Whether you’re building a new house, repairing a damaged home or remodeling an existing property, you may need to hire an excavation contractor. Depending on the scope of your project, you’ll need someone to help you clear a site for construction, dig a ditch for utilities, prepare a surface for a new building or dig up a pond. An excavation contractor has the knowledge, skills and equipment to do the job right.
An excavation is a large task, one that requires a lot of planning, precision and a team of workers to complete. As a result, an excavation company is usually an employee of a general contractor or larger firm.
The main job of an excavation contractor is to prepare the ground for the building work. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, including sand and gravel, roadbeds, and grading. They also have to account for any underground utility lines. To keep the area safe, an excavation contractor must be knowledgeable about safety standards.
The proper excavation can prevent drainage problems and ensure the lifespan of your pavement. While digging a ditch for a road is not as glamorous as building a skyscraper, an excavation contractor can save you both time and money.
Excavation contractors are also responsible for other tasks. One of their more important duties is to protect the area around the site. By protecting the topsoil, they are helping to preserve the air quality and habitat for wildlife. Another useful function is to keep the soil moist and well drained.
Excavation companies have a variety of equipment to use on any given job, ranging from small rollers to a massive bulldozer. If you’re in need of an excavation contractor, you can get quotes from several professionals. It’s always a good idea to check the previous work of the prospective contractor.
A properly-excavated construction site is a lot safer for everyone involved. The process includes careful analysis, a thorough surveying crew, and the requisite safety gear. Also, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with cave-ins.
A good excavation company should be licensed in most states, able to obtain the appropriate permits, and have liability insurance. A well-trained and experienced crew is also a must. This includes a crew with a good grasp of heavy machinery, the ability to navigate a level, and the ability to transport materials to the job site.
A good excavation contractor should also be able to explain the efficiencies of their job. Most of them are familiar with the proper way to get a project started. Their experience and expertise can make the difference between a successful completion and a failed project.
Although an excavator doesn’t have to be a degreed engineer to perform their jobs, they still need to be competent with heavy equipment and operate safely. It is also a good idea to have them pass tests and to carry the proper insurance.
In addition to the aforementioned skills, an excavation contractor should be prepared to submit a competitive bid. A good excavation contractor will also be prepared to pay their taxes on a quarterly basis.