Finding a reliable excavation contractor can be difficult. With the number of companies and contractors present today, you can easily be overwhelmed and confused when trying to find one. Not knowing how to go about the entire process can leave you feeling helpless. Below are useful tips for finding a reliable excavation contractor for your project:
Consider Your Project Requirements
Most excavation contractors charge by the hour. You must know well the time and money it may require to complete your excavation project. Ensure you have your plan, drafted designs, engineered drawings, or even a hand-drawn mud map when speaking to the potential contractors and telling them about the job. This will also give the contractor an idea of how long the project will take, and they will be able to provide you with an estimate accordingly.
Find Out How Long They Have Been in Business
It is recommended that you work with an excavation contractor with years of industry experience. An experienced contractor will understand your project well and have the skills required to complete it. They will also have the right tools and machinery to complete your job successfully. Hire a contractor that has a good reputation in your area. Ask the potential contractor how many years they have been in this business. Speak to their older customers to see what they have to say about the contractor’s working style and process. Hiring an experienced contractor like Bruce Johnson Construction will make your entire job easy. They offer full-service excavations and construction. They can also help install septic systems, underground utility installations, and demolitions.
Double Check Insurance and License
Excavation is related to the construction sector. Anyone who offers excavation services should have the right licenses and certifications. These documents indicate that the contractor is reliable. Hiring a licensed excavator will also ensure that you have a proper contract. This contract can list all your terms and conditions and other project details like start date, cost, and materials used.
Similarly, check if the contractor and their team have insurance. Excavation is a dangerous job. Accidents and mishaps can occur on the job sometimes. Most professional excavation contractors have insurance for their workers to cover any accidents or injuries that might occur on the job. Hire a contractor with the right permits and insurance so that you don’t have to bear the expenses in case of an accident.
Ask for References
Don’t hesitate to ask for references from older clients before hiring the contractor. This will help you ensure you are hiring someone qualified for the job. Most professional contractors will have a list of old clients they can refer you to. Speak to these clients and see if you can confirm the contractor’s claims.
Get Multiple Quotations
Don’t speak to just one excavation contractor. If possible, speak to multiple contractors and get quotations from them. Compare these quotes to see what each of the contractors offers. You can choose a contractor whose quote fits your budget and gives you all the specific services you need.
Ask to See the Contractor’s Excavation Equipment
Some excavation companies may be good for large jobs, while other contractors may have specific equipment suited for smaller projects. Ask to look at the contractor’s equipment to understand the kind of work they do. This will tell you if the contractor is equipped to carry out your project successfully or not. Looking at the equipment will also tell you the kind of quality equipment the contractor uses.
Ask About Training and Certifications
Ask the contractor about the various training they have gone through. Check if they have any certifications. This will tell you if the contractor and their team have the relevant training to complete your job successfully.
Types of Excavation
Even before hiring an excavation contractor, you must know the different types of excavations to hire the right person for the job. Below is a list of the different types of excavations:
Underground excavation – This is a standard residential excavation for homeowners needing new sewage pipes or other underground infrastructure.
Marsh Excavation – This refers to eliminating watery or muddy soil from wetlands. It needs special marsh buggies that can float and walk on water.
Footing Excavation – This is used for foundations of roads and bridges
Channel Excavation – This helps remove dirt and sediment from channels and ditches to improve the flow or change the direction of the water.Drainage Excavation – This excavation is used to drain water from an area. It is typically used to install irrigation pipes; storm drains, ditches, and trenches.