East Sussex · BN1, BN2, BN3
Groundworks in Brighton and Hove
Groundworks cover the below-ground and site-preparation stage of a build — excavation, foundations, drainage and hardstanding sub-base — carried out before structural building work begins.
In Brighton and Hove, that covers Kemp Town, Hove, Preston Park, Hanover, Seven Dials, Fiveways, Patcham, Portslade. Brighton and Hove is known for its Regency architecture, extensive Victorian terraced housing, and later 20th-century development, all within a compact coastal city where many properties are in conservation areas and a significant number are listed.
Coverage
Areas we cover in Brighton and Hove for groundworks
Property styles in Brighton and Hove
Regency squares and terraces are concentrated around Brunswick, Kemp Town and the seafront, with dense Victorian terraced housing across much of the wider city, and later suburban housing further from the centre. Basement conversions, loft conversions and rear extensions are common project types on the terraced stock, subject to conservation area and party wall considerations.
Planning considerations
Brighton & Hove City Council is the local planning authority. The city has one of the highest concentrations of conservation areas of any local authority in the South East, and many properties are listed, particularly in the Regency squares. Basement work also requires careful consideration of structural and drainage issues in a dense urban setting.
How it works
Our groundworks process
- 01
Site survey
Assessing existing ground conditions, services and access ahead of work starting.
- 02
Clearance
Clearing vegetation, existing hardstanding or structures as needed.
- 03
Excavation
Excavating to the depth specified by the foundation design, adjusted if ground conditions differ from expected.
- 04
Foundations and drainage
Pouring foundations and laying drainage runs to specification.
- 05
Backfill and compaction
Backfilling and compacting ready for the structural build to begin.
Also in this area
Other services we provide in Brighton and Hove
Nearby coverage
Groundworks in nearby areas
FAQs
Groundworks in Brighton and Hove: FAQs
Do you provide groundworks across all of Brighton and Hove?
Yes, we cover the BN1 and BN2 and BN3 postcode areas in full, including Kemp Town, Hove, Preston Park, Hanover, Seven Dials, Fiveways, Patcham, Portslade.
Why are groundworks often priced with provisional sums?
Ground conditions can't be fully confirmed until excavation begins — unexpected soil conditions, tree roots or buried services can affect the work. Provisional sums keep the quotation honest rather than guessing at conditions we can't yet see.
Can I extend a listed Regency property in Brighton?
Alterations to listed buildings require listed building consent in addition to any planning permission, and the historic character of Regency terraces means proposals are considered carefully. We assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis.
Get a quote for groundworks in Brighton and Hove
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-19.