About Our Excavation & Groundwork Services
At Nelhams & Sons, we provide comprehensive excavation and groundwork services that form the essential foundation for all construction projects. Our groundwork expertise ensures your project starts with solid, properly prepared foundations, whether you’re building a new home, extending your property, or developing commercial premises across Surrey and West London.
Our Excavation & Groundwork Services
We handle all aspects of site preparation and groundwork to ensure your construction project has the strongest possible foundation. At Nelhams & Sons we specialise in:
Foundation Excavation & Preparation
Precise excavation for strip foundations, pad foundations, and piled foundations. Site clearance, topsoil stripping, and ground preparation to Building Regulations standards.
Drainage & Utility Excavation
Excavation for foul and surface water drainage systems, utility connections, and service trenches. Compliance with water authority regulations and safe digging practices.
Access Roads & Hard Standing
Excavation and preparation for driveways, access roads, car parks, and hard standing areas. Proper sub-base preparation for long-lasting paved and concrete surfaces.
How We Work
Successful excavation requires careful planning, precise execution, and strict adherence to safety standards. Our proven process ensures safe, efficient groundwork that forms the perfect foundation for your construction project.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Site Assessment | Detailed site survey including ground conditions, access routes, and utility locations |
| Utility Searches | CAT scanning and utility searches to identify underground services and avoid damage |
| Method Statement | Comprehensive excavation plan including health & safety measures and environmental protection |
| Permits & Notifications | Securing any required permits and notifying relevant authorities of excavation work |
| Site Preparation | Setting up safe working areas, vehicle access, and protective barriers |
| Excavation Work | Careful excavation using appropriate machinery with continuous monitoring of ground conditions |
| Ground Inspection | Structural engineer inspection of bearing capacity and ground conditions |
| Temporary Works | Installation of any required shoring, dewatering, or ground stabilisation |
| Foundation Ready | Final preparation and sign-off for foundation construction to commence |
| Backfilling & Compaction | Professional backfilling around completed foundations with proper compaction |
| Site Restoration | Landscaping restoration and disposal of excavated materials |
Safety First
Comprehensive health & safety procedures with full insurance and risk assessments
Modern Equipment
Latest excavation machinery and GPS technology for precise, efficient groundwork
Environmental Care
Responsible excavation with proper soil management and environmental protection
Detailed Planning
Thorough site surveys and excavation plans ensuring projects stay on schedule
Why Choose Nelhams & Sons for Your Excavation Work?
Our excavation team combines 48+ years of groundwork experience with modern equipment and safety standards to deliver precise, reliable foundations for your construction project. We understand Surrey’s varied ground conditions, from London Clay to chalk and gravel, ensuring appropriate excavation methods for every site. Our commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and quality groundwork provides the solid foundation your project deserves.
- Specialist knowledge of Surrey and West London ground conditions
- Comprehensive utility detection and safe digging procedures
- Modern excavation equipment including GPS-guided machinery
- Full health & safety compliance with risk assessment documentation
- Environmental protection and responsible soil management
Best Surrey Business Award
Frequently Asked Questions About Excavation & Groundwork
How do you ensure underground utilities aren’t damaged during excavation?
We conduct comprehensive utility searches using CAT scanning equipment before any excavation begins. This includes checking records with utility companies, using electromagnetic detection equipment, and careful hand digging around suspected utility locations. We also maintain safe working distances from known services and use proper excavation techniques to avoid damage to gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications infrastructure.
What types of excavation work do you undertake?
We handle all types of excavation including foundation trenches for new builds and extensions, drainage excavation for foul and surface water systems, utility trenches for service connections, basement excavation, swimming pool excavation, and site preparation for driveways and hard standings. We work on both residential and commercial projects of all sizes.
What happens to the excavated soil and materials?
We manage excavated materials responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations. Topsoil is typically stored on-site for later landscaping use, whilst excess soil is either reused elsewhere on your project or disposed of at licensed facilities. We aim to minimise waste through careful planning and can often arrange for suitable soil to be used on other local projects, reducing disposal costs and environmental impact.
How do you handle different ground conditions?
Surrey’s ground conditions vary significantly, from London Clay to chalk, gravel, and sandy soils. We adapt our excavation methods accordingly, using appropriate machinery and techniques for each soil type. For challenging conditions like high water tables, unstable ground, or contaminated soil, we work with structural engineers and environmental specialists to ensure safe, compliant excavation. Our experience with local geology helps us anticipate and plan for ground condition challenges.
Do you provide temporary works like shoring and dewatering?
Yes, we provide comprehensive temporary works solutions including trench shoring systems to prevent collapse, dewatering pumps for high water table conditions, and ground stabilisation where required. All temporary works are designed by qualified engineers and installed by our experienced team. We maintain this equipment throughout the excavation period and remove it safely once permanent works are completed.
How long does typical excavation work take?
Excavation timelines depend on project size, ground conditions, and complexity. Simple foundation excavation for a house extension might take 2-3 days, whilst larger projects like new house foundations could require 1-2 weeks. Complex excavations involving basements or challenging ground conditions may take longer. We provide realistic timelines during quotation and factor in potential delays from weather or unexpected ground conditions.
