Choosing an Excavating Contractor
Choosing the right excavating contractor can save you money, time and hassles. It’s not just about moving dirt; an excavating company will also do a variety of other soil-related tasks. This includes clearing a site, digging trenches for sewers and pipe installations, and grading and leveling a construction site. In addition to the standard excavation activities, an excavation contractor can help solve tricky stormwater problems.
The most important thing to remember when hiring an excavation company is that the job should be done safely and to the highest possible standards. The company should be licensed, have liability insurance, and have the proper equipment. Ideally, an excavation contractor should be able to provide you with a detailed timeline of the project, as well as a written estimate of what the final cost will be. A low bid may lead to substandard or unsatisfactory work, while a higher bid can include the expertise of a seasoned and reputable contractor.
While you should be prepared to make some phone calls, asking for a list of references can also be a good way to check out a contractor’s track record. It is also a good idea to ask about their equipment. If a company doesn’t take care of their machines, it can reflect poorly on the other aspects of their business.
An excavating contractor can help you fix a leaky water pipe, or dig out a road or building foundation. They are also capable of implementing various stormwater management practices to prevent pollution and habitat loss. They can even perform a variety of exploratory tasks, such as testing a new structure for strength.
The best excavating contractors will have the tools, know-how and experience to do the task. Depending on your needs, they may be able to complete the project on their own, or they may need to coordinate with other contractors. A more experienced contractor may have a large shop or yard for their heavy machinery, while a small company may be able to work out of the owner’s home.
A professional excavation company will have the knowledge and equipment to ensure that the job is done correctly the first time. The process will involve careful planning and analysis of the soil, as well as the use of a variety of techniques. In fact, a number of excavators are members of a union, which plays a significant role in setting wages for their members.
The most impressive piece of equipment that an excavation contractor can have is a GPS tracking device. It allows the contractor to follow the progress of the work and make sure that it’s on schedule. This is especially important in the case of a complex excavation project, such as a dam or a large industrial site.
An excavating company may also be able to do other things, such as clear snow during the winter and build earthen dams or terraced drainage on agricultural land. These activities might be entirely new, or they could be the products of the company’s efforts in the preconstruction phase of the project.