Excavation pricing isn’t just hours and equipment — it’s scope, soil type, depth, rock/caliche presence, haul distance for spoils, disposal fees, permits, utility-locates, access constraints, restoration needs, and required compaction or testing. Unseen conditions (buried debris, groundwater, or caliche) commonly trigger change orders. We provide clear itemized estimates and line-item contingencies so you can see how each factor affects cost and why scope changes impact the final price.

Project duration depends on site access, scope, soil conditions, permitting, required inspections, and weather. Unexpected items like nearby utilities, rock removal, or required geotechnical testing add time. Instead of a fixed promise up front, we include an estimated schedule with your written quote, explain which conditions could extend it, and communicate updates during the work so you’re never surprised by schedule changes or delays.

We evaluate excavated material for reusability: topsoil is often stockpiled and reused; unsuitable material is hauled to permitted disposal sites. If contamination or hazardous material is suspected, we stop and notify you — disposal then follows regulated handling. Transport, landfill fees, and disposal permits are included or quoted separately. Reusing good subsoil can cut costs and support landscaping, while responsible disposal prevents drainage and permit issues later on.

Excavation close to property lines, shared drains, fences, or utilities requires care. We strongly recommend an up-to-date survey and that you mark boundaries before work. We install erosion control, protect neighboring features, and notify neighbors when heavy work will impact driveways or access. We won’t move boundary markers; any disputes or required easements should be resolved before excavation begins to avoid liability or rework.

Proper compaction prevents settlement, cracking, and structural failure under foundations, concrete, or pavement. We follow compaction specs from engineers or local codes, use mechanical compactors, and can arrange third-party compaction testing when required. Under-compacting leads to future problems; over-compacting can cause drainage issues. We document methods and test results when requested, so the engineered subgrade you pay for performs long-term and avoids callbacks.

Good grading directs water away from structures and prevents pooling; poorly designed grades create long-term problems. We design positive slopes, swales, and can install French drains or retention features per site needs and local code. Temporary erosion controls (silt-fence, straw wattles) protect neighbors and waterways during work. Proper grading is both a construction and long-term stormwater-management solution, and we advise on options that meet code and protect your investment.

We plan protection for delicate features with protective matting, temporary fencing, and designated equipment routes. Irrigation lines, trees, and pools are flagged; we avoid vibration-sensitive excavation near structures. If removal is needed, we offer restoration options. Protecting what you want to keep can add cost, but it’s far less than replacing mature trees or repairing irrigation later. We’ll walk the site with you and recommend the least invasive approach.

We provide emergency-response services for storm damage, washouts, and failed drainage — assessing hazards, stabilizing slopes, and restoring positive grade. Emergency work requires safety triage and often coordination with utilities or local agencies; costs and permitting can differ from planned work. If you have an immediate safety threat, call us so we can advise next steps, stabilize the problem, and follow up with a permanent repair plan and estimate.

We deploy the right machine for the task — mini excavators for tight yards, larger excavators and dozers for big sites, skid-steers for finish grading, dump trucks for hauling, and plate rollers/compactors for subgrade compaction. Correct equipment reduces ground disturbance, speeds work, and controls costs. We also use laser or GPS grading tools for precision on driveways and sites where accurate slope and elevation matter to avoid future drainage problems.

Yes — site prep varies by use. For foundations we follow engineered subgrade and compaction specs, for septic we coordinate with health departments and provide precise bedding and backfill, and for driveways we build a compacted base and proper cross-slope for longevity. We coordinate with your builder, engineer, or septic contractor to meet inspection requirements, and provide documentation of compaction and elevations if requested.