Plan your UK concrete, foundations, driveway, slab, extension or renovation project with a clear 2026 step-by-step starter guide — from permissions and measurements to costs, trades, Building Regulations and ready-mix ordering.
🇬🇧 UK Building Guide
2026 Checklist
Concrete & Foundations
Beginner Friendly
QUICK NAV
STATS
150mm
Typical minimum DPC height above external ground level
5–10%
Typical concrete ordering waste allowance for simple pours
3+
Written quotes recommended before appointing a contractor
20%
Common contingency for renovation or uncertain ground conditions
GUIDE / STARTER RESOURCE
Getting Started with a UK Concrete or Building Project in 2026
Getting Startedis the practical first page for anyone planning a UK concrete, foundations, driveway, shed base, garage base, slab, extension or renovation project. The aim is simple: understand what you are building, whether the work needs permission or approval, how much concrete or labour may be required, what risks could change the price, and which professionals should be involved before money is spent on materials.
Most expensive problems begin at the start of a project, not at the end. A slab that is 20mm too deep can add unexpected concrete volume. A foundation trench in clay soil near trees can become far deeper than the homeowner expected. A driveway may need drainage planning before concrete is ordered. A garage conversion floor may need damp-proofing and insulation upgrades. A small retaining wall may need structural design if ground levels or boundaries are involved. This guide gives you a straightforward route through those early decisions.
2026 rule of thumb
Do not start by asking “how much is concrete?” Start by asking “what exact build-up, approval route, access method and specification does this job need?” The right specification prevents wasted concrete, failed inspections and costly remedial work.
Measure First
Measure length, width and depth in metres, then add realistic waste. For irregular shapes, split the area into smaller rectangles, circles or triangles before working out volume.
Check Rules Early
Planning permission, Building Regulations, Party Wall matters, drainage rules and highways restrictions can all affect the project before concrete is ordered.
Plan Delivery
Ready-mix lorries need access, standing space and discharge time. Tight rear gardens may need a pump, dumper, barrow gang or volumetric supplier.
The 7-step beginner roadmap
- Define the project:slab, base, driveway, footing, extension, conversion, repair or structural works.
- Check legal route:planning permission, permitted development, Building Regulations, boundary and drainage restrictions.
- Survey the site:levels, soil type, trees, drains, access, services, damp, contamination and existing structures.
- Choose specification:concrete grade, thickness, reinforcement, DPM/DPC, sub-base, insulation, finishing and curing.
- Work out quantity:volume, waste, delivery method, barrow/pump time and order size.
- Get written quotes:compare labour, plant, concrete, waste removal, inspections, VAT and contingencies.
- Prepare for the pour:book Building Control inspections where needed, confirm weather, access, resources and finishing team.
Planning Permission, Building Regulations and Early Checks
In the UK, planning permission and Building Regulations are not the same thing. Planning permission controls whether a development is acceptable in planning terms, such as size, appearance, position and impact on neighbours. Building Regulations control technical performance, including structure, fire safety, damp resistance, drainage, ventilation, energy efficiency and safe construction. A project can be permitted development for planning but still require Building Regulations approval.
For example, many extensions may be possible under permitted development rights if the limits and conditions are met, but most extensions still require Building Regulations approval. Structural concrete work, foundations, new floors, garage conversions, retaining walls and load-bearing changes should be checked before work starts. The safest route is to contact your local authority building control team or an approved building control body when the work may affect structure, damp, drainage, insulation or safety.
Do not confuse “small job” with “no rules”
A small concrete job can still be regulated if it supports a building, changes drainage, affects a boundary, creates a retaining structure or alters a habitable space. Always check the project type, not just the size.
