Do You Need a Build Over Agreement in Hampshire? Southern Water Rules for Extensions Explained
Planning an extension in Hampshire? Learn when you need a Southern Water build over agreement, how the 3 metre rule works, and what to check before foundations start.
How Long Do Groundworks Take? A Realistic Timeline Guide
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?
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
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?
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 […]
Why Choosing a Local Groundworks Contractor Matters
When searching for a groundworks contractor near you, you will find options ranging from local family businesses to national contractors. Choosing a local contractor offers significant advantages. As a family-run groundworks company based in Curdridge, Southampton, Dorrington Groundworks explains why local matters. Local Knowledge of Ground Conditions Hampshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire have varied geology. […]
A Guide to Drainage Installation for New Build Homes
Drainage is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of new build homes. Get it wrong, and you will face flooding, subsidence, failed building inspections, and expensive remedial work. As experienced drainage contractors serving Hampshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire for nearly 20 years, Dorrington Groundworks provides this comprehensive guide to drainage installation for […]
What Is Included in Site Clearance? Your Complete Guide
Before any construction project can begin, the site must be properly prepared. Site clearance is the critical first step that transforms an overgrown plot, brownfield site, or existing structure into a clean slate ready for development. But what exactly does site clearance involve? As Hampshire trusted groundworks specialists, Dorrington Groundworks explains everything you need to […]
How Much Do Groundworks Cost in Hampshire? A 2026 Guide
Planning a construction project in Hampshire and wondering about groundworks costs? Whether you are building a new home in Curdridge, extending a property in Winchester, or developing commercial premises in Southampton, understanding groundworks pricing is essential for accurate budgeting. At Dorrington Groundworks, we have been providing transparent quotes for nearly 20 years across Hampshire, West […]