Starting an excavation project is a big undertaking. While staying on budget and on schedule is certainly an important part of the project, there are a few pointers you need to know about excavation projects. From safety considerations to locating underground utilities, your excavation project requires plenty of preparation.
Here’s what you need to know about starting an excavation project.
What to know about excavation
Excavation simply refers to digging up and moving earth. This can be done in a variety of ways, including tunneling, trench digging, cutting, wall shafts and more. It’s often used before construction in order to lay underground utilities or make space for pools, basements and other below-ground areas.
Depending on the type of excavation you need, one or more methods may be necessary. Your local excavation contractors can recommend methods and the specialized tools needed to achieve your goals. Soil, rock and other materials may require different excavation methods.
Unless you’re a trained excavation contractor, you should not attempt to excavate land on your own. Trench collapses can be deadly. It’s always better to seek professional help.
What to do before your excavation project
- Survey the land: No property owner wants to come home to find out someone is digging on their land—and you don’t want to find out that you’re responsible for cleanup and damages. Surveying the land ahead of time ensures that your contractors have a good idea of the land’s boundaries, as well as any natural landmarks and areas of concern.
- Locate underground utilities: Next you or your contractors will have the utility company come locate underground activities. This can take up to several weeks before you can get an appointment, so plan ahead.
- Understand the soil type: Soil testing is the next item on your pre-excavation to-do list. Knowing your soil’s type, consistency and potential obstacles can help your contractors decide the best way to excavate the land.
- Dig a pump line: Underground water can flood your excavation trenches. To alleviate this concern, your contractors will dig a pump line. Underground water can be safely pumped out and diverted to a less intrusive area.
- Take safety precautions: Finally, your contractors will take care of any other safety needs. This includes getting the right safety gear, making sure their team is clear where the underground utilities lie and tackling any other issues that could make excavation dangerous.
Starting an excavation project requires a lot of preparation ahead of time; however, it’s crucial that your contractors take their time to do the job right. The more prepared your team is, the less likely they’ll have to deal with hitting underground utilities, trench collapses or floods. In turn, your project will be far more likely to finish on time and on budget.
The team at Grade-1 Underground is committed to safety and quality. Whatever you need to know about excavation, we can help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and to get a quote.