---
title: "Groundworks in Somerset & Bristol | Solid Ground Paving"
description: "Excavation, foundations, footings, drainage and hard landscaping — the work that happens before anything visible does."
canonical: https://solidgroundpaving.co.uk/services/groundworks
url: https://solidgroundpaving.co.uk/services/groundworks.md
section: "Services"
date_published: 2026-08-06
date_modified: 2026-08-06
author: Solid Ground Paving
robots: noindex
---

# Groundworks

Groundworks is the part of a project nobody photographs and everybody pays for twice if it is wrong. We dig, dispose, form and drain — foundations, footings, service trenches, soakaways, retaining structures and site clearance.

## Key facts

- **Service:** Groundworks
- **Area covered:** Somerset, North Somerset & Bristol
- **Typical cost:** priced by scope per m² — Indicative only. A written price follows a site survey.
- **Typical duration:** Varies by scope
- **Expected lifespan:** Design life of the structure above
- **Guarantee:** {{GUARANTEE_TERMS}}

## What groundworks do you carry out?

Excavation and muck-away, strip and trench-fill foundations, footings, service trenches, surface and foul drainage, soakaways, retaining walls, site clearance and levelling. We work for homeowners, builders and commercial clients across Somerset and Bristol.

- Excavation, reduced-level dig and muck-away
- Strip, trench-fill and pad foundations
- Surface water and foul drainage, gullies and soakaways
- Service trenches and ducting
- Retaining structures and edge restraint
- Site clearance, demolition and levelling

## How much do groundworks cost?

Groundworks are priced by scope rather than by square metre, typically priced by scope. Excavation volume, spoil disposal, ground conditions and access are the four variables that move the figure most. Indicative only. A written price follows a site survey.

## How deep do foundations need to be?

In most Somerset ground, a minimum of 900mm to undisturbed bearing strata, deeper in shrinkable clay or near mature trees. Depth is confirmed on site by building control inspection before concrete is poured — we book and attend that inspection as part of the work.

## Do you handle drainage and soakaways?

Yes. We install surface water drainage, channel drains, gullies, and soakaways sized to the contributing area and tested for infiltration where required. Foul connections are made to the existing system or to a new run as the job needs.

## Questions and answers

Q: Do you provide waste transfer documentation?
A: Yes. All excavated material leaves site under waste transfer notes to a licensed facility, and copies are supplied with the final invoice.

Q: Can you work on restricted-access sites?
A: Usually. Micro excavators and conveyor muck-away let us work through gateways and side passages. Access is assessed at survey because it materially changes the price.

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Human-readable version of this page: https://solidgroundpaving.co.uk/services/groundworks