How Long Do Groundworks Take? A Realistic Timeline Guide

Orange excavator and dump truck on residential construction site

Setting Realistic Expectations One of the first questions any homeowner or builder asks when planning a construction project is: how long will the groundworks take? It’s a fair question — groundworks are the critical first phase, and nothing else can start until they’re complete. Delays at this stage push back the entire programme. The honest […]

Do You Need Planning Permission for Groundworks?

Active residential construction site with framed buildings and materials staging area

The Short Answer: Probably Not — But It’s Not That Simple One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and builders in Hampshire is whether groundworks require planning permission. The short answer is that most groundworks — foundations, drainage, site clearance — don’t need their own planning permission because they form part of […]

Building on Clay Soil in Hampshire: What You Need to Know

Dorrington Groundworks dumper truck operating on muddy residential site

Why Hampshire Has So Much Clay If you’ve ever tried to dig in your garden in Southampton, Eastleigh, or Fareham and hit a thick, sticky layer that clings to your spade, you’ve met Hampshire’s clay. The county sits on some of the most extensive clay deposits in southern England, shaped by millions of years of […]

Strip Foundations vs Trench Fill: Which Does Your Project Need?

Foundation work and excavation underway at commercial building construction site

Understanding Your Foundation Options When you’re planning a building project in Hampshire — whether it’s a home extension, a new garage, or a full new build — one of the first decisions your groundworker will need to address is the type of foundation. In the vast majority of residential projects, the choice comes down to […]