Groundworks Contractors Across Sussex, Surrey and Kent
CJ Groundworks provides excavation, site preparation, foundations, concrete bases and drainage groundworks for homeowners, builders, developers, farms and commercial clients across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
With more than 35 years of industry experience, our family-run team manages projects from the initial site clearance and excavation through to drainage, foundations, concrete work and final preparation for the next stage of construction.
Every project is assessed individually. We consider site access, ground conditions, drawings, finished levels, drainage requirements and the construction programme before providing a clear quotation for the agreed work.
From extension foundations and garden-building bases to rural drainage and larger development groundwork, we focus on accurate preparation, organised site work and dependable communication throughout the project.
/ Our Services
Groundworks Services for Domestic and Commercial Projects
We undertake individual groundworks packages and complete site-preparation projects. The precise scope depends on the drawings, ground conditions, access and requirements of the main build.
Our team can coordinate excavation, drainage, foundations, concrete work and related preparation so that each stage is completed in the correct sequence.
Site Preparation & Excavation
Accurate site preparation gives the following construction stages a safe and properly formed working area.
Our excavation and preparation work can include:
- Site clearance and removal of agreed materials
- Reduced-level excavation
- Foundation and footing excavation
- Earthmoving and redistribution of suitable material
- Trenching for drainage, ducts and utilities
- Formation of access routes and working platforms
- Ground levelling and profiling
- Preparation of sub-bases and formation levels
- Importing or removing material where included
We work to the agreed drawings and levels, using machinery suited to the size and access limitations of the site. Before excavation begins, the quotation will identify the work included, proposed disposal arrangements and any known access restrictions.
Where contaminated soil, unknown services, unstable ground or unexpected obstructions are discovered, we will stop the affected work and discuss the next steps before proceeding.
Building Foundations
We complete foundation excavation and associated groundworks for extensions, new homes, outbuildings and commercial structures.
Depending on the approved drawings and project specification, the work may include:
- Strip-foundation excavation
- Trench-fill foundations
- Pad foundations
- Ground beams
- Raft preparation
- Reinforcement installation
- Concrete placement
- Oversite preparation
- Service penetrations and below-ground drainage
Foundation type, width, depth and reinforcement should be established by the project designer, structural engineer or Building Control where required. Our team then carries out the agreed excavation and construction work to the supplied information.
We can coordinate inspection stages and concrete deliveries where these are included in the quotation.
Concrete Bases
We prepare and install concrete bases for sheds, garden rooms, garages, workshops, agricultural buildings, plant and other permanent structures.
The work can include:
- Excavation to the required formation level
- Removal or redistribution of excavated material
- Compacted sub-base installation
- Edge formwork
- Damp-proof membrane installation
- Reinforcement where specified
- Insulation where required by the design
- Concrete placement, levelling and finishing
- Preparation for drainage or service connections
The required base thickness, reinforcement and edge detail will depend on the structure, loading and site conditions. We will work from supplied drawings or agree an appropriate construction specification before providing the quotation.
Drainage & Water Management
We install and repair below-ground drainage for new construction, extensions, rural properties and existing sites.
Our drainage groundworks can include:
- Foul-water drainage runs
- Surface-water drainage
- Inspection chambers and access points
- Channel drainage
- French drains
- Land drainage
- Soakaways and infiltration systems where suitable
- Attenuation and rainwater-management groundwork
- Drain repairs and pipe replacement
- CCTV investigation and drain clearance where included
Pipe sizes, gradients, connection points and discharge arrangements are established from the agreed drainage design and site requirements. Completed drainage can be inspected or tested where this forms part of the contracted work.
Where infiltration is proposed, suitability should be confirmed through the appropriate assessment or design process rather than assumed from the available space alone.
Retaining Walls & Block & Beam Works
We complete supporting groundworks for sites that require level changes, suspended floors or additional structural preparation.
Depending on the project design, this can include:
- Excavation and bases for retaining walls
- Reinforced-concrete retaining structures
- Masonry retaining walls
- Timber retaining features for suitable landscaping applications
- Ground preparation for block-and-beam floors
- Installation of block-and-beam flooring systems
- Sub-floor drainage and ventilation preparation
- Structural excavation and concrete work specified for remedial projects
Structural retaining walls, underpinning and other load-bearing work must follow the appropriate engineered design. CJ Groundworks can complete the agreed construction work from supplied drawings and coordinate with the project’s engineer or Building Control where required.
/Who We work with
Groundworks for Homeowners, Builders and Commercial Clients
We provide groundworks for:
- Homeowners building extensions, garages and garden rooms
- Self-builders preparing plots for new homes
- Builders requiring a dependable groundworks contractor
- Developers delivering residential or commercial projects
- Farms constructing outbuildings, yards or drainage systems
- Equestrian clients preparing arenas, tracks and hardstanding
- Commercial clients installing plant, storage or new facilities
Some clients appoint us for a defined stage, such as foundation excavation or a concrete base. Others need a broader package covering site preparation, drainage, foundations and external works.
We review access, drawings, levels, ground conditions and the wider programme before agreeing the sequence of work. Early involvement can also help identify practical excavation, drainage or logistics issues before machinery arrives on site.
/ Our Mission
Why Choose CJ Groundworks for Your Project?
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 Area
Groundworks Areas We Cover
We work across:
- Cranleigh
- Horsham
- Midhurst
- Petworth
- Pulborough
- All surrounding areas in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent
Request a Groundworks Site Visit and Quote
Planning an extension, new building, drainage project or site-preparation package?
Call CJ Groundworks on 07881 757877 or send us the site postcode, drawings where available and a brief description of the work.
We will review the project, discuss access and timescales, arrange a site visit where required and provide a clear quotation for the agreed groundworks package.
/ FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
They prepare land for construction, including excavation, drainage, and foundation laying. It’s the essential first stage of any successful build.
This depends on soil type, building weight, and site location. Our Surrey contractors and Kent teams carry out full site assessments to recommend the best foundation type.
The cost varies based on project scale. For example, a small concrete shed base may cost a few hundred pounds, while a full drainage and foundation system for a house is higher. We offer transparent, itemised quotes after inspection.
Yes — we’re fully insured, and all our groundworks in Sussex, Kent, and Surrey comply with UK Building Regulations and Environment Agency standards.
Absolutely. We provide industrial groundwork in Surrey, commercial groundwork in Kent, and full residential services across the South East.
/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
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