Reliable structural ground preparation for long-lasting external construction.

Better Living Groundworks delivers technically robust ground preparation and external works packages across commercial, public realm and large-scale residential developments.

From sub-base construction and drainage infrastructure to paving systems, retaining structures, boundary installations and full soft landscaping, every package is delivered with durability, compliance and long-term performance in mind.

We focus on what others often overlook: correct levels, water management, specification compliance and careful coordination, ensuring the finished environment performs for decades.

Who It Is For

Developers

Full external works packages for residential and mixed-use schemes requiring coordinated delivery, programme certainty and a scalable workforce with experienced teams who take pride in getting the job done properly to specification, with experience in managing complex and restricted programmes

Main Contractors

Groundworks and surfacing delivered to specification, integrated with wider site operations and sequencing. Our experienced, scalable workforce manages tight programmes and , complex sequencing whilst ensuring critical timelines are met with exceptional attention to detail, minimising the need for long snagging procedures.

Public Sector and Education

Safe, compliant installations including play areas, drainage systems and public realm surfacing. With our experience working in live environments and our DBS-checked staff, we ensure the safety of the wider public.

Architects and Landscape Architects

Technical installation partner capable of executing detailed drawings, structural requirements and SuDS strategies. Working to ensure any value engineering requirements are kept in line with design intent and remain compliant with planning conditions.

How We Work

Our Design and Delivery Process

Site Review and Specification Analysis

We review drawings, structural details, drainage requirements and load considerations to ensure alignment before work begins.

Ground Preparation and Structural Base Works

Excavation, formation levels, sub-base installation and structural concrete elements completed to agreed tolerances.

Installation and Coordination

Paving, surfacing, drainage, boundaries and soft landscaping installed in the correct sequence, kept to a high standard of finish and coordination with other trades.

Inspection and Handover

Final checks for compliance, falls, drainage performance and finish quality prior to project sign-off.Better Living Groundworks have a stringent internal Quality Assurance process, delivering confidence and minimising the time spent by client QA processes.

Services

Sub-Bases and Foundations for External Works

Installation of engineered sub-bases for paving, paths and play areas, along with foundations for walls, fencing, planters and external structures. Includes concrete slabs and reinforced structural bases.

Typical pricing: Project-specific quotation based on excavation depth, access and material specification.

Includes:

Sub-Bases & Foundations for External Works

Sub-Base installation for paving, paths & play areas

Foundations for walls, fencing, planters & structures

Services

Paving and Surfacing

Porcelain paving, natural stone such as sandstone, limestone and granite, concrete slabs, block and permeable paving, resin-bound surfacing and bound gravel systems. Includes steps, ramps and compliant access routes.

Typical pricing: Quoted per square metre depending on material and preparation requirements.

Includes:

Tarmac Surfacing

Porcelain paving

Natural stone paving (sandstone, limestone, granite)

Concrete paving & slabs

Block paving & permeable paving

Resin-bound surfacing

Bound gravel systems

Steps, ramps & access routes

Services

Soft Landscaping

Topsoiling and soil improvement, turfing including reinforced systems, meadow establishment, shrub and tree planting, and raised planting beds.

Typical pricing: Based on planting density, soil condition and irrigation requirements.

Includes:

Soft Landscaping

Topsoiling & soil improvement

Turfing (natural & reinforced turf systems)

Seeding & meadow establishment

Shrub, hedge & tree planting

Raised planting beds & planters

Services

Fencing, Walls and Boundaries

Porcelain paving, natural stone such as sandstone, limestone and granite, concrete slabs, block and permeable paving, resin-bound surfacing and bound gravel systems. Includes steps, ramps and compliant access routes.

Typical pricing: Quoted per square metre depending on material and preparation requirements.

Includes:

Tarmac Surfacing

Porcelain paving

Natural stone paving (sandstone, limestone, granite)

Concrete paving & slabs

Block paving & permeable paving

Resin-bound surfacing

Bound gravel systems

Steps, ramps & access routes

Services

Play Areas and Specialist Surfacing

Play area groundworks, wetpour and rubber safety surfacing, artificial grass for play and sports, bark and natural impact-absorbing surfaces. Typical pricing: Based on safety specification and area coverage.

Includes:

Play Areas & Specialist Surfacing

Play Equipment installations

Play area groundworks

Wetpour & rubber safety surfacing

Artificial grass for play & sports areas

Bark & natural play surfaces

Services

Drainage and Water Management

Surface water drainage systems, channel drains and ACO systems, soakaways, attenuation solutions and SuDS-compliant installations.

Typical pricing: Project-specific due to ground conditions and discharge strategy.

Includes:

Drainage & Water Management

Surface water drainage

Channel drains & ACO systems

Soakaways & attenuation

SuDS-compliant installations

Services

Water Features and External Structures

Water features, ponds, reflecting pools, concrete bases for pergolas and shelters, seating installations and street furniture.

Typical pricing: Based on structural and service requirements.

Includes:

Water Features & External Structures

Water features & fountains

Ponds & reflecting pools

Concrete bases for pergolas & shelters

Seating, street furniture & external structures

Services

Specialist Groundworks

Structural planters and tree pits, root barriers and soil cell systems, lightweight build-ups, hardstandings, service yards and full external works packages for commercial and public realm schemes. Typical pricing: Determined by engineering specification and access constraints.

Includes:

Specialist Groundworks

Structural planters & tree pits

Root barriers & soil cell systems

Lightweight build-ups

Hardstandings & service yards

External works for commercial & public realm schemes

Visual Showcase

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Clients Say

Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials provide insights into the quality and reliability of our services. Discover what our clients have to say.

FAQ

Frequently Asked questions

Depth varies depending on loading requirements, ground conditions and intended use. Specification is typically defined by an engineer or project consultant.

Yes. We install systems designed to manage surface water responsibly, including attenuation and permeable paving solutions.

Yes. We regularly work alongside principal contractors and specialist trades to ensure correct sequencing and compliance.

Contact Us

Get in touch now
with our team

If you are planning a development, refurbishment or public realm project, speak to our team to discuss scope, programme and technical requirements.