Expert Groundwork and Drainage Contractors Across the South East
CJ Groundworks provides professional groundworks, drainage and off-mains wastewater services across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. With more than 35 years of industry experience, our in-house team completes all projects with careful planning, clear communication and a high standard of workmanship.
Our services include building foundations, concrete bases, excavation, site preparation, drainage installation and repair, septic tanks, cesspits and sewage treatment plants. From the initial site assessment to excavation, installation and final reinstatement, we manage every stage of the work.
Contact us for practical advice, a site visit and a clear, no-obligation quotation tailored to your project.
/ Our Services
Groundwork, Drainage
and Off-Mains Services
From preparing a site and installing structural foundations to solving drainage problems and fitting off-mains wastewater systems, our experienced team delivers complete groundwork solutions across the South East.
Building Foundations
Create a dependable base for your extension, new building, garage or commercial structure with professionally excavated and installed foundations.
Depending on the design, ground conditions and structural requirements, our work can include:
- Strip foundations
- Trench-fill foundations
- Raft foundations
- Pad foundations
- Piled foundations
- Excavation and ground preparation
- Reinforcement and concrete placement
We work from the approved specification and coordinate with Building Control, structural engineers and other contractors where required.
Concrete Bases
We install strong, level concrete bases for sheds, garages, workshops, garden rooms and other outbuildings. Each base is prepared around the dimensions, ground conditions and load requirements of the proposed structure.
A typical installation can include excavation, a compacted sub-base, damp-proof membrane, reinforcement, optional insulation and accurately placed concrete with a smooth or brushed finish.
Our team manages the preparation and pour from start to finish, leaving a durable base ready for the next stage of construction.
Each base includes a Type 2 sub-base, damp-proof membrane, and optional insulation for long-lasting performance. Our bases are laser-levelled, reinforced, and completed to a smooth or brushed finish, providing the perfect foundation for your structure.
Site Preparation & Excavation
Prepare your site safely and efficiently for construction, landscaping, drainage or utility work. Our team provides controlled excavation and ground preparation for domestic and commercial projects.
Services can include:
- Site clearance
- Excavation and reduced-level digging
- Soil grading and levelling
- Ground stabilisation
- Trench and duct excavation
- Muck-away and responsible waste removal
- Backfilling and compaction
We assess access, ground conditions, waste volumes and the next stage of construction before work begins.
Drainage Solutions
CJ Groundworks installs, repairs and upgrades foul-water and surface-water drainage systems across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. We investigate the cause of the problem before recommending the most appropriate solution for the site.
Our drainage services include:
- Foul and surface-water drainage
- Drain repairs and replacement
- CCTV drain surveys
- High-pressure drain jetting
- Soakaways and French drains
- Channel drainage
- Drainage for extensions and new developments
Every installation is planned around the site layout, ground conditions, water flow and applicable drainage requirements.
Off-Mains Drainage Systems
For rural properties and sites without a mains sewer connection, we install and replace correctly specified off-mains wastewater systems. Our team can assess the property, ground conditions, occupancy and discharge requirements before recommending a suitable solution.
Septic tank
installation
Cesspit
installation
Sewage treatment
plant systems
Why Choose CJ Groundworks?
Experienced Groundwork Contractors You Can Rely On
35+ Years of Experience
A long-standing reputation built on expert workmanship.
In-House
Team
No subcontractors; we keep all trades under one roof.
Fully Insured &
Guaranteed
No subcontractors; we keep all trades under one roof.
Compliant &
Certified
All works carried out to UK building regs and environmental standards.
Local
Expertise
Proudly serving Sussex, Surrey & Kent.
Our Service Area
Groundwork Services Across Sussex, Surrey and Kent
CJ Groundworks is based in Barns Green and covers:
- Cranleigh
- Horsham
- Midhurst
- Petworth
- Pulborough
- All surrounding areas in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent
Not Sure Which Groundwork Service You Need?
Every project begins with different ground conditions, access requirements and construction plans. Speak directly with our experienced team for practical advice on the most suitable next step.
We can review photographs or plans, discuss the work by phone and arrange a site visit where required.
/ FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A groundworks company prepares land for construction. This includes excavation, foundation installation, drainage, and off-mains systems. We handle both residential and commercial groundwork across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Timeframes depend on project size and complexity. A small base can take 1–2 days, while a full foundation and drainage package may take a week or more. We provide clear timelines upfront.
Yes — our groundwork contractors in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex work with homeowners, builders, and developers on everything from garden offices to industrial facilities.
Absolutely. All work is covered by our 2-year workmanship guarantee and manufacturer warranties. We’re also fully insured and compliant with UK regulations.
Yes — we specialise in septic tank installation, cesspit installation, and sewage treatment plant servicing across Kent, Surrey, and East & West Sussex.
/Our Contact
Ready to break ground?
Get in touch with CJ Groundworks today to discuss your project and receive a free, no-obligation quotation. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide expert advice tailored to your needs.
Address
CJ Groundworks, Lower Batchelors, Emms Lane, Barns Green, West Sussex, RH13 0QH.
/Our Testimonials
What clients say about us
/ From the blog
Latest Articles
Buying a Property With Off-Mains Drainage
Buying a property with off-mains drainage can be perfectly manageable, but it is important to understand exactly what system serves the property before you commit. Unlike a property connected to the public sewer, an off-mains home relies on a private system to manage wastewater. This may be a septic tank,
Soakaways: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Soakaways are underground drainage systems designed to collect surface water and allow it to gradually disperse into the surrounding ground. They are commonly used to manage rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios, paths, gardens, yards and other hardstanding areas where water needs to be moved away safely. In simple terms, a
Soil Grading and Levelling: Why It Matters
Soil grading and levelling are essential parts of site preparation because they shape the ground before construction, drainage, landscaping or concrete work begins. Good levels help water move in the right direction, create stable working areas and reduce the risk of future settlement, flooding and uneven surfaces. Many people think