Groundworks & drainage · Virtual calculator

Plan your surfaced areas and preparation

Estimate paving, driveways or concrete bases, including their preparation and selected drainage. Standalone excavation, drainage networks and other groundworks need a site visit and tailored quote.

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01

What would you like to build?

Add driveways, paving and concrete bases in one project. Add separate areas if the sizes or finishes differ.

0 jobs included in this estimate · maximum 6

Driveway (0)
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Paving (0)
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Concrete base (0)
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Each job below is included in the total. Use minus to remove the last job of that type, or remove a specific job on its card.

Your project starts here.

Choose an area above, then tell us its size and finish.

The right start for every project

Groundworks and drainage done properly.

From site clearance and excavation to levels, foundations and drainage, we prepare the ground for residential, equestrian and rural projects.

Is it right for your property?

The jobs beneath the finished surface.

Practical groundwork and water management for homes, gardens, yards and rural sites.

  • Homes, gardens, new driveways, yards and building bases
  • Poorly drained or waterlogged sites
  • Excavation, levels, sub-bases, channels and soakaways

How the job comes together

Four stages. No mystery.

01

Levels and investigation

We assess the ground, existing construction, services, thresholds and drainage routes before excavation begins.

02

Controlled excavation

The area is reduced to the required formation level, with unsuitable material removed and disposed of responsibly.

03

Sub-base construction

The specified aggregate is placed and compacted in layers, creating a firm platform for the chosen finish.

04

Drainage installation

Channels, gullies, pipework or soakaway solutions are installed where appropriate and integrated with the final levels.

Before we price it

Where experience saves trouble later.

Buried services

Existing utility routes must be considered before and during excavation, particularly around older properties.

Finished levels

Door thresholds, garages, boundaries and the highway all influence the safe falls and construction depth available.

Drainage destination

Surface water must discharge to an appropriate location. The right solution depends on the site and local requirements.

Where we work

Groundworks & drainage, locally.

We undertake site preparation, excavation and drainage across our wider working area, including homes, yards, equestrian and agricultural sites.

Useful answers

Questions we’re regularly asked.

How deep should a driveway be excavated?+

There is no single depth for every site. It depends on the surface specification, ground strength, existing levels, expected traffic and drainage construction.

Do I need ACO drainage?+

Drainage channels are commonly used where water needs to be intercepted, including near buildings or the pavement. A site assessment determines whether they are necessary and where they should discharge.

Can you install a soakaway?+

Yes, where ground conditions, available space and relevant requirements make a soakaway suitable. We assess the site before recommending one.

Your next step

Got standing water, failed paving or difficult levels?

Send the postcode, a rough size and a couple of photographs. We’ll tell you what we think and arrange a visit if the job looks suitable.

Tell us about your project →
DriveBuilt is a trading name of Digby Developments Sussex Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 16842555.
Registered office: Aviation House, The Street, Poynings, Brighton, BN45 7AQ.

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