Shed Base / Garden Slab
PlanningUsually low risk
Building RegsUsually not structural
CheckDrainage & boundaries
House Extension
PlanningPD or application
Building RegsNormally required
CheckFoundations & drains
Garage Conversion
PlanningVaries
Building RegsUsually required
CheckDPM, insulation, fire
Retaining Wall
PlanningPossible
Building RegsStructural design likely
CheckEngineer advised
- Project: Garden slab / shed base; Planning Check: Usually low risk, but outbuildings have limits; Building Regulations Check: Often not required if non-structural; Common First Risk: Drainage, levels, boundary runoff
- Project: Concrete driveway; Planning Check: Check highway access and drainage rules; Building Regulations Check: Depends on drainage, structure and context; Common First Risk: Surface water discharge
- Project: House extension; Planning Check: Permitted development or application; Building Regulations Check: Normally required; Common First Risk: Foundations, drains, structure
- Project: Garage conversion; Planning Check: Varies by property restrictions; Building Regulations Check: Usually required; Common First Risk: DPM, insulation, ventilation
- Project: Retaining wall / basement; Planning Check: Often needs careful checking; Building Regulations Check: Structural design usually required; Common First Risk: Lateral earth pressure
Official places to check first
- GOV.UK planning permission guidance:useful for checking when planning permission may be needed.
- Planning Portal common projects:helpful for extensions, driveways, outbuildings, loft conversions and common homeowner works.
- Approved Documents collection:the main Building Regulations guidance for England.
- Approved Document A:structure, foundations, loadings, walls, floors and roofs.
- Approved Document C:site preparation, contaminants, sub-soil drainage and moisture resistance.
- Local authority / building control:essential for site-specific confirmation and inspections.
How to Measure Concrete Work Before You Get Quotes
Accurate measurement is the simplest way to avoid budget surprises. Concrete is ordered in cubic metres, so the basic working is length × width × depth. The most common mistake is mixing millimetres and metres. A slab that is 100mm deep is 0.10m deep, not 100m. A 5m × 4m slab at 100mm deep is 5 × 4 × 0.10 = 2.0m³ before waste.
For most beginner projects, create a small drawing with dimensions, depth, reinforcement notes, falls, drainage points and access route. Take photos of the site and mark where the lorry, pump or barrow route will go. Suppliers and tradespeople can price more accurately when they can see shape, levels and access, not just square metres.
Measuring shortcut
Always convert depth from millimetres to metres before working out volume. 100mm = 0.10m, 150mm = 0.15m, 200mm = 0.20m, 300mm = 0.30m.
Rectangular Slab
Length × width × depth. Use for shed bases, garage bases, patios, paths and simple floor slabs. Add extra for thickened edges where used.
Strip Footing
Total trench length × trench width × concrete depth. Check whether it is traditional strip or trench-fill before ordering.
Pad Foundation
Pad length × pad width × pad depth × number of pads. Allow extra if holes are irregular or over-dug.
Recommended waste allowances
Waste allowance is not simply “wasted concrete”. It covers uneven excavation, sub-base variation, formwork bulging, pump priming, levelling tolerance and small measurement errors. Do not under-order structural concrete. A cold joint caused by running short can be more expensive than ordering slightly extra.
- Project Type: Simple formed slab; Typical Waste Allowance: 5%; Why It Changes: Accurate formwork and level sub-base; Beginner Advice: Good for easy sites
- Project Type: Driveway or large slab; Typical Waste Allowance: 7–10%; Why It Changes: Falls, edges and surface tolerance; Beginner Advice: Check drainage
- Project Type: Strip footings; Typical Waste Allowance: 10%; Why It Changes: Uneven trenches and overbreak; Beginner Advice: Do not under-order
- Project Type: Pad foundations; Typical Waste Allowance: 10–15%; Why It Changes: Irregular holes and ground collapse; Beginner Advice: Measure after excavation
- Project Type: Made ground / clay / tree risk; Typical Waste Allowance: 15%+; Why It Changes: Depth may change after inspection; Beginner Advice: Engineer / BC measurement
Simple slabWaste5%AdviceGood formwork needed
DrivewayWaste7–10%AdviceCheck falls/drainage
FootingsWaste10–15%AdviceMeasure trenches
BUDGET
Budgeting Your First UK Concrete Project
A reliable budget separates the job into sections: design and approvals, excavation, muck-away, hardcore or sub-base, DPM or radon barrier where relevant, reinforcement, formwork, concrete supply, delivery, pumping or barrowing, labour, finishing, curing and waste disposal. If you only price the concrete volume, you may miss half the actual project cost.
