FAQs

Answers Your Questions

Planning a project is a huge task, and it often can be overwhelming. If you have questions about a project, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our team is happy to offer a free consultation to answer all your excavating and sitework services questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

What services do you offer?

We offer a full range of groundwork services for both residential and commercial projects.

This includes:

  • site clearance
  • footings and foundations
  • concrete works
  • drainage systems
  • driveways
  • patios
  • paths
  • and all types of excavation

Whether you’re starting a new build or improving an existing property, we’ve got the equipment, experience, and team to get the job done safely and professionally.

Where are you based?

We’re based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, and we proudly serve the entire Cambridgeshire area and surrounding counties.

We’ve completed projects in Huntingdon, St Neots, Ely, Cambridge, and many villages and towns in between.

If you’re not sure whether we cover your area, just give us a ring and we’ll let you know.

Do you offer free quotes?
Yes, all our quotes are 100% free and there’s no pressure to commit. We’ll visit your site, discuss what you need, take measurements, and provide a clear breakdown of costs so you know exactly what you’re getting. We believe pricing should be straightforward, honest, and transparent from the start.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we carry full public liability insurance and all relevant cover for our equipment, team, and the work we carry out. We take safety seriously – for our workers, your property, and anyone on site – and our insurance gives everyone peace of mind from start to finish.
What types of clients do you work with?

We work with a wide range of clients including homeowners, landlords, builders, developers, landscapers, and commercial property owners.

Whether it’s a small garden project or large-scale site preparation for a new build, we adapt to the needs of the job and deliver reliable results every time.

What types of clients do you work with?

We work with a wide range of clients including homeowners, landlords, builders, developers, landscapers, and commercial property owners.

Whether it’s a small garden project or large-scale site preparation for a new build, we adapt to the needs of the job and deliver reliable results every time.

How long have you been in business?
GCE Groundworks has been operating for over a decade, and in that time we’ve built a solid reputation for quality workmanship, honest service, and getting the job done right. Many of our customers come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations, which we see as the best compliment of all.
Can you help with drainage and soakaways?
Yes, we’re highly experienced in installing and repairing all types of drainage systems. That includes foul drainage, stormwater systems, soakaways, and pipework installation. We can assess your property, offer advice on compliance and capacity, and make sure the system we install works properly for years to come.
Do you do driveways and patios?

Definitely. We install driveways using block paving, gravel, concrete, or tarmac – whatever suits your home and budget. We also build patios using quality materials like sandstone, limestone, porcelain, and more. We’ll help you design something that’s both functional and great-looking, whether it’s a modern outdoor space or something more traditional.

How soon can you start my project?
It depends on our current workload, but we’ll always try to fit you in as soon as we can. After a quote is accepted, we’ll give you a clear start date and time estimate for completion. We know how frustrating delays can be, so we do everything possible to stick to schedule and keep you updated along the way.
Do you handle site clearance?
Yes, we offer complete site clearance services to prepare your land for construction, landscaping, or other groundwork. This includes removing debris, vegetation, old foundations, and unwanted materials. We have the machinery and manpower to make short work of even large or overgrown sites.
Do I need planning permission for groundwork services?
That depends on the scope of your project. For things like new drainage systems or extensions, planning permission might be required. We’re not planning consultants, but we can guide you based on experience and often work closely with builders, architects, and surveyors to ensure everything meets local regulations.
Can you work alongside my builder or architect?
Absolutely. We regularly team up with other trades to make sure the project runs smoothly. Whether your builder needs specific groundwork done to support their schedule, or your architect has a plan that requires precision execution, we’ll fit in and keep communication open throughout.
Do you offer commercial groundwork services?
Yes, we take on commercial projects of all sizes. We’ve worked with property developers, business owners, housing associations, and local authorities. Whether it’s preparing the ground for a new office, retail unit, or residential block, we bring the same level of professionalism and attention to detail every time.
What areas do you cover?

We cover all of Cambridgeshire and parts of the surrounding counties including Huntingdonshire, Peterborough, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire.

If your project is a bit outside the border, still feel free to get in touch – we’re always open to discussing the job and seeing if we can help.

Do you lay concrete slabs and foundations for buildings?
Yes. Laying solid, level foundations is one of the most important parts of any structure, and we’ve done it hundreds of times. Whether it’s a house extension, garage, conservatory, or commercial unit, we’ll dig, prepare, and pour concrete that meets all building standards.
Can you help with garden landscaping?
While we’re not garden designers, we can handle all the groundwork preparation needed to make a landscaping project a success. That includes excavation, drainage, levelling, sleeper walls, bases for sheds or summerhouses, and any prep work your landscaper needs done beforehand.
Do you offer emergency or short-notice services?

If you’ve had a drainage failure, flooding, or another urgent issue, we’ll do everything we can to help quickly.

Our availability can vary depending on current jobs, but if it’s something urgent, just give us a call – we’ll always try to be flexible and offer fast support if we can.

What makes GCE Groundworks different?

We’re a family-run business that’s built its name on trust, quality, and showing up when we say we will.

We don’t cut corners, we don’t overcharge, and we treat every job – big or small – with the same care.

Most of our work comes from repeat clients or recommendations, which says a lot about how we do things.

How do I get started with a project?

It’s easy. Just give us a call or fill out the quote request form on our website. We’ll arrange a site visit at a time that works for you, talk through what you’re after, and send you a clear, detailed quote. If you’re happy with it, we’ll agree on a start date and keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Or give us a call on 01480 535478 / 07737 884643 to through your project.

Can I see examples of your previous work?

Yes, we’re always happy to show photos or give you details of past projects we’ve completed.

Our Facebook page is regularly updated with ongoing and completed jobs – take a look!

We can also provide references if needed. We believe in letting our work speak for itself, so if you’d like to see what we can do before you decide, just ask.

Call

01480 535478 / 07737 884643

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