Civil engineering

Civil engineering (Tiefbau) covers everything below and at ground level: roads and pavements, paving and outdoor surfaces, drainage, and connections to water and sewer networks. It prepares the site for building and use and ensures that surface water and wastewater are safely managed. Poor civil engineering leads to settlement, flooding or failed connections; done correctly, it lasts for decades.

Our civil engineering services include rural road construction, paving in natural and concrete stone, and open space design. We also carry out wastewater and drinking water installations, surface drainage, earthworks and cable trench construction.

• Rural road construction: We build access roads, farm tracks and private roads with a suitable subbase and surface (e.g. gravel, asphalt or concrete). We ensure correct gradient and drainage so that water does not pond and the road remains stable.
• Paving in natural and concrete stone: We lay driveways, paths and forecourts in natural stone, concrete blocks or slabs on a compacted subbase and sand bed. We choose jointing (sand or mortar) to suit the surface and use, and ensure a level, frost-resistant finish.
• Open space design: We shape outdoor areas according to your plans: terraces, steps, retaining walls, planting beds and borders. We coordinate with drainage and utilities so that surfaces and planting work together.
• Wastewater and drinking water: We lay pipes from the building to the public sewer and water main (or to a septic tank and well where applicable). We dig trenches, lay pipes at the correct depth and gradient, install manholes and connection points, and carry out pressure and leakage tests as required.
• Surface drainage: We install channels, gullies and soakaways so that rainwater is collected and either discharged into the sewer (where permitted) or infiltrated. We avoid ponding and protect foundations and paved areas from water damage.
• Earthworks: We excavate and fill to the required levels (e.g. for foundations, roads or landscaping), compact in layers and protect slopes. We reuse excavated material where possible and dispose of surplus according to regulations.
• Cable trench construction: We dig trenches for power, telecom or other cables, lay ducts or cables at the specified depth, backfill and reinstate the surface. We coordinate with the utility or electrician so that the route and depth are correct.

We use our own machinery (e.g. excavator, roller) and work to the agreed plans and standards so that the result is durable and compliant.

• Access to the site: Unobstructed access for excavators and lorries. We will agree routes and any protection for existing surfaces (e.g. driveways, lawns) in advance.
• Existing plans: Drainage plans, utility plans (water, sewer, power) and any layout plans for paving or landscaping. If you do not have them, we can obtain utility plans (e.g. from the municipality or utility company) if you authorise us.
• Boundaries and neighbours: If work is close to the boundary or affects a shared access, we need to know so we can avoid disputes and comply with setbacks. We can advise on typical requirements.
• Connection points: For connections to public sewer or water we need the exact connection point and any conditions from the authority or utility. We will coordinate the application and connection if agreed.

We will agree the scope, schedule and any permits with you before starting.

Weather: Earthworks and paving are weather-dependent. We avoid working on saturated or frozen ground and schedule accordingly. Rain or frost can delay by a few days; we will keep you informed.

Duration: Duration depends on the area and scope – from a few days for a driveway or small paving job to several weeks for larger outdoor areas, drainage and utilities. We will give you a schedule and update you on progress.

Permits: Connections to public sewer or water usually require approval from the authority or utility. We will advise you what is needed and can handle the application and coordination if you wish.