving you the correct information or undertaking a project in the right way.
In simple terms, a groundworker prepares the site of a new home or extension. They typically clear the ground, lay the foundations, install drainage and make connections with existing pipework. After a build is completed, they may also come back to add paving, footpaths, landscaping and driveways.
Groundworks are usually the first stage of a construction project and may include the following types of groundwork:
- Foundations
- Trenching
- Reinstatement
- Substructure
- Sewer Construction
- Basement Construction
- All Drainage
- Landscaping
Tips for Groundworks
To ensure that you correctly prepare the groundwork of your next construction project, you must carry out a grounds investigation on the worksite. It is in fact illegal to not have a groundworks investigation done in advance of works.
Before agreeing any works, your contractor should provide you with a free, detailed written quote with a breakdown of all the costs you may potentially incur, from labour and materials to the removal of waste from the site.
Site Clearance and muck away
As part of the initial preparatory works, the site will usually need to be cleared. During this stage, the topsoil is taken up from the footprint of the structure.
Here at RJC we support many contractors with the removal of topsoil and other waste which is often referred to as muck away. We legally and safely remove the waste and recycle it wherever possible.
Our grab wagons have a large mechanical arm that ensures we can reach even the most awkward of places. One grab wagon can also remove the equivalent of two skips so it makes economical sense too to use grab hire where possible.
We often return to sites after the primary works completed to provide aggregates and topsoil.
For further details on our muck away and grab hire services we provide to both commercial and domestic clients across Yorkshire, contact rjcplantservices@gmail.com or call 07824 426776/ 07710 473526 for a quote and availability.