Groundworks
Fry Site Services is a family-run groundworks contractor based in Gravesend, working across Kent as part of the Fry Group. Groundworks covers everything between a cleared plot and a structure you can start building on, and we take on the whole package, the earthworks, the drainage, the concrete and the structural support. We work for main contractors, developers, self-builders and commercial clients, and the spoil is cleared through our own waste company as the job goes along.
Groundworks Contractors in Kent
Groundworks covers everything between a cleared plot and a structure you can start building. We regrade levels, dig and support trenches, lay the drainage, cast the concrete and bring the ground up to formation. We are groundworks contractors in Kent working for main contractors, developers, self-builders and commercial clients.
On most jobs the money is made or lost in the sequence. Drainage has to be in before the slab. Ducts go in before the sub-base. Levels get checked before anything is covered. When the excavation, drainage, concrete and waste all sit with one contractor, nobody is standing about waiting on another gang.
We work on domestic extensions and driveways, commercial and industrial developments and everything between. Our patch is Kent, including the Medway towns, Maidstone, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Gravesend and Dartford, and we take on work in South London, East Sussex and Essex.
What Does a Groundworks Package Include?
On the structural side we form strip, trench fill and raft foundations, cast ground beams and pile caps, and build retaining structures where levels change. We lay oversite and slabs. Reinforcement, cover and concrete grade all get checked before the concrete goes in, because nobody can inspect it afterwards.
Below-ground drainage goes in as part of the same works. That means foul and surface water runs, manholes and inspection chambers, soakaways and attenuation, plus ducts for incoming utilities. Falls and connections are set out to the drawings and to Approved Document H, and we test and record the runs before they are covered.
If a plot still needs clearing or reducing, our site clearance and land preparation teams go in first. Where the design calls for piled support, we bring in our piling and drilling capability. At the end we compact the sub-base and leave levels the next trade can work to, ready for a slab, a surfacing package or the roads and footpaths.
Every project runs to HSE guidance and CDM 2015 duties, with trenches supported and shored to depth.
We Are Accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
What Order Does a Groundworks Package Follow?
Clearance and site strip first. Then reduced-level dig and bulk earthworks to get the plot to level, then trench excavation and support. Drainage and ducts go in next, because they sit under everything else and have to be tested before they are covered. Concrete follows, footings, ground beams, pile caps and slabs. The sub-base goes down last, so the site is left at formation for whatever comes after.
Do You Install Drainage as Part of the Groundworks?
Yes, and it belongs there. Below-ground drainage has to be installed and tested before slabs and sub-base go over the top of it, so it sits in the same programme as the earthworks and concrete. We install foul and surface water runs, manholes, soakaways and attenuation, and set the falls to Approved Document H.
Can You Handle Small and Large Groundworks Projects?
Yes. On domestic extensions and driveways we use compact plant that fits through a standard gateway. On commercial and industrial developments we run tracked excavators, dumpers and dozers. The method does not change with the size of the job, only the plant and the size of the gang.
Who Clears the Spoil and Site Waste?
We do. Spoil, arisings and site waste go through our sister waste company within the Fry Group, so muck away sits inside the same contract as the groundworks. The site stays clear as the dig progresses, and the disposal cost stays predictable rather than something you negotiate later.
Other Services
Why Choose Fry Site Services
Deconstruction, groundworks, and waste management in one seamless process.
Cut costs and streamline your process with a single, dependable provider.
We’ll oversee the planning, logistics, and execution, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
With our skilled operators and expert management, every project stays on track.
Waste management through our sister company ensures eco-friendly practices and reduced costs.
We combine expertise, education and dedication for results you can rely on.