Project Overview
Feltham Demolition were appointed to undertake a substantial basement conversion excavation project in Putney for a residential property owner. The most critical requirement was maintaining excellent neighbour relations throughout the project while ensuring rapid excavation to keep the conversion on schedule. The client emphasised that they didn’t want complaints from surrounding properties or any delays that could impact the overall basement conversion timeline.
This extensive dig out required the removal of over 150 grab loads of soil, clay, and subsoil material from beneath the existing property. The sheer volume of excavated material demanded careful logistics and efficient waste management to prevent the project from overrunning. The confined residential location also meant access was restricted, requiring precise coordination of vehicle movements.
The primary objective was to complete the excavation quickly and safely while minimising disruption to neighbouring properties in this quiet Putney residential street. The client was equally focused on environmental responsibility, wanting assurance that all excavated material would be recycled rather than sent to landfill. Fortunately, environmental excellence is central to our approach at Feltham Demolition, making us the ideal partner for this project.
What We Did
We deployed our professional grab-hire service for this Putney basement excavation, which proved essential for a project of this scale. With over 150 grab loads to remove, the efficiency of grab lorries was crucial. Unlike skip hire, which would have required dozens of skips taking up valuable street space and needing frequent exchanges, our grab lorries could collect material directly from the excavation and transport it immediately to recycling facilities.
Our experienced operators coordinated lorry movements carefully to minimise traffic disruption on the residential street. We established strict working hours in consultation with the client and local residents, ensuring all heavy vehicle movements occurred during acceptable daytime periods. Each grab lorry was loaded efficiently to maximise capacity while maintaining road safety standards.
Throughout the dig out, we implemented rigorous dust suppression, noise control, and site cleanliness measures. We installed protective sheeting around the access point to contain dust and debris. The excavation area was dampened regularly using water suppression systems to prevent dust becoming airborne. We laid heavy-duty trackway protection across the driveway and access route to prevent damage and keep the area clean. Our team swept the street multiple times daily to ensure no mud or debris was left on the road.
We maintained comprehensive safety measures throughout, including secure site hoarding, proper edge protection around the excavation, and clear signage. Our team was briefed on the importance of being courteous and respectful to neighbours, keeping noise to a minimum wherever possible, and maintaining professional conduct at all times.
Cost Savings
We always strive to deliver maximum value for our clients while maintaining the highest standards of service.
On this Putney project, our client benefited significantly from using our grab-hire service rather than alternative waste removal methods. Skip hire for this volume of material would have been considerably more expensive due to the number of skips required, extended hire periods, and the space needed on-site. The grab-hire approach meant continuous excavation without waiting for skips to be exchanged, keeping labour costs down and the project moving efficiently.
All excavated material was transported to our approved recycling facility where it was processed into reusable aggregate. Rather than paying premium landfill disposal fees, the material was diverted into the recycling stream, reducing costs while supporting environmental objectives. The efficient removal process also meant the client’s basement conversion contractors could begin their structural work on schedule, avoiding costly delays.
The Results
The client was delighted with our professional grab-hire service and the speed of the basement excavation. Our experienced team ensured the dig out was completed on schedule, allowing the structural and waterproofing contractors to commence work immediately. The efficiency of our grab lorry service meant the project maintained momentum throughout, with no delays caused by waste removal logistics.
Most importantly, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from neighbours. Residents on the street appreciated our proactive communication, our efforts to maintain cleanliness, and our team’s courteous and considerate approach. Despite the scale of the excavation and the high volume of lorry movements, we successfully minimised disruption and maintained positive community relations throughout the project.
The client was also impressed by our commitment to recycling 100% of the excavated material. Our environmental standards aligned perfectly with their values, and they appreciated knowing that their basement conversion had a minimal environmental footprint. The combination of speed, cleanliness, professionalism, and environmental responsibility delivered complete satisfaction.
Feltham Demolition and the Environment
Environmental responsibility is at the core of our excavation and demolition services. All 150+ grab loads of material excavated from the Putney basement conversion were transported to our approved recycling facility for processing.
The soil, clay, and subsoil materials were processed and screened to create high-quality recycled aggregate suitable for various construction applications. This aggregate can be used for sub-base material in road construction, drainage works, landscaping projects, and general groundworks throughout London and the surrounding areas. By transforming excavated material into useful aggregate, we’re supporting the circular economy and reducing the construction industry’s reliance on virgin quarried materials.
Diverting this material from landfill has significant environmental benefits. It reduces the pressure on already limited landfill capacity, eliminates the carbon emissions associated with landfill operations, and puts valuable material back into productive use. The 100% recycling rate on this project demonstrates what’s achievable when environmental commitment meets professional expertise.
Our approach also reduces the overall carbon footprint of construction projects. By processing materials locally and making them available for reuse in the London area, we minimise transportation distances and support sustainable construction practices across the region.
Through recycling every grab load from this Putney basement conversion, we’ve contributed to the local construction supply chain while protecting the environment. This material will serve a valuable purpose in future construction and civil engineering projects rather than occupying scarce landfill space. We’re proud to support sustainable development in Putney, Wandsworth, and throughout Southwest London.
If you’re planning a basement conversion or excavation project, Feltham Demolition’s professional grab-hire service offers fast, clean, and environmentally responsible material removal. We understand the importance of maintaining good neighbour relations in residential areas and have the experience to deliver projects quietly, safely, and efficiently. For excavation and grab-hire services in Putney or anywhere across London, contact us today. Keep your project on schedule, within budget, and achieve 100% recycling of excavated materials.
Contact Feltham Demolition today to discuss how our grab-hire service can support your next basement conversion or excavation project in Putney and ensure a smooth, considerate, and environmentally responsible outcome.
