About CJ Groundworks

CJ Groundworks is a family-run groundwork and drainage company based in Barns Green, near Horsham. With more than 35 years of industry experience, we support homeowners, builders, developers and commercial clients across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Our team delivers foundations, concrete bases, excavation, drainage and off-mains wastewater systems with practical advice, direct communication and a high standard of workmanship. From the first site visit to the final handover, your project is managed by people who understand the work and take pride in completing it properly.

/Our Story

Built on 35 Years of Groundwork Experience

CJ Groundworks was founded by Chris Johnson after more than 35 years working within the groundworks, construction and drainage industry. What began as a local, hands-on business has developed into an experienced family-run team serving domestic and commercial customers across the South East. Our work includes:

Building foundations for extensions and new structures
Concrete bases for sheds, garages and garden rooms
Site preparation, excavation and ground levelling
Foul-water and surface-water drainage
Drain surveys, repairs and replacement systems
Septic tanks, cesspits and sewage treatment plants

We remain directly involved in every project. Customers deal with the people responsible for assessing, planning and completing the work rather than being passed between sales teams, subcontractors and office departments.

How We Work

What Makes Us Different

Direct, In-House Service

No middlemen. No subcontractors. Just our experienced team on every job — fully insured, fully accountable, and fully focused on your project.

Honest Advice

We won’t upsell you. We won’t pressure you. We’ll simply assess what’s needed, explain your options, and deliver the best solution at a fair price.

Workmanship That Lasts

Every trench, pipe, base and foundation we install is designed to last. That’s why we back all our work with a 2-year workmanship guarantee.

Fully Compliant & Insured

All work is carried out to UK Building Regulations and Environment Agency standards. We hold full public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

Meet the Founder

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson has worked in construction, groundworks and drainage since the 1980s. His experience spans practical site work, civil engineering, excavation, foundations and the installation of drainage and off-mains wastewater systems.

After decades working within the industry, Chris founded CJ Groundworks to provide customers with a more direct and dependable service. He remains personally involved in site assessments, project planning and the delivery of work alongside the wider family team.

His approach is simple: treat every site with the same care and attention you would expect on your own property.

/Our Clients

Who We Work With

CJ Groundworks supports a broad range of domestic, rural and commercial customers, including:

Homeowners planning extensions, garden rooms, concrete bases or drainage improvements
Self-builders requiring excavation, foundations and below-ground drainage
Builders and developers looking for dependable groundwork support
Rural property owners installing or replacing off-mains wastewater systems
Landlords and commercial clients managing drainage, access or concrete works
Surveyors, engineers and other construction professionals coordinating specialist site work

Every customer receives a clear scope of work, practical communication and a service tailored to the site—not a generic package.

/ Our Area

Groundwork Contractors Serving Sussex, Surrey and Kent

We’re proud to be based near Horsham, with easy access to:

Speak Directly with Our Groundworks Team

Planning foundations, drainage, excavation or an off-mains wastewater installation? Speak directly with our family-run team for practical advice and a clear next step.

Call 0788 175 7877, send us your plans or photographs, or arrange a site visit to discuss the work in person.

/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.

Email

Phone

0788 175 7877
Mon – Sat, 9AM – 5PM

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/Our Testimonials

What clients say about us

I contracted CJ Groundworks to install a sewage treatment plant, it was a very pleasant experience dealing with Chris and his ever smiling team. The job was done professionally in time at a reasonable price. The plant is working satisfactorily for 3 months.

Arvind Gulati

After calling round dozens of other contractors and hearing nothing I came across CJ groundwork's and I'm glad I did. They built a big shed base and carried out landscaping work in the garden. They fitted us in at short notice and everything was done to a brilliant standard at a fair......

Ryan Ainsworth

CJ and his sons, Henry and Marcus, did an excellent job fitting our new sewage treatment plant. Friendly, efficient and tidy. I would definitely recommend them for any groundworks.

Richard Jones

Chris and sons installed Aco channel and soakaway. Excellent job done and no hesitation recommending this company. Left the place tidy. Friendly people to deal with.

Ranjinie Fernando

/ From the blog

Latest Articles

off-mains drainage

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,

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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

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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

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