Earthworks and excavation
Site preparation, excavation, trenches, soil removal and compaction before foundations, gardens or exterior work.
We build to the technical project
Earthworks bring together the tasks that leave the ground ready to build on: clearing, setting out, excavation, trenches, soil removal and compaction. It is a step before the foundations and before many exterior works, and it deserves a technical approach when the ground conditions or site access require it. We do not start without the levels and gradients defined; if you do not have them yet, we coordinate with architects and technical specialists.
- Execution to the project levels and drawings
- Machinery and means suited to the access
- Soil disposal to an authorised waste manager
- Levels and gradients defined in the project
- A geotechnical study when the case requires it
- Viable access for the machinery
What's included
The exact scope is defined in writing for each project. It does not include items that are not agreed.
When this service makes sense
- Before the foundations of a house or extension
- Before pools, terraces or exterior work
- To correct the level or slope of the ground
- When drainage or water run-off needs preparing
How we work
Conversation and visit
Quote and contract
Permits and preparation
Execution with reporting
Handover and warranty
Stages of the work
Structural, electrical, gas and roofing work is high-risk and must be carried out by professionals in line with the technical project and regulations. We explain how we work; this is not a manual for doing it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
- What do earthworks include?
- They usually include clearing and preparing the ground, setting out, excavation and trenches, soil removal to an authorised waste manager, and compaction of the base; depending on the project, also a gravel sub-base and drainage preparation. The exact scope depends on the ground, the access and the project, and is set in writing before work starts.
- Do you need to move soil before laying the foundations?
- Often yes: foundations need a base that has been excavated, levelled and compacted to the project levels. Exactly what is required, though, depends on the ground and the foundation solution set by the project and, where needed, the geotechnical study.
- How important is access for the machinery?
- Very. The type of machinery that can be used depends on the access width, the slope and the room to manoeuvre and load soil. It is worth checking the access before planning the work; in some cases the means or the site organisation have to be adapted.
- Do earthworks need a permit or a technical project?
- They may, and it depends on the scope and the municipality. When earthworks are part of a project with a licence — foundations or a pool, for example — they are usually processed within that work; in other cases they may need a notification or a licence. The requirements are set by the council and should be checked with the technician for your case.
Have a project? We can review it
Send us the drawings, the geotechnical study or whatever you have. We’ll give you an indicative execution quote and a clear scope before starting.