Where does excavation fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Excavation
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Excavation
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Excavation
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Excavation
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Excavation
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Excavation
Digging for footings, basements, services and drainage, done safely to the plan with the underground services located first.
How this guide works
Excavation starts most projects. It is done to the drawings, with the underground services located and the soil handled properly. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where excavation is used
Excavation goes into foundation digs, basements, service trenches, drainage and site grading. Each has its own depth and access.
| Use | Typical dig | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and basements | Deep, large footprint | Shoring, soil, access |
| Service trenches | Narrow, long | Utility locates, bedding |
| Site grading | Shallow, wide | Level, compaction |
Our pick: Locate underground services before any digging. It is the first step on every dig.
Decision 2: Locates and safety
Underground utilities are located before the digging starts. Shoring and safe slopes protect the workers and the neighbours.
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Utility locates | Find gas, water, hydro and sewer lines |
| Shoring or slope | Holds the sides of the dig |
| Barricades and access | Keeps the site safe |
Our pick: Never dig before the locates are in. A damaged line is a serious and expensive problem.
Decision 3: Soil type
Soil decides how the dig stands, how it drains and what it can carry. Clay, sand and fill each behave differently.
| Soil | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Clay | Holds water, can move |
| Sand and gravel | Drains well, can slump |
| Fill | Variable, may need testing |
Our pick: Test the soil where the load is. Fill is the most common surprise on a dig.
Decision 4: Spoil and disposal
The soil that comes out has to go somewhere. Removal, sorting and reuse are planned before the dig.
| Option | When |
|---|---|
| Haul away | Contaminated or unusable soil |
| Reuse on site | Clean soil for grading |
| Stockpile | Short-term storage |
Our pick: Plan spoil before the dig. It is often the biggest cost surprise on a site.
Decision 5: Backfill and compaction
Backfill is placed in layers and compacted. Poor compaction causes settlement and cracks later.
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Layered backfill | Compacts evenly |
| Compaction | Stops settlement |
| Drainage behind walls | Keeps water away from the foundation |
Our pick: Compact in layers. Settlement shows up in the first year or two.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Excavation problems show as settlement, water in the dig and failing walls. These need action before the next stage is built on them.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Water seeping into the dig | Checking the drainage and the dewatering |
| Walls of the dig slumping | Checking the shoring and the slope |
| Unexpected soil or fill | Testing the soil before the footings |
Our pick: Stop and test when the soil is not what was expected. Build on the ground you know.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Excavation for footings and basements is permitted and inspected. Deep digs and digs near neighbouring property need extra approvals.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Footing or basement dig | Permit and inspection |
| Deep dig or near a property line | Engineering and shoring approval |
| Service trench | Locates and inspection |
Our pick: Confirm the permit and the locates before the first machine arrives.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Excavation comes first on most projects. The other trades depend on the dig being right the first time.
| Trade | What excavation gives them |
|---|---|
| Concrete and foundations | Level, compacted and inspected base |
| Waterproofing | Clean surface and access |
| Plumbing and drainage | Trench and slope to the plan |
| Landscape | Topsoil kept and graded |
Our pick: Inspect the dig before the concrete. It is the last cheap chance to fix the base.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
A good dig lasts because the backfill is compacted and the drainage is kept clear. The work is recorded for the record.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Backfill | Compacted in layers, recorded |
| Drainage | Checked after the first season |
| Records | Locates and inspections kept |
Our pick: Keep the locates, the inspections and the compaction record with the house file.
Questions
Do you locate underground services?
Yes. We arrange the locates before any digging.
Do you remove the soil?
Yes. Soil removal is planned as part of the dig.
Can you dig near the house?
Yes, with the shoring and the engineering the site needs.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the dig, the depth and the site access. We arrange the locates, the shoring and the soil removal, then dig to the plan.
Related: Concrete & FoundationsSite PreparationAll contracting
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