When you hire a professional excavating contractor, you should expect that the partner you hire will manage the crucial initial phases of construction safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.
The process usually begins with a consultation and site assessment. Beyond that, here’s what to expect.
What Does an Excavating Contractor Do?
Your excavating contractor is responsible for preparing the earth for all subsequent construction activities. Their work is much broader than just “digging.”
The core responsibilities include:
Site preparation and clearing
This is the first step, which includes removing trees, brush, rocks, other debris, and any existing structures that require demolition.
Earth moving and actual excavation
The step where the magic happens — this requires digging with precision to achieve the right depth and shape needed for the foundation, footings, and basement. In this step, specialized machinery will be used to remove topsoil and other materials.
Grading and leveling
After the main excavation step, your contractor will use a bulldozer or other excavators to level the land for stability or add slopes for proper drainage.
Utility installation
If required, excavation will also include digging trenches for utility lines. This is common for new construction that doesn’t already have water, sewer, gas, and electrical services run to the site. If you are excavating on an existing property, you may not need this step.
Soil management
After removing earth, grading, and leveling, soil will need to be compacted to create a stable base and control erosion. In addition, if you have challenging soil, like the dense clay in some areas of California, additional management may be needed to avoid water buildup.
Where Does Excavation Fit into Construction?
Excavation is a fundamental phase of construction, and if it’s required, it must occur before any building starts. Here’s how the process works:
Before Excavation
Planning, permitting, and surveying are completed. The site plans define the precise location, depth, and contours of the required excavation.
During Excavation
The contractor prepares the site, moves earth, installs temporary support systems (if necessary, like shoring), and lays the foundation for all below-grade infrastructure.
After Excavation
Once the excavation, grading, and utility trenching are complete, the foundation crew can begin pouring concrete and constructing the base of the structure. A successful excavation ensures that the structure is built on a solid, stable, and appropriately drained base, protecting it from future structural issues and water damage.
Why is Excavating Important?
Excavating is arguably the single most critical step in construction, as it directly impacts the safety, stability, and longevity of the entire project. If you skimp on quality when choosing an excavation contractor, you’ll pay for it down the road!
First, excavation lays the foundation for structural stability. Excavation removes unsuitable organic topsoil or rocky material to reach a stable subgrade, ensuring the foundation is placed on solid ground that can adequately bear the weight of the structure.
Next, excavation helps with water management. Proper grading and drainage systems installed during excavation ensure that rainwater and surface water are channeled away from the foundation, preventing erosion, flooding, and costly water damage in basements or structural settling over time.
Excavation creates the necessary pathways for utilities. Trenches are required to safely and efficiently connect the building to essential modern infrastructure.
Finally, professional excavators manage the inherent risks of working with heavy machinery and deep trenches, adhering strictly to OSHA and local building codes to ensure a safe work environment. Working with a pro excavating contractor ensures your site is safe and ready for the next step.
Learn More About Excavating with S&K Management
S&K Management Services is a full-service general contractor serving the Ripon, CA, area, specializing in both residential and commercial projects.
We integrate excavating into our comprehensive services under Site Work, ensuring the initial phase of any build is handled with expertise. Our site work services include:
- Excavation
- Grading
- Drainage
- Concrete
- Paving
- Foundation Services
By offering excavation as part of our general contracting scope, we ensure a seamless transition from site preparation to the start of construction, managing the coordination of these critical foundational elements. Schedule a consultation and learn more about working with S&K Management Services today.
