Grounddown Construction, based in South London, are experts in planning, managing and building multi-phase projects, from outdoor landscaping to general construction. The owner has kindly agreed to answer some questions regarding what people often underestimate about running a local business, changing trends and style preferences and what the future could look like for Grounddown Construction.
Where are you based?
We’re based in Beckenham and work across South London, covering everything from garden landscaping to full-scale construction projects. Most of our work is in residential spaces, but we also take on commercial jobs. Being local means we know the area well and can offer advice that suits both the style of the neighbourhood and the practical needs of our clients.
What kinds of services do you offer?
We do everything from garden makeovers and driveways to patios, fencing, and full outdoor renovations. We also handle structural work, extensions, and general construction. Whether it’s a new outdoor living space or a full build, we focus on high-quality, long-lasting results.
What difference do your services make to your customers?
A well-designed garden or home improvement adds value to a property, but more importantly, it improves how people use their space. A new driveway makes parking easier, a well-built patio creates a better space for entertaining, and a well-thought-out extension can completely change how a home feels. Good construction should make life simpler and more enjoyable.
What’s one part of running a local business that most people underestimate?
The amount of problem-solving involved. Every project comes with unexpected challenges—whether it’s bad weather, hidden structural issues, or last-minute design changes. You have to be flexible, think on your feet, and keep things running smoothly without cutting corners.
What skills do your employees need to possess?
Our team needs a mix of technical skills and practical experience, depending on their role. For landscaping and construction, that includes bricklaying, paving, carpentry, groundwork, and general building skills. Attention to detail is key, especially for finishing work like patios and driveways. On top of that, problem-solving, teamwork, and good communication are just as important—you need to be able to adapt on-site and work efficiently with both colleagues and clients.
What’s the best part about running your business?
Seeing a project come together from start to finish. It’s satisfying to take a space that’s underused or run-down and turn it into something that looks great and works well for the client. The best part is handing over a finished job and seeing how happy people are with the end result.
How have you seen style preferences change since you first started your business?
People used to go for more traditional styles—block paving, classic patios, and neat lawns. Now, there’s a bigger focus on modern, low-maintenance designs like porcelain paving, composite decking, and artificial grass. More people also want multi-functional outdoor spaces with built-in seating, lighting, and outdoor kitchens.
How do you see your business growing in the future?
We’re always adapting to new trends and materials, so we’ll keep expanding our services to meet what customers want. There’s also a big push towards sustainable construction, so we’re looking at more eco-friendly materials and techniques. Long-term, we’d like to take on larger projects while still keeping the local, hands-on approach that people trust us for.
