Groundworks are basically the foundation of any successful building job. Before you even think about laying bricks for an extension or a new home in Ormskirk, the land needs to be prepared. This involves digging out the area, which we call excavation, to make space for the pipes and structures that stay hidden underground. We look at the layout of your land to see where water will naturally run and set up a system that carries waste and rainwater away from your building. It’s about making sure your property stays dry and solid for years to come.

This really depends on where your property is and how the ground behaves. In more rural parts of West Lancashire, you might not have access to a main sewer. If that’s the case, we’d look at installing a septic tank or a modern sewage treatment plant. For rainwater, a soakaway is often the best bet. It’s a pit filled with stone or plastic crates that lets water slowly seep back into the earth rather than flooding your garden. We check your soil type first because if it’s heavy clay, a standard soakaway might not work properly, and we’d need to find a better way to manage the runoff.

We start by mapping out exactly where the new pipes need to go to get the best flow. Our team then uses professional machinery to dig the trenches to the right depth and angle. We don’t just dig a hole and drop a pipe in; we make sure the trench is lined with the right materials so the pipes don't shift or crack over time. If we’re working on an existing property, we try to keep the mess to a minimum. Once the new drain installation is tested and working, we fill the ground back in and leave it ready for the next stage of your build.

Yes, we take care of the whole process. Connecting to a public sewer isn't just about digging a trench to the road; there’s a bit of paperwork involved too. You usually need permission from United Utilities and the local council, especially if we have to dig up a public footpath or road. We can manage those applications for you. Our team is qualified to carry out the street works and the final connection, making sure everything meets the required standards so your new system is signed off without any drama.

If you don't get the ground right at the start, you’re asking for trouble later. Site preparation involves clearing the area and getting the levels perfect. We coordinate the drainage groundworks with your foundation dig to make sure they don't interfere with each other. By planning where the water goes before the foundations are poured, we stop moisture from pooling around the base of your house. It’s much cheaper and easier to put in a high-quality drainage system at the start than it is to try and fix a damp basement or a sinking patio later on.