In 2026, homeowners and small builders should pay particular attention to access, minimum load charges, waiting time and VAT. A small amount of concrete can become expensive if the lorry cannot discharge quickly, if the pour is at the rear of the property, or if a pump is needed. Conversely, a well-prepared site with clear access, level formwork and enough people on the day can reduce waiting time and avoid aborted delivery charges.
Budget risk areas
Ground conditions, drains, trees, access, weather, late design changes and under-measuring are the most common early-stage causes of higher concrete project costs.
- Budget Item: Excavation; Why It Matters: Sets depth, level and quantity; Common Beginner Mistake: Pricing concrete before digging; Control Method: Measure after excavation where possible
- Budget Item: Muck-away; Why It Matters: Soil disposal can be costly; Common Beginner Mistake: Assuming spoil will stay on site; Control Method: Price skips/grab lorry early
- Budget Item: Sub-base; Why It Matters: Supports slabs and driveways; Common Beginner Mistake: Pouring over soft ground; Control Method: Specify MOT Type 1 or engineer detail
- Budget Item: DPM / insulation; Why It Matters: Required in many floor build-ups; Common Beginner Mistake: Missing upstands and lap details; Control Method: Follow Approved Document C principles
- Budget Item: Concrete delivery; Why It Matters: Minimum load and waiting time affect price; Common Beginner Mistake: No access plan; Control Method: Confirm lorry/pump/barrow route
- Budget Item: Finishing labour; Why It Matters: Concrete cannot wait once discharged; Common Beginner Mistake: Too few people on pour day; Control Method: Book enough labour and resources
Contingency guide
- 10% contingency:simple slab, clear access, known ground, no structural risk.
- 15% contingency:driveways, garage bases, strip foundations, medium projects and limited access.
- 20% contingency:renovations, extensions, unknown ground, drainage uncertainty or multiple trades.
- 25%+ contingency:retaining walls, basements, contaminated ground, tree/clay risk or structural alteration.
Who Do You Need Before You Start?
The right person depends on the project risk. A simple shed base may only need a competent groundworker or DIY approach. A house extension usually needs drawings, Building Regulations approval, foundation design assumptions and inspections. A large opening in a load-bearing wall needs a structural engineer. A driveway near the highway may need drainage and crossover checks. A floor in a habitable room may need damp, insulation and ventilation compliance.
When comparing trades, ask for recent similar work, insurance, written quotation, VAT status, start date, payment schedule, specification and who is responsible for ordering concrete. A cheap quote that excludes excavation, spoil, sub-base, DPM, reinforcement or finishing may not be cheap once all missing items are added.
Groundworker
Useful for excavation, sub-base, formwork, drainage preparation, reinforcement placement and concrete pour preparation.
Structural Engineer
Needed for load-bearing changes, retaining walls, unusual foundations, basements, steel beams and non-standard structural work.
Building Control
Required for many regulated projects. Inspections may include excavation, foundations, DPC/DPM, drainage and completion.
Questions to ask before appointing anyone
- Is the quotation fixed price, day rate or estimate?
- Does it include excavation, disposal, hardcore, compaction, formwork, DPM, reinforcement and finishing?
- Who determines and orders concrete?
- Who pays waiting-time or failed-delivery charges?
- Who books Building Control inspections?
- What concrete grade and slump/consistence will be specified?
- How will wet weather, frost, hot weather or access problems be handled?
- What payment schedule applies, and what warranty or aftercare is provided?
Typical Project Timeline: From Idea to Pour Day
Every site is different, but a beginner-friendly timeline helps avoid rushing. The safest approach is to avoid booking concrete until the design, access route, excavation, inspection requirements, formwork and labour are ready. Ready-mix concrete is time-sensitive, and poor preparation on pour day usually costs more than careful planning the week before.
