Residential Groundworks & Civil Engineering Standards for Your Home
From luxury swimming pool excavation to emergency drainage repairs. We bring the precision, speed, and 'owned fleet' reliability of a Tier 1 contractor to your driveway in Staffordshire and the Midlands.

Laser
Precision
Foundations poured to strict +/- 5mm tolerances using commercial-grade laser levelling technology.
Property Protection
We operate a fleet of modern Volvo excavators with rubber tracks to protect your paving and existing driveways.
Building Control Ready
All works are fully insured, CSCS carded, and executed to pass Building Control inspections first time.
Structural Surgeons for Your Property
Most residential groundworks companies treat every job the same: heavy machinery, mud, and mess. At Tilsley Groundworks, we take a different approach. We view ourselves as "Structural Surgeons." Whether we are excavating a tight-access basement for a luxury extension or installing complex drainage systems for a new housing development, we apply the same rigour we use on major civil engineering frameworks.
We understand that for a homeowner, groundworks can be the most stressful part of a build. It is the "unknown" beneath the soil. That is why we refuse to hire in unreliable plant. We own our entire fleet of Stage V low-emission Volvo excavators, dumpers, and haulage vehicles. This means no waiting for hire shops, no breakdown delays, and a guarantee that the machine arriving at your home is modern, quiet, and clean. From Lichfield to Tamworth, we are the partner that self-builders trust to get them out of the ground safely.

Our Residential Services
New Build Foundations
Comprehensive ground packages for self-builders. We handle site clearance, strip or raft foundations, and blockwork up to DPC level.

Swimming Pools & Tight Access
Precision excavation for pools, basements, and garden contouring. Our zero-tail swing micro-diggers fit through standard garden gates.

Precision Excavation for Pools, Extensions & Landscaping
You have invested in the dream design; don’t let the groundworks become a nightmare. Excavating for a swimming pool or a large extension requires more than just digging a hole, it requires engineering precision. A deviation of just a few centimetres can cause costly issues for your pool installers or bricklayers later on.
At Tilsley, we specialise in tight-access excavation. Using our compact Bobcat E10 excavators, we can navigate narrow alleyways and finished gardens without causing collateral damage. We use laser-guided depth control to ensure your pool shell or foundation sits perfectly level. We also handle all "muck away" services using our own 8-wheel tippers, ensuring waste is removed from your property legally and efficiently.
Zero-Tail Swing Machines
Work safely next to walls and fences.
Soil Management
We separate topsoil for reuse to save you money.
Vibration Control
Careful digging near existing structures to prevent cracks.
Emergency Drainage, Subsidence & Sewer Repairs
When a drain collapses or a subsidence crack appears, time is critical. Every hour of delay can lead to water damage, environmental hazards, or structural instability. The problem with many local builders is availability—they have to wait until Monday to hire a digger.
Tilsley Groundworks is different. Because we own our plant, we can mobilize immediately. Our Staffordshire-based team is equipped to handle deep excavation repairs, sewer connections, and septic tank replacements 24/7. We don't just patch the problem; we fix the root cause. We expose the damaged pipework, replace it with regulation-compliant PVC piping, and reinstate the ground to its original condition.
Sewer Connections
Approved contractors for Severn Trent connections.
Septic Tanks
Installation of treatment plants and soakaways.
Underpinning
Stabilizing foundations affected by subsidence.




From Consultation to Certification
1
The Plan
We visit your home to assess ground conditions, access widths, and service locations (gas/electric). We provide a fixed-price quote with no hidden hire charges.
2
The Build
Our team arrives on time with our own machinery. We set up safety fencing and protective matting before a single bucket of soil is moved.
3
The Handover
We work directly with Building Control inspectors to ensure all footings, drainage, and concrete pours are signed off, giving you the paperwork you need for your warranty.
Residential Groundworks FAQ
Do you handle the waste removal (muck away)?
Do you handle the waste removal (muck away)?
Absolutely. We operate our own grab lorries and tippers. We handle the full "muck away" process, ensuring soil and rubble are disposed of at licensed recycling facilities.
Can your diggers fit through a standard side gate?
Can your diggers fit through a standard side gate?
Yes. Our fleet includes "micro-diggers" (750mm wide) designed specifically for tight-access residential projects in Staffordshire. They can retract their tracks to drive through a standard doorway.
Do I need a soil test before digging foundations?
Do I need a soil test before digging foundations?
Usually, yes. A site investigation helps determine if you need standard strip foundations or engineered raft foundations. We can arrange this for you to ensure your build is compliant with UK Building Regulations.



