Detailed breakdown of groundworks costs in Exeter for 2024, covering everything from excavation to drainage with real local prices.
2024 Exeter Groundworks Cost Guide
Understanding groundworks costs helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. This comprehensive guide provides real pricing for Exeter groundworks projects based on current market rates and local factors affecting costs.
Factors Affecting Exeter Groundworks Prices
Location-Specific Factors
- ▸Access limitations in historic city areas
- ▸Parking restrictions requiring permits
- ▸Conservation area requirements
- ▸Local soil conditions (often clay)
- ▸Proximity to River Exe (flood considerations)
- ▸Disposal costs at local facilities
Market Conditions 2024
- ▸Labour shortage increasing rates
- ▸Material costs stabilizing after recent peaks
- ▸Fuel costs affecting machinery and transport
- ▸Increased demand for sustainable solutions
Excavation and Earthworks Costs
Let's start with the foundation of any groundworks project – literally. Here's what you can expect to pay for excavation work in Exeter:
Digging By Hand vs Machine
| Ground Type | By Hand (per m³) | Machine (per m³) | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft ground | £50-£70 | £25-£35 | 50%+ cheaper |
| Normal ground | £70-£90 | £30-£45 | 60%+ cheaper |
| Clay/hard ground | £90-£120 | £35-£55 | 65%+ cheaper |
Machine Hire Rates in Exeter
If you're thinking of hiring a digger, here's the going rate:
£200-£250 per day + operator
Best for: Small gardens, tight access Midi Digger (3-6T)
£250-£350 per day + operator
Best for: Most residential projects Large Excavator (8T+)
£350-£450 per day + operator
Best for: Major excavations
Volume Discounts - The More You Dig, The Less You Pay
• 25-50m³: £55-£75 per m³ (save 15-20%)
• 50m³+: £45-£65 per m³ (save 30%+)
Combine with neighbors or do all your groundworks at once to hit these thresholds!
Real Project Examples
Let me show you what actual Exeter projects cost:
Drainage Installation Costs
Surface Water Drainage
Basic systems:
- ▸Linear drainage channel: £65-£85 per meter
- ▸Catch pits: £250-£350 each
- ▸Simple soakaway: £800-£1,200
SUDS compliant:
- ▸Permeable paving: £65-£85 per m²
- ▸Rain garden: £50-£70 per m²
- ▸Attenuation tank (5m³): £2,500-£3,500
Foul Drainage
New connections:
- ▸To existing manhole: £1,500-£2,500
- ▸New manhole installation: £1,200-£1,800
- ▸Pipe runs: £85-£120 per meter
Treatment systems:
- ▸Septic tank (4 person): £3,500-£5,000
- ▸Treatment plant: £5,000-£8,000
- ▸Installation typically adds 50-70%
Drainage Survey and Repair
Investigation:
- ▸CCTV survey: £250-£450
- ▸Dye testing: £150-£250
- ▸Soakaway testing: £200-£350
Repairs:
- ▸Patch repairs: £150-£300 per location
- ▸Pipe relining: £100-£150 per meter
- ▸Full replacement: £120-£180 per meter
Driveway and Hardstanding Costs
Preparation Works
Base excavation:
- ▸Remove existing surface: £20-£30 per m²
- ▸Excavate and dispose: £25-£35 per m²
- ▸Sub-base installation: £15-£25 per m²
Surface Options
Gravel driveway:
- ▸Basic gravel: £35-£50 per m²
- ▸Resin-bound gravel: £60-£80 per m²
- ▸Includes edging and membrane
Tarmac driveway:
- ▸Single coat: £45-£60 per m²
- ▸Double coat: £55-£75 per m²
- ▸Red tarmac: Add £5-£10 per m²
Block paving:
- ▸Standard blocks: £65-£85 per m²
- ▸Premium blocks: £75-£100 per m²
- ▸Patterns add 10-15%
Concrete options:
- ▸Plain concrete: £55-£70 per m²
- ▸Printed concrete: £75-£95 per m²
- ▸Exposed aggregate: £70-£90 per m²
Typical Driveway Project
50m² block paved drive:
- ▸Excavation: £1,250-£1,750
- ▸Sub-base: £750-£1,250
- ▸Block paving: £3,250-£4,250
- ▸Drainage: £500-£800
- ▸Total: £5,750-£8,050
Retaining Walls and Landscaping
Retaining Walls
Concrete block walls:
- ▸Up to 1m high: £200-£300 per m²
- ▸1-2m high: £300-£450 per m²
- ▸Over 2m: Structural engineer required
Gabion baskets:
- ▸Supply and fill: £120-£180 per m³