Week 1: Scope & RulesTaskDefine project, check planning/building regs
Week 2: Survey & QuotesTaskMeasure, inspect site, get written quotes
Week 3: PrepTaskExcavate, sub-base, formwork, inspection
Pour DayTaskDeliver, place, compact, finish and cure
- Stage: 1. Idea; Main Tasks: Define what you want to build and why; Do Not Proceed Until: Project type and rough size are clear; Helpful Resource: Getting Started Resource
- Stage: 2. Compliance; Main Tasks: Check planning, Building Regulations, drains and boundaries; Do Not Proceed Until: Approval route is understood; Helpful Resource: Building Regulations Guide
- Stage: 3. Measurement; Main Tasks: Measure area, depth, access and levels; Do Not Proceed Until: Volume and waste allowance are determined; Helpful Resource: Concrete Volume Guide
- Stage: 4. Specification; Main Tasks: Choose concrete grade, reinforcement and build-up; Do Not Proceed Until: Supplier/trade understands specification; Helpful Resource: Concrete Grades Guide
- Stage: 5. Quotes; Main Tasks: Compare written quotes and exclusions; Do Not Proceed Until: Scope, VAT and payment terms are clear; Helpful Resource: Labour Cost Guide
- Stage: 6. Site Prep; Main Tasks: Excavate, compact, form, inspect and prepare resources; Do Not Proceed Until: Site is ready before lorry is booked; Helpful Resource: Footings or DPM Guide
- Stage: 7. Pour; Main Tasks: Place, compact, level, finish and cure; Do Not Proceed Until: Weather and labour are suitable; Helpful Resource: Ready-Mix Supplier Finder
Choosing the Right Concrete Specification Before You Start
Concrete is not one universal product. A low-risk garden slab, a domestic driveway, a strip foundation, a reinforced suspended slab and a chemically exposed foundation all need different thinking. Beginners often ask for “strong concrete” without explaining the exposure, loading, finish, delivery route or building control requirement. A better approach is to describe the job clearly and ask the supplier, engineer or builder to confirm the appropriate BS 8500 / BS EN 206 style specification.
For non-structural domestic work, a standard GEN or ST mix may be adequate. For reinforced concrete, driveway traffic, external freeze-thaw exposure, sulphate-bearing ground or structural foundations, the mix choice becomes more important. The concrete should be compatible with the ground, reinforcement, intended finish, exposure class and inspection requirements. If Building Control, an engineer or a warranty provider has specified a concrete class, use that specification rather than replacing it with a cheaper or generic alternative.
Beginners should also understand consistence, often described informally as slump. A wetter mix may be easier to place, but excess water added on site can reduce strength and durability. If you need easier placement because of difficult access or reinforcement congestion, ask the supplier for the correct consistence class or admixture rather than adding uncontrolled water from a hose.
Never change a specified structural mix without approval
If drawings, Building Control notes or an engineer specify a concrete grade, exposure class, minimum cement content or reinforcement detail, do not substitute it casually. Structural concrete is part of the design, not just a bulk material.
- Project: Shed base / light slab; Typical Starting Point: GEN1 / C10-C15 style use; Extra Checks: Sub-base, thickness, falls; Beginner Warning: Do not pour onto soft soil
- Project: Garage base; Typical Starting Point: C20/25 or C25/30 style use; Extra Checks: DPM, insulation, edge thickening; Beginner Warning: Check if habitable conversion rules apply
- Project: Driveway; Typical Starting Point: GEN3, RC25/30 or PAV-type use; Extra Checks: Drainage, frost, finish, thickness; Beginner Warning: Thin concrete cracks under vehicles
- Project: Strip foundations; Typical Starting Point: FND / GEN mix as specified; Extra Checks: Soil, sulphates, trees, depth; Beginner Warning: Building Control may alter depth on site
- Project: Reinforced slab; Typical Starting Point: RC class specified by design; Extra Checks: Cover, reinforcement, exposure; Beginner Warning: Needs drawings and proper placement
- Project: Retaining wall; Typical Starting Point: Engineer-designed RC mix; Extra Checks: Drainage, waterproofing, earth pressure; Beginner Warning: Not a beginner design job
Shed baseMixGEN / light dutyCheckSub-base and thickness
DrivewayMixPAV / RC styleCheckDrainage and finish
FoundationsMixFND / specifiedCheckSoil and inspection
ORDERING
Ordering Ready-Mix Concrete: What Beginners Should Know
Ready-mix ordering is more than giving a supplier a cubic metre number. The supplier needs the delivery address, required date and time, project use, access restrictions, quantity, mix specification, consistence/slump requirement, discharge method, distance from lorry to pour, whether a pump is needed, and whether the site is ready. If you are using Building Control, it is sensible to avoid booking the lorry until the excavation or pre-pour stage has been inspected where required.
