Having run my combined driveway company and landscaping company for more than five years, the one thing I know above anything else is that what you see on the surface is only ever as good as the hard work that goes into the preparation. Groundworks are instrumental to the success of most hard landscaping and surfacing projects. This is an area where I excel, and I have the support of a trusted subcontractor network on large-scale projects.
My company, JSF Paving & Construction, operates out of Farnham, and I cover all Hampshire and Surrey areas including Godalming and Hindhead.
I undertake groundworks for customers in the domestic sector, surveying the designated site to determine the soil conditions and to identify the services I would need to provide. If you have your heart set on block paving for a patio, or if you require me to lay a tarmac driveway, I will factor in the clearance, excavation and surface preparation needs of the project before compiling a detailed quotation with all labour and material costs included.
To see examples of my previous projects, please visit my portfolio.
Groundworks will usually follow a set process:
Site Clearance
Before I can start the groundworks phase of a project, I clear the site of any debris, shrubs and vegetation. On properties that may need existing features removed from the landscape, like an old driveway to accommodate a new installation, I can uplift the surface and have all rubble and rubbish removed from site. It is important to me that I maintain a safe and tidy workspace.
Indeed, I like to work under strict safety conditions, as do my subcontractors, and to have everything cleared before the next phase of the job begins.
Bulk Excavation
After completing the clearance work, the next phase of a groundworks plan is to excavate in bulk. You may have heard of this stage referred to as earthworks, and this accurately profiles what I do. Based on the size of the job, I can dig out soil to accommodate foundations and sub-bases using hand tools or, on larger projects, I supply mini diggers with trained operators.
The purpose of excavating is to create a sufficient depth for integrating any drainage requirements, and for adding aggregates and sands for sub-bases.
Foundations and Sub-Bases
Because I run a combined driveway company and landscaping company, it is nearly always the case that my groundworks service will focus on sub-bases for driveways, patios and garden paving. I am always attentive to what goes into a sub-base, and I only use premium quality aggregates and sands which I decide upon based on the material that you have asked me to work with.
I always compact to ensure good soil stability, and I factor in the edges and restraints so that these can be set prior to the main surface being laid.
Drainage
Based on the material you choose for your home in Farnham, Godalming or Hindhead, or wherever in Hampshire or Surrey you happen to be, I may need to make alterations (or additions) to the drainage system. Water can drain well through a permeable material, like some types of block paving, but others require me to modify your drainage or create a separate soakaway.
With the drainage altered or installed, I consider the groundworks phase as complete and immediately move on to the next stage of the job.