Hertfordshire · England
Excavation and sub-base in St Albans
If you are planning a driveway dig-out and sub-base in St Albans, start with a free survey. We measure, check levels and drainage, and set out each part of the price in writing.
- Guide price
- Priced after survey
- Postcodes
- AL1, AL2
- Survey
- Free, no obligation
What excavation and sub-base involves
Excavation and sub-base work is the groundwork under a resin surface: digging out the old drive and soft ground, removing the spoil, and building up compacted layers of crushed stone and a binder course that will carry cars without moving.
Groundwork prices in St Albans depend on what is found below the surface, so the survey looks closely at ground conditions, access and drainage. Drives in St Albans range from single-car frontages to wide plots, which is why every price follows a measured survey.
Typical projects we can quote for in St Albans include replacing failed edges that have started to crumble, preparing a drive to meet a new dropped kerb and adding a soakaway so water stays on the property. More about excavation and sub-base.
Prices for excavation and sub-base in St Albans
For the East of England, where typical costs are above the UK average, these are the ranges we would expect before seeing your property.
| Service | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Excavation and sub-base | Priced after survey |
| Driveway edging and borders | £25–£65 per linear metre |
| Resin driveway cleaning | £85–£215 per visit |
Based on East of England rates. See the full price guide or price your own project.
Planning in St Albans
Groundworks for a domestic drive do not usually need planning permission in themselves, but the finished surface follows the front-garden drainage rules, and shallow services such as water pipes and cables are located before digging.
General information for England, not legal advice.
Weather and working days
The East of England is the driest part of the UK, which gives a long resin laying season, though heavy clays in places mean the sub-base needs designing for slow drainage. Spring to autumn offers the most laying days in Hertfordshire, but dry, mild winter days can work too.
How it works
The steps are simple: guide price, free survey, written quote with a fixed price once the specification is agreed, then a date that suits you and the weather.
Excavation and sub-base in St Albans: questions
Who approves dropped kerbs in St Albans?
Dropped kerb consent comes from your council as local highway authority. We help with the application and get your drive ready to meet the new crossing.
Do I need planning permission in St Albans?
In England, a new or replaced hard surface of more than 5 m² in a front garden is permitted development only if it is porous, or if rainwater drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. A fully permeable resin bound build, with a porous base under it, meets that test.
Is the price fixed for St Albans jobs?
Yes, once the scope and specification are agreed in writing. If hidden ground conditions turn up, we explain and agree any change with you before doing extra work.
Excavation and sub-base near St Albans
- Harpenden 4.7 mi
- Hatfield 4.8 mi
- Hemel Hempstead 5.0 mi
- Welwyn Garden City 6.5 mi
- Borehamwood 7.0 mi
Other services in St Albans
- Resin bound driveways
- Resin bonded driveways
- Resin over tarmac and concrete
- New resin driveways (full dig-out)
- Permeable SuDS driveways
- Driveway extensions and widening
- Resin patios
- Resin garden paths
- Resin steps
- Accessible resin ramps
- Driveway drainage and soakaways
- Driveway edging and borders
- Dropped kerb applications
- Resin driveway repairs
- Resin driveway cleaning
- Resin driveway restoration
- Commercial resin surfacing
Free survey · itemised quote
Book a free survey in St Albans
We cover AL1 and AL2 and nearby. Tell us about your project and we will be in touch to arrange a visit.
- Base, edging and drainage priced line by line
- Real blend samples shown in daylight
- Price fixed in writing once the spec is agreed
Prefer to talk? 0800 088 6341 or