An excavation contractor handles a number of tasks that go well beyond digging holes for foundations. They also ensure soil stability, install drainage systems, and more.

Ask potential excavation contractors whether they’ll get the necessary permits for the job. This will help to prevent your project from being delayed due to permit misunderstandings. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Excavating Company.

If you’re looking to work with an excavation contractor for a project, be sure to ask about their experience. Find out how long they’ve been in business and what types of projects they’ve completed in the past. You also want to be sure that they’ve worked on similar projects to the one you’re planning. This will help you ensure that they’ll be able to complete your job properly and efficiently.

Beyond digging, excavation contractors are responsible for a variety of other tasks that are crucial to the success of construction projects. These include site preparation, land alteration, and drainage correction. In addition, they are often heavily involved in the planning process and offer expert insights based on soil analysis and topographical surveys of the site.

They also dig trenches for foundations, excavate areas for swimming pools, and conduct careful exploration of sites to uncover any hidden dangers or – in some cases – historic artefacts that need to be preserved. They may even remove or relocate existing structures such as fences, roads, or houses.

Before the first shovelful of dirt is moved, excavation contractors are often called upon to inspect the site for utility lines like gas, electricity, or phone lines that might be located just a few feet underground. This is especially important because stumbling upon these lines can be both dangerous and costly. Once the location of these lines has been identified, excavating contractors can work safely and avoid damaging them.

Once the excavation has been completed, they may need to treat and prepare the soil for structural use. This is an important step because it can affect how well a building or pool holds water, how stable the structure will be, and how much maintenance it will require. For example, if soil is too wet it could cause problems with compaction and the structural integrity of the finished product.

As excavation companies expand into other services such as demolition, hydro excavation, or rock removal, they must ensure that their insurance coverage evolves to cover these new exposures. NIP Group offers SitePro, a policy that is custom-tailored to fit the needs of diversified contractors.

Equipment

Excavating companies utilize a wide range of heavy equipment. From wheeled and tracked machines to backhoe loaders, skid steers, and tractor loader backhoes, each piece of machinery is suited for specific functions within the construction industry. When buying used excavating equipment, buyers should carefully inspect critical components that directly impact machine performance and longevity. From hydraulic systems to undercarriage components, a thorough inspection will ensure the equipment is ready to perform its intended duties and is able to meet project demands.

Excavation contractors typically work under the direction of general construction managers, who solicit bids from subcontractors and coordinate timelines. The manager will then review the completed tasks and provide payment to the excavation contractor. For larger projects, a management team may oversee the entire project and assign responsibilities to individual excavation contractors or crews.

Most excavation contractors specialize in certain types of projects, such as land clearing or foundation digging. When selecting used excavating equipment, buyers should ensure the machine they’re considering aligns with their space, terrain, and workload requirements. For example, if working in a tight urban environment, a compact excavator may be better suited than a larger model. Additionally, if the excavation project requires digging into rock, a contractor should consider investing in a long reach excavator rather than a standard one.

In addition to the boom, stick, and bucket assembly, excavation equipment is also equipped with a variety of attachments to help perform specific jobs. These attachments can include shears for demolition, augers for drilling holes, breaker hammers, and rippers. Choosing the right attachments will help an excavation contractor maximize equipment functionality and minimize costly repairs down the road.

Another important consideration when purchasing excavator equipment is its hydraulic system, which powers crucial functions such as digging, lifting, and rotating. Before committing to a purchase, buyers should examine hydraulic hoses, cylinders, and pumps for signs of leaks or damage. Additionally, buyers should carefully examine the excavator’s undercarriage to ensure it’s free of cracks or other visible wear and tear.

If you’re in the market for a used excavator, turn to the North Georgia grading and excavation equipment specialists at Nelson Tractor Company. We offer new sales, quality used equipment, and rentals that make it easy to tackle all your outdoor projects. For more information, contact us today!

Permits

Licensed excavation contractors must get permits to do their work. These can be issued by the local government or by a special agency that oversees hazardous construction. They also need insurance to protect themselves and others while doing their jobs. This is often called a liability insurance policy. It can cover the cost of repairs and replacements if something goes wrong. In addition, it covers legal fees and other costs if someone sues over the work.

Before beginning construction, excavation companies need to notify local utilities. This ensures that gas, electric, water and other lines are not accidentally damaged during construction. The process involves contacting a local 811 center to request that the underground lines be marked. The contractors then dig safely and avoid hitting the lines, which could be very dangerous for anyone who touches them.

The contractor must also make sure to follow specific safety regulations while digging in the street or public right-of-way. For example, they should mark the area where excavation is to be made with white paint, flags, stakes or other means of delineation. The excavator must also convey this information in a written notice to the 811 center. In addition, the contractor must obtain ENSTAR’s written approval for any excavation services that require support of steel pipelines greater than four inches in diameter.

A permit is required for any person who makes an excavation in any sidewalk or under a sidewalk or in any area that is a part of a roadway right-of-way or easement. The contractor must also provide a traffic control plan, which must be approved by the Borough Engineer.

In addition to obtaining the necessary permits, excavation contractors must also comply with all other applicable laws and regulations. This includes paying the requisite taxes, obtaining a license and following any other rules set by local authorities. The contractors must also submit an excavation plan and a site sketch to the city engineer.

The permit applicant must pay the non-refundable application fee and provide current bonds and insurances as required. Depending on the type of work, additional requirements may apply, including a traffic and pedestrian management plan, sample sketches and other documents.

Insurance

Whether they are digging foundations for commercial projects or clearing land for residential development, excavation contractors work with heavy machinery and are often in close proximity to underground utilities. This makes their work more risky than other construction jobs and can leave them vulnerable to significant financial losses and legal liability. The right insurance policy can help them protect their business.

The type of insurance a company needs depends on the nature of its operations and risks. For example, if employees are injured while using equipment or working on a site, workers’ compensation insurance may cover their medical costs and lost wages. It can also provide coverage in the event of property damage or environmental contamination caused by the excavation work. In addition, a business should have general liability insurance to protect against claims of third-party bodily injury or property damage resulting from the company’s work.

Other types of coverage a business may need include commercial auto insurance and pollution liability insurance. Commercial auto insurance can cover vehicles used in transportation of equipment and materials between sites, while pollution liability insurance covers cleanup costs and legal expenses for third-party environmental damage caused by excavation activities.

Finally, an excavation contractor should have commercial general liability insurance to cover accidents and injuries that occur on the job. This type of coverage can also pay for damages caused by faulty workmanship or failure to follow safety standards.

Insuring your business is crucial, no matter what type of industry you are in. With the right excavation insurance policy, you can focus on growing your business and leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Jeff and his team firmly believe in investing in the best, promoting mutual respect, and working as one cohesive unit. They understand that a company’s success isn’t just measured in its financial achievements, but also by the health and well-being of its employees. This has allowed them to build a strong foundation of success and remain on top of their industry.

Excavating Company is a full-service civil and excavation contractor, offering a wide range of services to both residential and commercial clients in the Perth metro area. They use a wide variety of equipment to complete excavation and site preparation tasks, such as digging trenches, leveling earth, and installing drainage systems.