A professional excavation contractor is a key member of the construction crew. They use heavy machinery to move dirt and prepare land for construction projects of all sizes. The job requires a deep understanding of the site and careful planning to get the ground ready for building.
Excavation is a crucial step in any building project, and an excavating contractor can make it easier for you to do the job right. The best excavation companies are licensed, insured and experienced, so they can help you avoid any unnecessary damage to your property while completing the work safely.
If you have a passion for digging up dirt, a career as an excavation contractor might be the right fit for you. These professionals dig trenches and install sewers, water lines and foundation supports for new buildings. They also help shape the ground around a building’s foundation to make it look more beautiful by the time the project is finished.
The first step of any construction project is to clear the land and level it for proper drainage. This is a crucial step, as it prevents rainwater from flooding your property and leading to costly repairs down the line.
Once the land is cleared, an excavating contractor can start the process of digging to get a good idea of where all of the utilities will need to be placed in order for the site to function properly. This includes digging trenches for sewers, electric lines, wells and any other necessary support structures needed for a building’s foundation.
This is a complex, multi-step process, so excavation contractors have to be well-versed in all the specifics of each project type they perform on. For example, a landscaping company will have different needs than a grading firm or a road construction contractor.
A contractor will also have to be aware of any existing historic or sensitive artifacts on the site, so they can make sure that these things aren’t damaged when they’re digging up the ground. They may also need to figure out how to dig around underground water, gas and electrical lines to keep them safe from damage while they’re working.
Often, an excavation contractor will be hired by a general contractor on a larger construction project to help break the ground and move soil. The excavation contractor’s role is to oversee the entire job and coordinate with the general contractor on specific tasks, ensuring that the site gets prepared for construction to begin.
Another important job of the excavation contractor is to manage and schedule all equipment on the job. This ensures that all crews are in place and that all jobs are done according to a strict timeline.
An excavating contractor may be a self-employed individual or part of a company with a number of employees. In the latter case, they may need to obtain a license and other permits before starting the project.
The company will need to have an adequate amount of funding and be established with a solid business plan. This usually includes submitting competitive bids, establishing a bookkeeping system and paying income taxes quarterly.
