Commercial Excavation

What types of commercial sites do you excavate?

Office/retail pads, multi‑family foundations, tilt‑up/warehouse sites, municipal projects, utility corridors, and parking lots.

Can you handle phased construction schedules with other trades on site?

Yes. We sequence work to your master schedule, coordinate toolbox talks, and maintain traffic/control plans.

How do you manage site logistics on tight urban lots?

Staggered trucking windows, flagging, laydown planning, and compact equipment (e.g., zero‑tail‑swing excavators) to reduce lane closures.

Do you provide stamped shoring or engineered support?

We arrange engineered shoring, trench boxes, and sloping plans as required by depth, soil type, and municipal specs.

Can you excavate during business hours without disrupting tenants?

We can schedule noisy work off‑hours and use low‑vibration techniques where feasible; a site‑specific plan is provided.

How do you price commercial excavation?

Typically by unit rates (m³/tonne/linear metre) with a clear scope, assumptions, and allowances; lump sum available with complete drawings.

What documentation do you provide for compliance?

Safety plan, utility locates, haul tickets, compaction test results, disposal manifests, and daily reports.

Do you carry the required commercial insurance and bonding?

Yes. We maintain commercial general liability and WCB coverage; bonding available on request.

Residential Excavation

What residential projects do you handle?

New home digs, additions, garages, driveways, pools, foundations, retaining walls, and drainage repairs.

Do I need to be home during excavation?

No. We coordinate access in advance and update you daily with photos and milestones.

How do you protect my property and neighbours’ property?

Plywood mats for access, silt fencing, fencing around open digs, and periodic street sweeping.

Will heavy equipment damage my lawn or driveway?

We minimize impact with mats and tracked equipment; any agreed‑upon restoration is included in your quote.

How noisy/dusty will it be?

Expect construction noise and some dust; we use water suppression and follow municipal bylaws for working hours.

How long does a typical residential dig take?

Small digs: 1–2 days. Full foundations: 3–7 days depending on size, soil, and trucking distances.

What happens if you hit rock?

We pause, assess options (ripping, hammering, or blasting via licensed subcontractor), and provide a written change order before proceeding.

Do you remove and dispose of excavated material?

Yes. Your quote specifies cut/fill balance and where spoil is hauled—recycling or approved facilities.

Pre‑Construction Excavation

What is pre‑construction excavation?

Early works to make a site build‑ready: test pits, overburden removal, rough grading, access prep, and temporary drainage.

Do you perform test pits and geotechnical support?

Yes. We dig test pits, backfill/compact, and coordinate with your geotechnical engineer for logging and sampling.

How are underground utilities located before digging?

We submit locates and expose utilities by hydrovac/hand as required. In BC, we contact BC 1 Call before excavation.

Can you help with permits?

We provide scope details and site plans to support your municipal or MOTI permit applications.

How do you handle unknown site conditions?

We document with photos, notify you immediately, and proceed only with a signed change directive.

What erosion and sediment controls are installed up front?

Silt fences, straw wattles, check dams, construction entrances, and inlet protection per the erosion control plan.

Do you provide construction access and laydown setup?

Yes. We build stabilized entrances, tracking pads, and staging areas sized to your deliveries and crane needs.

How is pre‑con work handed over to the builder?

We deliver an as‑built sketch, elevations, photo log, and a summary of remaining risks/assumptions.

Demolition and Clearing

What structures can you demolish?

Sheds, garages, homes, mobile units, small commercial buildings, decks, and retaining walls—subject to permits

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How are hazardous materials handled?

Any suspect materials (asbestos, lead paint) must be abated by licensed professionals before demo; we coordinate scheduling.

Do you recycle demo debris?

Yes. Concrete/asphalt are recycled when possible; wood and metals are sorted to reduce disposal costs.

Will you disconnect utilities before demolition?

We verify that gas, power, and water are disconnected or made safe by the utility provider before work begins.

How do you control dust and debris migration?

Water misting, debris netting where needed, and routine street sweeping.

Can you perform selective/partial demolition?

Yes. We can strip interiors or remove specific building sections while protecting adjacent structures.

What about demolition permits?

We assist with documentation and timing; the owner is typically the applicant unless otherwise agreed.

Do you backfill and rough grade after demo?