Small jobs can be affected by minimum load charges. Large jobs can be affected by lorry sequencing, pump availability and finishing labour. Urban jobs can be affected by parking, permits, narrow streets, overhead cables, restricted working hours and neighbours. Rear garden jobs often need barrowing, a line pump or a small-load/volumetric provider. The easiest ordering experience is when the site is measured, formed, accessible and ready before you call.
For first-time users, the safest approach is to ask the supplier what information they need and write it down before booking. Many problems happen because one person assumes the builder ordered the concrete, the supplier assumes access is suitable, or the homeowner assumes the driver can wait while final preparation is finished. Concrete has a limited working time. The team, resources and route must be ready before the lorry arrives.
Lorry Access
Check road width, parking, turning, overhead obstructions and distance from discharge point to pour location.
Discharge Method
Direct chute is cheapest, but rear gardens often need barrows, dumper, line pump or boom pump.
Waiting Time
Suppliers may charge waiting time if the site is not ready or if the pour team cannot place concrete fast enough.
Concrete booking checklist
- Confirm exact cubic metres, including waste allowance.
- Confirm the specified mix or application, not just “concrete”.
- Confirm whether the order is ready-mix, mini-mix, volumetric or on-site mixed.
- Confirm if the price includes VAT, delivery, part-load charges and waiting time.
- Confirm access: lorry size, road restrictions, parking, distance and discharge method.
- Confirm who receives the delivery and who signs the ticket.
- Confirm the site is formed, compacted, damp-proofed or reinforced before delivery.
- Confirm weather plan for rain, heat, frost or strong wind.
- Confirm finishing team, resources, screed rails, tamp, float, curing method and washout area.
Health, Safety and Site Preparation for Beginners
Concrete and groundwork are physically demanding and can be hazardous. Wet concrete is alkaline and can cause burns. Excavations can collapse. Underground services can be damaged. Manual handling can cause injury. Lorries, pumps and dumpers create vehicle risk. Even domestic projects should be planned so that the site is safe, the route is clear, children and pets are kept away, and protective equipment is used.
For projects involving contractors, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 can apply. Domestic clients usually have duties transferred to the contractor or principal contractor, but that does not mean safety can be ignored. Clear communication helps: who is controlling the site, who is responsible for welfare, who has checked services, who manages visitors, and who stops the pour if conditions become unsafe?
Wet concrete safety
Use gloves, boots, eye protection and suitable clothing. Wash splashes immediately and do not kneel directly in wet concrete. Keep children and pets away from the working area.
- Risk: Underground services; Why It Matters: Gas, electric, water, drains and telecoms may be hidden; Beginner Control: Use plans, detector and trial holes; When to Get Help: If any uncertainty exists
- Risk: Excavations; Why It Matters: Collapse can cause injury and delay; Beginner Control: Keep edges safe and avoid unsupported deep trenches; When to Get Help: Deep or unstable ground
- Risk: Manual handling; Why It Matters: Concrete, bags, kerbs and mesh are heavy; Beginner Control: Use mechanical help and enough people; When to Get Help: Large pours or restricted access
- Risk: Concrete burns; Why It Matters: Wet cement is alkaline; Beginner Control: PPE and washing facilities; When to Get Help: Any skin exposure or burn symptoms
- Risk: Vehicle movement; Why It Matters: Lorries and pumps need safe standing; Beginner Control: Clear route and banksman where needed; When to Get Help: Tight access or public areas
Common Getting Started Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The beginning of a project is when assumptions are cheapest to correct. Once the trench is open, the lorry is booked or the concrete is on site, small mistakes become expensive. Use the list below as a pre-start review before paying deposits, ordering materials or confirming a pour date.
- Ordering too little concrete:always add a sensible waste allowance, especially for excavations and uneven ground.
- Ignoring drainage:driveways, patios and slabs should not send water towards buildings, neighbours or the highway without proper design.
