Groundworks & excavation · London

How much does Groundworks & excavation cost in London? (2026 price guide)

Groundworks such as levelling and preparing a standard garden for a base typically cost £1,500-£4,000, while full excavation for a house extension foundation usually runs £4,000-£10,000 depending on ground conditions. Drainage and land drain installation generally costs £40-£90 per metre, and site clearance alone is often quoted at £500-£1,500.

Costs are driven mainly by soil type and ground conditions, since rocky or waterlogged sites take longer to excavate, the volume of material to be moved, access for diggers and lorries, and whether groundwater management or retaining structures are needed. Larger firms with their own plant machinery can sometimes offer more competitive rates than those hiring equipment in.

A proper site survey before quoting helps ensure the final price reflects actual ground conditions rather than a rough estimate.

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