Groundworks subcontractor for builders and developers

Small and medium house builders, developers, main contractors and self-build project managers.

Priced per package, per metre or per day, with monthly or stage payments. Margins depend on tight estimating and keeping machines busy.

• Estimating and pricing from drawings
• Managing people and site safety
• Operating or supervising plant
• Handling cash flow and payment terms

• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff, plus plant and contract works cover
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) rules for subcontractors, check how to register with HMRC
• Health and safety duties, including risk assessments and method statements, and checking whether you are expected to hold accreditations such as SafeContractor or CHAS
• Late payment and cash flow, check payment terms before starting and keep a buffer
• Excavations, buried services and working near plant are high risk, so plan for safe working and training

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the excavator, dumper and tools you buy, and your insurance. Plant and contract works cover are worth including in your budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending on the contracts you win and the size of your team. This is revenue, not profit, and the estimate assumes about 40 hours a week or more.

Check how to register under the Construction Industry Scheme with HMRC, your health and safety duties including risk assessments and method statements, and whether accreditations like SafeContractor or CHAS are expected. Also check insurance, including employer's liability once you hire staff.