Groundworks
Groundwork Contractors - Outstanding Quality from the Ground Up
A property is only as solid and long-lasting as the fundamental foundations it is built on. Although often overlooked, there is nothing more crucial to a functioning and safe building than its groundworks.
At DG Ritchie Joinery, you can trust us to deliver groundworks services of an exemplary standard. Working in Perthshire, central Scotland, and beyond, we provide a range of groundworks for domestic customers and commercial projects alike.
A groundworks company you can trust
With 40 years of experience in the building industry, we’ve worked in almost every ground and water condition imaginable.
Whatever the circumstances, we strive for nothing but consistent excellence in our field. We provide many groundwork services completed to an excellent standard, which means that you can rely on us for consistently high-quality work no matter the job.
What groundworks we offer
We provide a range of groundworks and civil engineering services, including:
Raft foundations
Hard landscaping
Demolition
Waterproofing
Crawl space encapsulation
Basement works
Concrete structure developments
and many more.
The latest practices ensure your satisfaction
In our ever-growing industry, practices are advancing at an incredible rate. We make sure that we take advantage of the most cutting edge technology, integrating new methods into our ongoing training.
Whatever your project, you can be sure you’re getting the most up to date and efficient techniques on the market.
Top work from a top team
If you choose our team, you’re choosing conscientious, thorough, and professional workers who always deliver impeccable results. We are highly qualified and, of course, licensed and insured for all groundwork. Our workforce provides top quality services within your allotted time frame.
Not only are our skills unmatched, but we pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable customer service. We curate our team to include the individuals who reflect our own values. We are, at heart, a friendly and helpful local business that genuinely cares about its people.
Contact us today
Don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Groundworks FAQs
Groundwork is the initial stage of construction that comprises laying the groundwork, building substructures and preparing the land for above-ground construction. Excavation, restoration, drainage, and sewer connections are some of the specific aspects of groundworks construction.
Groundworks typically involve preparing a site for construction or development. This can include tasks such as excavation, leveling the ground, installing drainage systems, laying foundations, and creating access roads.
Other common work may include clearing vegetation, installing utilities such as water and gas lines, and creating retaining walls or other forms of structural support. The specific tasks involved in groundworks will depend on the nature and scope of the project. Although groundworks is most common in large-scale construction, if you are interested in a home extension, outhouse, garage or shed, you may still need groundworks to ensure the site is properly prepared.
Groundworks are necessary as they provide a stable and level base for buildings, home extensions, roads, and other structures.
Without proper groundworks, structures may be unstable, uneven, and prone to damage from soil movement, water infiltration, and other environmental factors. Additionally, groundworks can help ensure the safety and durability of the structure, as well as prevent potential long-term issues such as subsidence or collapse.
You may need groundworks construction on your property if you are planning to build any type of large structure, such as a house, garage, shed, conservatory, home extension, or outhouse. Groundworks also help property owners address issues related to drainage, soil stability, or foundation.
As an experienced groundworks contractor, DG Ritchie can evaluate the site and provide expert advice on the construction work that will be needed. Factors such as soil type, topography, and local regulations will also influence whether groundworks are needed or not.
The duration of groundworks construction will understandably vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Small projects such as installing a new fence or wall can take a few days, while larger projects like building a new house or preparing the land for a home extension can take several weeks or months. We'll always give an accurate timeline before any work begins so you can properly prepare for the disruption.
The equipment used for groundworks will vary depending on the scope of the project, however, common equipment and machinery includes: excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, dump trucks, and loaders.
Groundworks can be highly complex and requires the proper use of machinery and construction equipment. Handling this type of machinery by yourself without adequate experience can be dangerous to both yourself and the property.
Therefore, it is imperative that groundworks be carried out by experienced professionals who have the proper knowledge and expertise, and hold the proper licenses for handling and operating construction equipment.
Due to the nature of groundworks, unforeseen issues can arise once work has started. These issues can sometimes delay the project timeline and possibly increase costs and manpower.
Some of the most common problems we face when undergoing groundworks construction include:
- Unforeseen ground conditions, such as unexpected soil types, rocks or groundwater levels, which can cause delays and increase costs.
- Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can disrupt work schedules and make the ground unstable.
- Environmental issues, such as soil erosion and water pollution
- Utility issues, such as unexpected underground pipes or cables.
- Planning and regulatory issues, such as obtaining permits or dealing with zoning restrictions.
