Frequently Asked Questions – Groundworks & Civil Engineering

We regularly undertake projects throughout Yorkshire and the North of England, including:

• Leeds
• Wakefield
• Bradford
• York
• Harrogate
• Sheffield
• Doncaster
• Barnsley
• Rotherham
• Huddersfield
• Hull
• Manchester
• Liverpool
• Newcastle and the North East

Projects outside these areas are considered depending on the scope, value, programme and operational requirements.

We deliver groundworks and civil engineering services across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Residential housing developments
• Commercial and industrial developments
• Schools and education facilities
• Healthcare projects
• Sports and leisure facilities
• Retail developments
• Utilities and infrastructure schemes
• Highway and public-realm works
• Refurbishment and redevelopment projects

View examples of our completed work on our project portfolio.

Yes. We regularly operate as a specialist groundworks and civil engineering subcontractor for developers, principal contractors and construction companies.

We can undertake individual work packages or provide a complete groundworks solution covering labour, plant, supervision, materials, temporary works coordination and site logistics.

Yes. Depending on the project, we can provide a complete package from initial site setup and excavation through to drainage, foundations, roads, external works and final completion.

Our team can coordinate:

• Labour and supervision
• Operated plant
• Material procurement
• Muckaway and waste documentation
• Concrete and reinforcement
• Drainage products
• Testing, inspections and project records

Yes. Our estimating team can review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, schedules and tender documents.

To help us prepare an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Site location
• Construction drawings
• Drainage and external works drawings
• Specifications and relevant details
• Bill of quantities, where available
• Anticipated start date
• Required programme
• Site access and working restrictions

Email tender enquiries to [email protected].

Groundworks costs vary significantly depending on the site, ground conditions, excavation depths, disposal requirements, drainage design, material specification, access restrictions and project programme.

A reliable quotation normally requires a review of the relevant drawings and site information. Providing detailed information at the enquiry stage reduces assumptions and improves pricing accuracy.

Contact our estimating team to discuss your project.

Quotation times depend on the size and complexity of the work package and the quality of the information supplied.

Smaller enquiries may be reviewed relatively quickly, while major groundworks packages involving detailed take-offs, supplier quotations and programme assessment will require more time.

We recommend issuing tender documents as early as possible and clearly identifying the required return date.

Lead times depend on workload, project size, location, plant requirements, material availability and the proposed start date.

For planned developments, early engagement gives us more opportunity to review the programme, secure resources and identify potential procurement risks.

Contact us to discuss current availability.

Yes. Drainage and sewer installation is a major part of our civil engineering service.

Our capabilities include:

• Foul water drainage
• Surface water drainage
• Manholes and inspection chambers
• Concrete and plastic pipe systems
• Attenuation tanks
• Flow-control chambers
• Headwalls and outfalls
• Channel drainage
• Land drainage
• Pumping-station associated works

Yes. We can undertake foul and surface water sewer connection works, subject to design approval, access arrangements, permits and the requirements of the relevant water authority.

Connection works may require:

• Approved drainage drawings
• Section 106 approval
• Road-opening permits
• Traffic management
• Temporary works or excavation support
• Water-authority inspections
• Testing and completion records

Send the approved design and connection details to our estimating team for review.

Yes. We install attenuation and surface-water management systems in accordance with approved designs and manufacturers’ requirements.

This may include:

• Crate attenuation systems
• Large-diameter pipe storage
• Precast concrete attenuation tanks
• Flow-control devices
• Hydrobrakes
• Swales and filter drains
• Permeable paving drainage
• Associated manholes and outfalls

Yes. We install ducting, chambers and associated infrastructure for electrical, communications, broadband, water and other site services.

Our work includes:

• Single and multi-way duct routes
• Draw pits and service chambers
• Road and footpath crossings
• Concrete surrounds
• Marker tape and protection systems
• Service trenches
• Reinstatement works
• Trenchless duct installations where appropriate

Yes. We construct foundations and concrete elements for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Our concrete capabilities include:

• Strip and trench-fill foundations
• Pad foundations
• Ground beams
• Reinforced concrete slabs
• Equipment and service plinths
• Retaining walls
• Concrete bases
• External concrete paving
• Formwork and reinforcement installation

Materials are normally supplied as part of our contracted groundworks and civil engineering packages.

Typical materials include:

• Drainage pipes and fittings
• Manholes and inspection chambers
• Precast concrete products
• Aggregates and sub-base materials
• Ready-mixed concrete
• Reinforcement and mesh
• Kerbs, edgings and paving
• Ducting and utility chambers
• Geotextiles and geogrids

We work with established manufacturers, merchants and specialist suppliers to source compliant products for each project.

We operate a substantial fleet of construction plant, vehicles and attachments to support our own groundworks and civil engineering projects.

