Groundworks, Drainage & Civil Estimating
Substructure, below-ground drainage, earthworks and external works measured to CESMM or NRM2, and priced to local rates where it matters.
Where most project risk sits: below ground
Groundworks carry more pricing risk than almost any other package. Dig levels, disposal, ground conditions, drainage depths and temporary works all move the price, and small measurement errors multiply across a whole site.
We measure groundworks and drainage packages from your site layouts, levels, foundation designs and drainage drawings. Quantities are structured so you can see exactly what has been allowed for excavation, disposal, imported fill, concrete, reinforcement and pipework, element by element.
We work for main contractors pricing the full substructure and for specialist groundworks contractors bidding for the package, on residential developments, commercial schemes and infrastructure work.
What we measure
Local rates, not national averages
Groundworks prices vary sharply by location. On a residential development in Jersey, labour runs 35 to 45% above BCIS mainland benchmarks, and no standard rate library reflects that. We priced the groundworks and drainage BOQ to local rates, and cross-checking it against subcontractor quotes caught two pricing anomalies worth £11,600 before the fixed-price contract was signed.
The same approach applies anywhere in the UK and Ireland: rates adjusted to the region, and quantities clear enough that anomalies stand out.
Frequently asked questions
CESMM for civil engineering and infrastructure work and NRM2 for building projects. We follow whatever your tender documents specify.
Yes. Excavation, disposal, imported material and compaction are measured separately so you can price haulage and tipping accurately.
Yes, provided it shows pipe sizes, invert levels and manhole positions. Where levels are missing, we state our assumptions clearly.
Yes. Basement excavation, waterproofing, RC retaining walls and sheet piling are covered by our structural estimating service.
Small packages in 24 to 48 hours, larger developments in 3 to 5 working days. Tell us your return date when you enquire.
Related services
Have a tender deadline?
Send us your drawings and scope. We'll confirm coverage, measurement standard and a fixed fee within 24 hours.
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