Essential Groundwork & Site Preparation Services Across Kent & East Sussex
Every successful construction or significant landscaping project begins beneath the surface. At Brick By Brick Construction & Landscape, our groundwork and site preparation services form the crucial foundation for enduring quality, stability, and compliance. Serving homeowners and developers throughout Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, and the wider Kent & East Sussex regions – including specific areas like Yalding, Marden, Staplehurst, Cranbrook, and Pembury – we ensure your project starts on the strongest possible footing.
We understand that meticulous groundwork is paramount to preventing costly issues down the line, from subsidence and poor drainage to structural instability. Our experienced team utilises state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to deliver precise and reliable preparation for a wide range of projects.
Site Clearance & Demolition
Before any new work can begin, the site must be clear. We provide efficient and responsible site clearance services, including:
- Removal of vegetation, trees, and debris.
- Safe and controlled demolition of existing structures, sheds, or unwanted hardstanding.
- Sustainable disposal of waste materials.
Excavation & Earthworks
Accurate excavation is fundamental for foundations, trenches, and creating desired landscape levels. Our services include:
- Precise excavation for foundations of new builds, extensions, and outbuildings.
- Digging trenches for utility lines (water, gas, electric) and drainage systems.
- Site levelling, cut-and-fill operations, and earth moving to prepare the ground contours for landscaping projects, driveways, and patios.
Foundation Laying
The stability of your entire structure depends on robust foundations. We expertly install various types of foundations to suit your project’s specific requirements and ground conditions, adhering strictly to building regulations:
- Traditional strip foundations.
Raft foundations. - Pile foundations (where required).
- Underpinning existing structures for added stability.
Drainage Solutions
Effective drainage is essential to prevent water damage, damp, and erosion. We design and install comprehensive drainage systems tailored to your property:
- Surface water drainage (e.g., French drains, linear drains).
- Foul water drainage and connections to main sewers.
- Soakaways and attenuation tanks.
- Percolation tests and reports.
Sub-Base Preparation
For driveways, patios, paths, and sheds, a well-prepared sub-base is critical for stability and longevity. We ensure the correct materials (e.g., MOT Type 1 hardcore) are laid, compacted, and leveled to provide a solid and durable foundation for your chosen surfacing.
see groundwork in action
Why Choose Brick By Brick for Your Groundwork?
Understanding that every site presents unique challenges, our approach to groundwork is always bespoke. We conduct thorough site assessments, including soil analysis and topography, to develop the most effective and cost-efficient site preparation plan for your specific project. Whether you’re planning a new build in Tonbridge, a significant house extension in Tunbridge Wells, or a complex landscaping overhaul in Cranbrook, our meticulous planning ensures that unforeseen issues are minimised and that your project progresses smoothly to the next stage.
Our investment in modern machinery and highly trained operatives means we can handle diverse groundwork requirements with precision and speed, always prioritising safety on site. We liaise closely with other trades and architects, ensuring seamless coordination from the moment site clearance begins right through to the final foundation pouring. This integrated approach is why homeowners and builders across Crowborough, Yalding, and the entire Kent & East Sussex region trust Brick By Brick Construction & Landscape to lay the perfect foundation for their dreams.
FAQ's
What exactly do you mean by groundwork services?
Groundwork services encompass all the essential work performed on a site before construction or major landscaping can begin. This includes site clearance, excavation, laying foundations, installing drainage systems, levelling and grading the land, and preparing for utility connections. It’s the critical first step to ensure stability and longevity for any project in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, or across Kent and East Sussex.
Why is proper groundwork so important for my project?
Proper groundwork is paramount because it provides the stable and secure base upon which your entire structure (be it a new build, extension, driveway, or patio) will rest. Meticulous site preparation prevents future issues such as subsidence, structural cracking, poor drainage, and damp, saving you significant time and money in the long run. It also ensures compliance with building regulations in areas like Crowborough, Marden, and Cranbrook.
Do you handle both site clearance and excavation?
Yes, our groundwork services include both comprehensive site clearance and precise excavation. We safely remove all debris, vegetation, and unwanted structures, then expertly dig trenches for foundations, utility lines, and drainage systems, ensuring your site is perfectly prepared for the next stage of construction or landscaping.
What types of foundations do you lay?
Yes, matching existing brickwork is a key part of our service for house extensions and brick repairs. We go to great lengths to source bricks and mortar that closely match your property’s original materials and style, ensuring a seamless and cohesive finish for your Crowborough home.
How do you manage drainage during groundwork?
Effective drainage solutions are a core part of our groundwork services. We assess your site’s water management needs and install appropriate systems, such as surface water drains (e.g., ACO drains), foul water drainage, and soakaways. This prevents waterlogging, protects your property from damp, and ensures compliance with environmental standards.
Can you work on challenging ground conditions (e.g., clay, sloped sites)?
Our team has extensive experience working with a wide range of ground conditions common in Kent and East Sussex, including challenging clay soils or sloped sites. We conduct thorough site assessments and implement appropriate techniques like soil stabilization or specialized excavation methods to ensure the stability and safety of your groundwork project.
What about buried utilities? How do you avoid hitting them during excavation?
Safety is our top priority. Before any excavation begins, we conduct detailed utility searches and use CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) scanning to identify the precise location of all buried services (water, gas, electricity, telecoms). This meticulous planning allows us to work safely and avoid disruption to essential services.
Do I need planning permission for groundwork?
While groundwork itself generally falls under building regulations rather than direct planning permission, it’s crucial that your overall project (e.g., new build, extension, significant landscaping) has the necessary planning permission. Our team can advise on how our groundwork services integrate with your project’s regulatory requirements.