Good projects start below the surface.

Think about levels, drainage and access before choosing the paving or pouring the concrete.

Plan your project ↓

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Make informed decisions
before work begins.

A practical starting point for homeowners in Essex and London.

01 / Explore

Your main decisions

Patios and paths need a build-up matched to their use and ground conditions; the visible finish is just the top layer.

Drainage work starts with understanding where water comes from and where it can properly discharge. A channel alone is not a complete drainage solution.

Foundations, retaining structures and major excavations need project-specific design. Existing services, neighbouring structures and ground conditions affect the approach.

02 / Prepare

Before you request a quote

Survey finished levels against thresholds, existing damp-proofing and neighbouring land.
Locate buried services and establish the drainage route before excavation.
Agree machinery access, spoil storage and protection for surfaces you are keeping.

03 / Compare

What your quote should cover

Excavation scope, spoil disposal and access assumptions.
Sub-base, bedding, edging and finish specification.
Falls, drainage outlets and any required testing.
Provisional allowances for unexpected ground conditions.

Get advice on an existing quote ↗

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing paving before deciding drainage and levels.
Leaving excavated material or disposal charges out of the price.
Assuming every patch of ground can support the same construction.

Budget for the whole project

Separate the building work from products you supply yourself. Ask which items are fixed prices and which are allowances. Include access, disposal, making good and applicable fees when comparing offers.

Keep a project-specific contingency for unknowns. Agree changes in writing, including the price and any programme impact, before they are carried out.

Keep decisions together

Save the agreed drawings, specification, product choices, written quotation and change approvals in one place. Nominate a main contact and agree how progress will be reported.

A typical project sequence

01Survey, design and permissions checks

02Locate services and prepare access

03Excavate and construct the agreed build-up

04Inspect levels, drainage and finished surfaces

Completion & handover

Walk the finished area together, check the agreed levels and drainage, and ask for records of any concealed drainage work. Front-garden paving can have planning implications; check the applicable drainage and permission rules.

Walk through the work together, list outstanding items and agree who will resolve them and when. Keep relevant care instructions, certificates and written warranty terms.

Planning Portal: front-garden paving ↗

General homeowner guidance for England, checked October 2026. The correct specification and approvals depend on the property and work proposed; confirm these with the appropriate designer, installer or local authority.

Let’s talk about your project

Turn your ideas into a clear brief.

Share your plans, location and the questions you want answered.

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