Almost every home or commercial construction project starts with digging. From site grading to trenching to full-on foundation excavation, it all starts with earth movers and diggers. And don’t underestimate the importance of a quality excavation contractor. As a critical component, your project depends on having proper excavation. As an excavator ourselves, here’s what we recommend to look for in the right excavation contractor, regardless of if you’re inside or outside our service area.
Do They Have the Equipment and a History of Using It?
The biggest thing that defines an excavation contractor is their equipment and how long they’ve been using it. This isn’t just a case of finding experienced professions but also finding the ones that want to A) work on your project and B) have the ability to do it.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Project
Like in all fields, excavators specialize. For the most part size of their equipment and manpower pool makes them focus on a certain scope of work. New England Enterprises focuses on all sizes of residential, along with Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) projects, due to the mid-sized equipment we have and can field at a time.
History and Reputation
How long has the company been around, how much experience do they have, and what can they show for it? Long established companies with owners that have a lot of field experience (our own Touré Foster has 25 years of experience in this field), with testimonials to back them help can help you narrow down your options.
Do They Have Expertise in Related Fields?
Excavation is two things: only a part of a larger project and messy work. Having excavation contractors who also wear the hats of landscaping, construction, and more helps with these. One contractor doing multiple projects means fewer project errors due to miscommunication between contractors, less time and money, and more consistent work. Here are some things to check to see they do when you hire a contractor.
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Before excavation can start, the site needs to be cleared. After the excavation is done, you’ll need to get the worksite repaired with landscaping. For structures, you’ll need to build paths, retaining walls against erosion, driveways, etc. If you can hire an excavation company that is able to perform landscape construction, you will need fewer contractors, faster work, and a restored or improved site afterwards.
Trucking and Demolition
Site clearing and excavation often means you’ll need dumpsters and trucks to dispose of the waste. Can your contractor provide that? Other services like demolition can make the entire project easier. Have a garage you want to replace with a room addition? You can combine the structure demolition and the new addition excavation prepared under one contract.
These are some of the reasons clients have come to us and come back to us. Along with our focus on first-time, long lasting work, from site preparation to patios, we want to be the right excavation contractor for your project. Want to learn more? Contact us today and get a consultation scheduled for your project.