Our fleet includes:

• Micro and mini excavators
• 2.5-tonne, 5-tonne and 8-tonne excavators
• 13-tonne, 14-tonne and 25-tonne excavators
• 1-tonne, 3-tonne, 6-tonne and 9-tonne dumpers
• Telehandlers
• Ride-on rollers
• Trench rollers
• Compaction equipment
• Attachments for specialist excavation and handling

Plant is generally supplied with trained and experienced operators as part of our contracted works. Standalone hire is subject to location, availability and operational requirements.

We provide muckaway, aggregate delivery and grab wagon support as part of our own groundworks and civil engineering operations.

Services may include:

• Removal of excavated material
• Site-clearance waste removal
• Delivery of aggregates
• Grab loading where site access allows
• Waste-transfer documentation
• Disposal at appropriately authorised facilities

Our transport operations are subject to our Operator Licence conditions. We do not advertise a general third-party haulage-only service.

Potentially contaminated or hazardous material must be assessed before removal.

We will require appropriate information such as soil-test results, waste classification and disposal requirements. Material must be transported and disposed of using the correct waste codes, documentation, carriers and authorised facilities.

We do not assume that excavated soil is clean or inert without suitable supporting information.

Yes. Durkan & Sons Ltd maintains appropriate insurance for its construction operations.

Current insurance documents can be provided for tender submissions, prequalification checks, project files and client compliance requirements.

Clients should contact us where a project requires specific insurance limits or endorsements.

Health and safety is central to the planning and delivery of our work.

Our approach includes:

• Site-specific risk assessments and method statements
• Construction-phase planning and coordination
• Permit-to-dig procedures
• Utility detection and safe excavation practices
• Regular site inspections and audits
• Toolbox talks and site briefings
• Plant inspections and maintenance
• LOLER and PUWER compliance
• Competency checks and operator training
• Incident reporting and continuous improvement

Visit our Health & Safety page for more information.

Plant operators are selected based on the equipment being used, the work activity and the requirements of the project.

Relevant competencies may include CPCS, NPORS, CSCS and task-specific training. Competency documentation can be provided as part of project mobilisation and compliance checks.

Yes. We have experience working within live construction sites and operational environments where access, public safety, deliveries and disruption must be carefully controlled.

This includes projects at:

• Sports venues
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Commercial premises
• Residential developments
• Industrial sites

Works are planned around the client’s programme, access restrictions, permits and site-specific safety requirements.

Yes. We provide enabling works to prepare sites for the principal construction phase.

This may include:

• Site clearance
• Reduced-level excavation
• Temporary access roads
• Construction compounds
• Drainage diversions
• Utility ducting
• Concrete bases and temporary works
• Service investigations
• Hardstanding and working platforms

Yes. Our external works capabilities include:

• Road construction
• Sub-base installation
• Kerbs and edgings
• Footpaths
• Block paving
• Concrete paving
• Car parks
• Drainage channels
• Bollard and street-furniture foundations
• Associated reinstatement

We can undertake highway and infrastructure works where the required approvals, designs, permits, traffic-management arrangements and client responsibilities are in place.

Section 278 work is assessed individually because requirements vary between highway authorities and projects.

Please provide the approved drawings, specification, legal agreement status and proposed programme when requesting a quotation.

Urgent support is considered subject to the nature of the work, site location, safety requirements and availability of labour and plant.

For urgent enquiries during office hours, call 0113 252 8044.

Existing clients should also contact their assigned Contracts Manager or Site Manager.

Project requirements vary, but mobilisation will normally require:

• Approved construction drawings
• Current specifications
• Site investigation information
• Utility records
• Programme and phasing details
• Access and delivery arrangements
• Principal contractor requirements
• Health and safety documentation
• Design responsibility information
• Permit and inspection requirements

Missing or unapproved information can delay mobilisation and increase commercial risk.

Durkan & Sons Ltd operates under Restricted Operator Licence OB1137127.

This allows us to transport our own goods, machinery, materials and waste in connection with our business operations.

It does not permit us to operate as a general haulage contractor carrying goods for other businesses as a standalone transport service.

Our wagons and transport services are therefore primarily used to support our own groundworks and civil engineering contracts.

Yes. Durkan & Sons Ltd is registered with the Environment Agency as an Upper Tier Carrier, Broker and Dealer.

• Waste Carrier Registration: CBDU266459
• Registration type: Upper Tier Carrier, Broker and Dealer
• Current registration period: 23 October 2024 to 4 December 2027

Waste movements remain subject to correct classification, authorised disposal arrangements and appropriate documentation.

• Company name: Durkan & Sons Ltd
• Company registration number: 07339255
• Registered office: The Grove, Roall Lane, Kellington, North Yorkshire, DN14 0NY
• Telephone: 0113 252 8044
• Estimating enquiries: [email protected]

Relevant company, insurance, waste and compliance documents are available on request.

To request a quotation:

• Call 0113 252 8044
• Email [email protected]
• Use our website contact form

Please include the project name, location, proposed start date, scope of works and relevant drawings.