- ▸Installation: £80-£120 per m³
Timber sleepers:
- ▸New oak: £180-£250 per m²
- ▸Softwood: £120-£160 per m²
Landscaping Groundworks
Leveling and grading:
- ▸Basic leveling: £20-£30 per m²
- ▸Major regrading: £30-£45 per m²
- ▸Topsoil supply/spread: £35-£50 per m³
Patio installation:
- ▸Indian sandstone: £75-£95 per m²
- ▸Porcelain: £85-£120 per m²
- ▸Including base preparation
Utilities and Services
Utility Trenching
Standard trenches:
- ▸600mm deep: £35-£50 per meter
- ▸1m deep: £50-£70 per meter
- ▸Includes backfill
Ducting installation:
- ▸Electric (100mm): £15-£20 per meter
- ▸Water pipe: £20-£30 per meter
- ▸Multiple services: £40-£60 per meter
Connection Costs
Typical charges:
- ▸Electric connection: £1,500-£3,000
- ▸Water connection: £1,000-£2,000
- ▸Gas connection: £1,500-£2,500
- ▸Plus groundworks to boundary
Site Clearance and Demolition
Site Clearance
Vegetation removal:
- ▸Light vegetation: £8-£12 per m²
- ▸Heavy overgrowth: £15-£25 per m²
- ▸Tree removal: £150-£800 per tree
Demolition:
- ▸Single garage: £1,000-£1,500
- ▸Conservatory: £1,500-£2,500
- ▸Outbuildings: £50-£80 per m²
Asbestos Removal
If present:
- ▸Survey: £200-£500
- ▸Garage roof: £800-£1,500
- ▸Full removal: £2,000-£5,000+
Additional Cost Factors
Access Equipment
When needed:
- ▸Road plates: £50-£80/week each
- ▸Temporary roads: £25-£35 per m²
- ▸Crane hire: £800-£1,500/day
Permits and Fees
Common requirements:
- ▸Skip permit: £35-£70
- ▸Parking suspension: £150-£300/week
- ▸Highways license: £200-£500
- ▸Building control: £300-£800
Waste Disposal
Current Exeter rates:
- ▸Inert waste: £35-£50/tonne
- ▸Mixed waste: £120-£160/tonne
- ▸Hazardous: £200-£400/tonne
- ▸Muck away grab: £160-£200/load
Money-Saving Tips
Planning Stage
- ▸Combine projects to share setup costs
- ▸Winter scheduling often 10-15% cheaper
- ▸Bulk material orders save 15-20%
- ▸Reuse excavated material where possible
During Works
- ▸Clear access routes before contractors arrive
- ▸Mark utilities to avoid damage
- ▸Be decisive - changes cost money
- ▸Handle permits yourself where possible
Material Choices
- ▸Standard products vs. premium options
- ▸Local suppliers reduce transport
- ▸Reclaimed materials for character
- ▸Off-cuts and ends of season stock
Getting Accurate Quotes
Information to Provide
- ▸Detailed site plans
- ▸Photos of existing conditions
- ▸Access restrictions
- ▸Preferred materials
- ▸Timeline requirements
Quote Comparison
- ▸Ensure same scope included
- ▸Check VAT status
- ▸Verify insurance levels
- ▸Understand payment terms
- ▸Get references
Red Flags
- ▸Significantly below others (>20%)
- ▸Large upfront payments
- ▸No written quotation
- ▸Pressure tactics
- ▸No fixed address
Seasonal Variations
Best Value Months
- ▸November-February: 10-15% lower
- ▸Avoid April-June (busiest)
- ▸Book summer work in winter
Weather Impacts
- ▸Wet weather may increase costs
- ▸Frozen ground delays possible
- ▸Factor contingency time
Payment Structures
Typical Terms
- ▸Deposit: 10-25%
- ▸Stage payments for larger projects
- ▸Final payment on completion
- ▸Retention rare for domestic
VAT Considerations
- ▸Most groundworks: 20% VAT
- ▸New builds: Often 0% rated
- ▸Check contractor VAT status
- ▸Get VAT receipts
Conclusion
Exeter groundworks costs vary significantly based on project specifics, site conditions, and chosen specifications. While this guide provides realistic price ranges for 2024, every project is unique. Getting multiple detailed quotes from reputable local contractors remains essential.
Remember that cheapest isn't always best value - quality groundworks form the foundation of any construction project. Investing in proper preparation and execution saves money long-term through avoided problems and repairs.
RONIN Groundworks provides transparent, competitive pricing for all Exeter groundworks projects. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific requirements.