Quality groundwork forms the foundation of every successful construction project. With over 18 years of experience serving Ashford and Kent, A.P.T. Builders provides professional groundwork preparation and drainage installation ensuring solid, stable foundations for extensions, new builds, driveways, and landscaping projects. From site excavation and leveling through sub-base installation and comprehensive drainage systems, we deliver essential services that prevent future problems while meeting Building Regulations and industry standards. Proper groundwork preparation saves money long-term by preventing settlement, water damage, and structural issues that plague poorly prepared sites.
Professional groundwork is essential for any construction project, providing the stable foundation that supports buildings, driveways, and outdoor structures. Poor groundwork leads to cracking, settlement, water penetration, and expensive repairs that far exceed the cost of proper preparation. We provide comprehensive groundwork services including site excavation, ground leveling, sub-base installation, drainage systems, and foundation preparation. Our experienced team understands soil conditions, drainage requirements, and Building Regulations ensuring every project starts with solid foundations that prevent future problems while meeting all regulatory requirements.
Complete groundwork and foundations for house extensions meeting Building Regulations requirements.
Site preparation, excavation, and foundation work for new construction and development projects.
Professional excavation and sub-base installation providing stable foundations for driveways and parking.
Complete drainage systems preventing water accumulation and protecting buildings from water damage.
Ground leveling and terracing creating usable garden spaces with proper drainage throughout.
Large-scale groundwork for commercial developments, industrial units, and business premises.
Professional excavation is the first critical step in any groundwork project, removing existing surfaces and unsuitable material while creating level, stable ground ready for construction. We use appropriate equipment from mini-diggers for confined spaces to larger machinery for extensive projects, always considering site access, neighboring properties, and safe working practices. Proper excavation removes vegetation, topsoil, and weak ground replacing it with suitable material compacted to correct density. We work to accurate depths and levels ensuring foundations, sub-bases, and drainage systems perform as intended while meeting Building Regulations requirements throughout.
Excavating to correct depths ensuring adequate foundation depth and sub-base thickness throughout.
Assessing groundwater levels and implementing dewatering or drainage solutions if necessary.
Identifying and removing unsuitable material replacing with compacted hardcore providing stability.
Planning machinery access, material delivery, and waste removal without damaging existing structures.
Systems managing rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and paved areas preventing flooding and protecting building foundations from water damage.
Ideal for: All properties, extensions, driveways, paving
Perforated pipes in gravel trenches collecting groundwater and directing it away from buildings preventing dampness and foundation problems.
Ideal for: Waterlogged gardens, foundation protection
Underground structures allowing surface water to permeate gradually into surrounding soil providing sustainable drainage solution.
Ideal for: Properties without mains drainage, eco-friendly
Agricultural drainage systems improving soil conditions, preventing waterlogging, and making land usable year-round for farming or development.
Ideal for: Large gardens, agricultural land, development sites
Quality sub-base installation provides the essential foundation supporting buildings, driveways, patios, and paving preventing settlement and structural failure. We install compacted hardcore to correct depths using appropriate materials for each application - deeper, heavier sub-bases for driveways carrying vehicle loads versus lighter sub-bases for footpaths and patios. Every layer is compacted with mechanical equipment ensuring required density and stability. Proper sub-base installation prevents sinking, cracking, and deformation that plague inadequately prepared surfaces while providing stable platform for concrete foundations, block paving, or other finishes meeting Building Regulations requirements.
Quality materials properly installed ensuring stable, long-lasting foundations:
Premium crushed limestone providing maximum compaction and stability for sub-bases and foundations.
Compacted stone providing economical bulk fill for large excavations and ground building up.
Clean angular gravel surrounding drainage pipes allowing water flow while preventing pipe blockage.
Permeable fabric separating soil from hardcore preventing mixing while allowing water drainage through.
Quality concrete for foundations, bases, and oversite slabs mixed to correct strength specifications.
Perforated and solid pipes in various sizes creating effective drainage systems throughout sites.
Coarse sand for concrete mixing and bedding layers providing workability and strength when mixed.
Quality cement and additives ensuring concrete and mortar achieve required strength and durability.
We visit your site assessing ground conditions, drainage, access, and planning requirements accurately
Comprehensive written quote detailing excavation, materials, drainage, and timeline with all costs included
Professional excavation removing unsuitable material and preparing site for sub-base installation
Installing drainage systems with proper gradients, connections, and testing ensuring effective water management
Building up compacted sub-base in layers achieving required depth, density, and stability throughout
Level checking, edge restraints, and final preparation creating perfect base for next construction stage
All groundwork and drainage installations must meet Building Regulations and industry standards ensuring structural integrity, adequate drainage, and long-term performance. We work to current Building Regulations Part H (Drainage), Part C (Site Preparation), and relevant British Standards throughout every project. Foundation depths must reach stable ground below frost level (typically 1 meter minimum) while drainage systems require proper falls (minimum 1:40), adequate pipe sizing, and appropriate connections. Our experience with Building Control processes ensures smooth inspections and approvals while quality workmanship provides peace of mind that foundations will perform as intended for the building's lifetime.
For over 18 years, A.P.T. Builders has provided professional groundwork and drainage services throughout Kent, preparing sites for thousands of successful construction projects. We understand that quality groundwork is the foundation of every building project - poor preparation causes settlement, cracking, water damage, and expensive repairs that far exceed the cost of proper groundwork. That's why we never compromise on excavation depths, sub-base quality, drainage design, or compaction standards, ensuring every project starts with solid, stable foundations that prevent future problems.
Our experienced team handles every aspect from initial site assessment and service location through excavation, drainage installation, sub-base preparation, and foundation concrete work. We use appropriate materials, proper techniques, and mechanical compaction achieving required density and stability throughout. Whether you're planning house extensions, new builds, driveways, or landscaping projects, we deliver professional groundwork meeting Building Regulations and industry standards while providing the solid foundation essential for long-term success.
We proudly serve all areas of Kent including Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Dover, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate, and surrounding villages. Whether you need site excavation, drainage installation, sub-base preparation, or complete groundwork packages, our team delivers quality solutions backed by extensive experience, professional workmanship, and comprehensive guarantees ensuring your project succeeds from the ground up.
Extensive expertise in groundwork, excavation, drainage, and foundation preparation across Kent projects.
All work meeting current Building Regulations and British Standards ensuring compliance and quality.
Premium hardcore, concrete, and drainage materials from trusted suppliers ensuring durability and performance.
Modern excavators, compactors, and tools enabling efficient, accurate groundwork on all project sizes.
Comprehensive drainage design and installation preventing water problems and protecting your investment.
Precise level checking throughout ensuring correct depths, falls, and gradients for drainage and foundations.
Detailed written quotations with all costs included and no hidden charges or unexpected extras.
Comprehensive warranties on materials and workmanship providing complete peace of mind throughout.
Get your free site assessment and detailed quotation from Kent's groundwork specialists