Zero rate for new build trenches work?

[dotto]

We have employed a company to dig the trenches and lay the ducting for bringing utility services to two new self builds. This involved excavating 36 metres down the private access road. They are charging VAT for this work. I am not sure at this stage whether any of the VAT would be reclaimable.
The same company has quoted to reconstruct and resurface the access road and have indicated that this will be zero rated.
My question is - should the trench work also be zero rated.

Thank you for any help.

[les35]

I would expect works in the course of construction of a new dwelling would be zero rated. This will apply whether or not the project is a D-I-Y project. You cannot recover incorrectly charged VAT under the D-I-Y scheme.