New build groundworks, stage by stage

Stage one: setting out

Profiles and laser levels are used to set the building out against the boundaries, the datum and the approved drawings. Errors here are compounded by every trade that follows, so it is worth the day it takes.

Stage two: foundation excavation

Trenches are dug to the design depth, sides inspected, and any variation in ground conditions reported to the engineer rather than covered over. Building control attends before concrete goes in.

Stage three: concrete and reinforcement

Reinforcement is fixed to specification with correct cover, pours are booked around the weather, and volumes poured are recorded. On clay sites near trees this stage carries the bulk of the foundation cost.

Stage four: drainage and services

Foul and surface water runs are laid at correct falls with inspection chambers positioned to be accessible rather than tidy. Soakaways and attenuation are installed at design distance from the building, and ducting for power, water and data goes in before anything is covered.

Drainage is inspected and air tested before backfill.

Stage five: oversite and floor structure

Blockwork to damp course, hardcore and sand blinding, membranes and insulation, then either a beam and block floor or a power floated slab. This is the final inspection before the superstructure starts.

Stage six: handover to the build

You end the groundworks stage with a level, accurate, drained platform, a record of what was poured and inspected, and our written ten year guarantee covering the structural work we carried out.