- Using square metres instead of cubic metres:concrete is sold by volume, not surface area.
- Not checking DPM/DPC requirements:habitable floors, garage conversions and extensions need proper moisture control.
- Assuming all ground is the same:clay, trees, made ground, soft spots and drains can change foundation requirements.
- Comparing incomplete quotes:one quote may include muck-away, sub-base and finish while another only includes labour.
- No access plan:a lorry chute may not reach a rear garden; pumps and barrows must be planned early.
- Booking concrete before inspection:regulated foundation work may need Building Control approval before pouring.
- Poor curing:fresh concrete needs protection from rapid drying, frost, heavy rain and early loading.
- Changing design on site:last-minute changes can affect structure, cost, thickness, materials and compliance.
Best beginner habit
Keep one project folder with drawings, photos, measurements, quotes, invoices, delivery tickets, approvals and inspection notes. This helps with Building Control, disputes, warranties and future property sales.
Start with the route, not the material
Concrete is only one part of the job. Before ordering, confirm the project route, compliance checks, ground conditions, access, thickness, specification and who is responsible for finishing the pour.
Getting Started — Frequently Asked Questions
Common beginner questions about starting a UK concrete, foundations, driveway, slab, extension or renovation project in 2026.
What should I do first before starting a concrete project?+
Start by defining exactly what the concrete is for: non-structural slab, driveway, shed base, foundation, floor, extension, retaining wall or repair. Then check whether the work needs planning permission, Building Regulations approval, drainage consideration or a structural engineer. Only after that should you work out volume, choose concrete grade and request quotes.
Do I need planning permission for concrete work?+
Sometimes. Small garden slabs are often low risk, but driveways, extensions, outbuildings, boundary structures, retaining walls and works affecting drainage or highways may need planning checks. Permitted development rights can apply to some projects, but they have limits and conditions. Check your local planning authority or Planning Portal guidance before work starts.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?+
Many structural or habitable-space projects need Building Regulations approval, including extensions, garage conversions, foundations, structural alterations, some retaining structures, new floors and drainage changes. A simple garden slab may not, but if the work supports a building or affects damp, drainage, fire, structure or insulation, get advice from building control.
How do I work out concrete volume as a beginner?+
Use metres for all dimensions. For a rectangular slab, multiply length × width × depth. For a strip footing, multiply total trench length × trench width × concrete depth. For pad foundations, multiply pad length × pad width × pad depth × number of pads. Add 5–15% waste depending on project accuracy and ground risk.
Should I use ready-mix or bagged concrete?+
Bagged concrete can be suitable for very small repairs, fence posts or tiny pads. Ready-mix is normally better for larger slabs, driveways, garage bases and foundations because it is consistent, faster and easier to place in volume. For structural work, use a proper specification and speak to the supplier or engineer.
What documents should I prepare before asking for quotes?+
Prepare a simple plan with measurements, photos, access notes, desired thickness, concrete use, drainage notes, site restrictions and any drawings or approval documents. For regulated work, include building control requirements, engineer drawings, foundation inspection requirements and specification details. The clearer your information, the easier it is to compare quotes fairly.
How many quotes should I get?+
For most jobs over a few hundred pounds, get at least three written quotes. Ask every supplier or contractor to quote against the same scope so you can compare like for like. Check whether VAT, waste removal, access equipment, concrete delivery, reinforcement, DPM, finishing and contingency are included.
What is the biggest beginner mistake?+
The biggest mistake is ordering materials before the site and specification are ready. Concrete should not be booked until depth, volume, access, labour, formwork, inspection requirements, weather and finishing plan are confirmed. Under-ordering, weak sub-base preparation and unclear responsibility between builder and supplier are also common problems.
Recommended Resources to Use Next
After using this getting started guide, use these guides and references to plan your quantities, compliance route and budget.
Volume
Ready-Mix Concrete Volume Guide
Work out slab, footing, base and pad concrete quantities in cubic metres before ordering.
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Foundations
Footings Guide UK
Estimate strip and pad foundation concrete volume, waste allowance and ready-mix order size.
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Compliance
Building Regulations UK
Understand Approved Documents, Building Control, inspections and common compliance requirements.
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