Groundworks are the foundation of any construction project, and whether or not your groundworks are done right can impact the success of building your new home.
Various factors will influence your groundworks, including your home’s architectural design, soil conditions, weight and load distribution, size and design features. However, groundworks are an integral part of your home and must be done right.
Read on below as we explore groundworks and all the knowledge you need to have to ensure that your project starts on the right foot. Whether you want to build your dream home or are a developer looking for more advice, our guide will give you all you need. This article is written by Wilsons Groundworks Bristol.
What Are Groundworks?
Groundworks is the process of preparing land for construction and ensuring it is ready for building.
This can include clearing vegetation, excavating soil, installing drainage and constructing foundations, all to support the structural integrity of your building.
Essentially, groundworks set the stage for all the other construction work that is to come.
Why Are Groundworks Important?
Groundworks are crucial because they will highlight and deal with potential problems and ensure long-term safety and functionality of a building.
Soil stabilisation and drainage will prevent subsidence and structural damage, minimising the need for future repairs and maintenance.
Correct groundworks also minimise the risk of accidents during construction to create a safe and stable working environment, it will also prevent issues early on and prevent costly repairs later down the line.
Groundworks also prevents water accumulation under and around the building, thanks to the installation of drainage systems. Water accumulation can lead to dampness and erosion, amongst many other structural issues.
Finally, a well-prepared site can enhance the overall look of a building and its surroundings.
What Are The Different Types of Groundworks?
Groundworks can be split into two types: commercial and residential.
Commercial groundworks involve preparing a site for business-related plots such as offices, warehouses and retail sites. Typically, these projects will require more extensive groundwork, simply because of the size and the complexity of the buildings. This work can include heavy-duty excavation, larger and more complex drainage systems and utility installations.
Residential groundworks are more suitable for sites of homes and small buildings. These buildings will be less complex than commercial ones. A typical residential groundworks project will need foundation laying, drainage systems, utilities and landscaping.
What Ground Conditions Are On Your Plot?
One key part of groundworks and further deciding on the foundations of your building is identifying the ground conditions within your plot. In the UK, soil types can vary from region to region, so assessing your soil type and understanding how susceptible it is to movement and drainage is important.
A geotechnical soil survey will give you a better insight into soil structure, bearing pressure and the ground make-up, and help you to decide on the building foundation type.
Should You Hire A Groundworks Contractor?
Working with a groundworks contractor will be a good step forward towards a successful project. Groundworks can be filled with potential challenges, so working with a professional contractor can address any hurdles you come across and ensure that they are sorted out. They’ll also ensure that your project is carried out safely, efficiently and to the highest standards, so that you can focus on other parts of the build.
