An excavation contractor is a skilled professional who uses heavy equipment and explosives to dig, move, and grade soil for a wide variety of construction projects. They work on roads, driveways, parking lots and foundations of homes and buildings.
Excavation contractors are usually subcontractors of general building contractors, who hire them to be part of a larger project. They solicit bids, coordinate timelines and pay the excavating contractor when his work is completed.
Most excavation jobs require precision and knowledge of how to safely dig without causing damage to a structure or property. For this reason, you should only hire an excavation company that has experience in this industry and can provide you with a list of references.
Preparation is a Key to Success
The first job that an excavation contractor performs is clearing the site for construction. They need to get all of the dirt out and level the ground so that it’s ready to build a new home on. This is an important step before any other work can begin and it’s one that can make the difference between a successful build and one that is ruined due to soil softness, water pipes not in place or difficult stormwater problems.
Next, an excavation contractor is involved in grading the land and making it ready for construction according to architectural and engineering standards. This can be an especially important step for large, commercial construction projects such as highways and utility-scale solar farms where the ground needs to be prepared properly before any work can start.
A good excavating company will also be able to ensure that your new project is in compliance with local regulations. This can be a huge benefit to you, especially when you’re trying to avoid costly fines for a faulty building.
Licensed, Insured and Bonded
An excavation contractor needs to be insured and bonded to work in your area. Different states have specific requirements for excavation companies, and Insureon is here to help you find the right type of insurance for your business.
State rules and regulations are always changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on them. In addition, many excavation contractors work on residential and commercial properties and may need to obtain permits from local authorities.
Demolitions are another common task that an excavation contractor undertakes. A residential home demolition or a garage demolishment will often include a thorough inspection of the structure’s structural integrity and potential risks. This is to ensure that the building has a safe and secure structure, so it can be removed safely and easily.
Excavation contractors are also required to be trained in Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) safety standards and follow them on the jobsite. This is to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring while working with hazardous materials.
Besides completing the necessary digging, grading and other preparation work, an excavation contractor can also play a role in landscaping by shaping the landscape around a planned construction project to create a more appealing look. This can be a valuable service to property owners who want to create a more attractive building or property before it’s even built.