What is Groundwork?
In construction, groundwork refers to the set of activities carried out to prepare a site for construction. Groundworks prepare the ground to enable the start of a construction project.
Groundworks usually include the following activities:
- Ground investigation
- Site clearance
- Excavation
- Cabling
- Installation of utilities
- Trenching
- Sewerage
- Landscaping
- Installation of footings and foundations
How Much Does Groundworks Cost?
It is not easy to mention the exact groundwork project cost in advance, but some factors give us an estimated price per square metre. These factors may include project size, complexity, cost of equipment, materials, labour, permits, and time etc.
Groundworks can range from £95 to £280+ per square metre for medium-sized projects. However, this cost can significantly increase for complex projects.
Cost Factors of Groundworks
If you want to get an estimate of how much your groundwork project will cost you, you should consider these factors:
Cost of Equipment:
When it comes to a successful construction project, you need the right equipment. The cost of equipment refers to the expenses for project-related tools, such as lawn care equipment and construction trucks. The excavator or operator renal may cost £100-£300 per hour.
Cost of Materials:
For a groundwork project, the cost of materials covers the expenses associated with ground working, including the use of an excavator, concrete, and gravel, among others. For example, the ready-mix concrete can cost between £150 and £250 per square metre.
It's important to note that not all groundwork requires expensive materials like concrete or steel. Rather, some types, such as footings or foundation trenches in a project, may only require simple earthwork, which does not incur significant costs.
You must obtain a quote in advance, including all details about the materials to be used and their associated costs.
Cost of Labour:
Next comes the cost of labour for your groundwork project—one of the most significant cost factors. The labour cost may range from £4500 to £6500 for a medium-sized groundwork project. Similarly, for strip foundations, you should expect around £4500 to £6000, and for trench foundations, the cost may be around £5000 to £6500 per project.
Cost of Permits:
When planning a project, it is necessary to consider the cost of permits before starting the project. The cost of a license varies from one municipality to the next. So, it is hard for you to estimate this cost in advance. Usually, the average permit fees may add up to 15% to 20% to the total cost. However, sometimes, additional permits may be required for work that is not included in the original permit's scope.
Cost of Time:
While planning for a groundwork project, don't forget to include the time cost. Because the more time a project takes, the more it costs. The more complex the project is, the longer it will take to complete, and hence, the higher the cost will be.
Conclusion
Construction projects are usually expensive, but there are options to save your money. By conducting research and preparation in advance, you can complete your groundwork project within an affordable budget.
Whether you are a contractor, property owner, or developer, a thorough understanding of groundwork costs can set a solid foundation for a successful execution in multiple ways.