Yes. We remove foundations (if in scope), backfill with suitable material, and rough grade to drain.

Land Clearing

What does land clearing include?

Tree/brush removal, stump extraction, root rake, debris processing, and hauling, plus erosion protection.

Can you preserve selected trees?

Yes. We fence protection zones, avoid root plates, and use low‑impact methods within tree‑protection bylaws.

How do you handle steep or wet sites?

Tracked equipment, winch assists, and scheduled work windows to protect soils and waterways.

What happens to green waste?

We chip on site (if allowed), grind stumps, or haul to an approved facility; we can leave mulch for erosion control if requested.

Are burning permits required?

Open burning is heavily restricted; we typically avoid it and use hauling/chipping instead.

How quickly can you clear a standard residential lot?

Often 1–3 days depending on tree density, access, and trucking distances.

Do you obtain environmental approvals if needed?

We flag environmentally sensitive areas and coordinate with your environmental consultant for any required approvals.

Can you clear near property lines and utilities safely?

Yes. We use spotters, hand work, and hydrovac potholing where utilities are present.

Lot Grubbing

What is lot grubbing?

Removal of roots, stumps, and organic topsoil after clearing to prepare for structural fill or building pads.

Why is organic removal important?

Organics decompose and cause settlement; removing them ensures a stable base for structures and pavements.

How deep do you grub?

Depth depends on root mats and geotech recommendations—commonly 150–600 mm or until competent subgrade.

What happens after grubbing?

We proof‑roll, test as needed, and place/compact structural fill to design grades.

Can you reuse on‑site soils?

If soils meet compaction and contamination criteria, we reuse them; otherwise we import clean fill.

How is unsuitable material handled?

Stockpiled separately, tested if required, and hauled to an approved facility with manifest records.

Will you rough grade for drainage after grubbing?

Yes. We shape the site to drain away from structures and stabilize disturbed areas.

How do you verify compaction?

By lift thickness control and density testing (nuclear gauge or plate load) through a geotechnical technician.

Excavation and Grading

What’s the difference between excavation and grading?

Excavation removes soil/rock; grading shapes finished elevations for drainage, pads, and access.

How do you set accurate grades?

Laser levels/GPS rovers, cut/fill maps, and benchmarks tied to your plans.

Do you provide engineered retaining wall prep?

Yes. We excavate, install base/sub‑base, drainage, and geogrid per wall design.

How is unsuitable subgrade addressed?

Options include over‑excavation and replacement, geotextiles, geogrids, or stabilization with aggregates.

Can you create gravel driveways and building pads?

Yes. We install geotextile (as needed), base course, and top course, compacted to spec with proper crowning.

How do you manage rain during grading?

We prioritize drainage runs, keep spoils managed, and protect inlets; if necessary, we pause to prevent damage.

What tolerances do you grade to?

Typically ±25 mm for rough grade and tighter for finished surfaces unless plans specify otherwise.

Do you offer final site clean‑up?

Yes. We broom/sweep streets, remove stakes/spoils, and leave the site safe and tidy.

Drainage and Utilities

What drainage solutions do you install?

Perimeter drains, French drains, swales, culverts, catch basins, and sump systems per engineer or municipal standards.

Do you replace or repair water/sewer laterals?

Yes. We excavate, replace sections or full runs, bed/zone backfill, and arrange inspections.

How do you prevent trench failures?

Sloping, benching, or shoring per depth/soil; trench boxes and safe access/egress are standard.

Can you daylight drains or re‑route gutters to reduce yard pooling?

Yes. We evaluate grades and install daylight outlets, swales, or infiltration trenches as appropriate.

Do you install stormwater management features?

We can construct infiltration galleries, rain gardens (excavation only), and oil‑grit separators with your engineer.

How do you verify drainage performance?

By slope checks, water testing where applicable, and inspection approvals.

Do you locate and protect existing utilities?

Yes. Utilities are located and exposed safely before excavation; hand/hydrovac methods used around live lines.

What about sump pumps and discharge lines?

We trench and install discharge piping to daylight or a storm connection per code and site conditions.

Disposal Bin Rental

What bin sizes are available?

Common sizes include 10, 12, 15, and 20‑yard bins; we recommend a size based on your project volume.

What materials can go in the bins?

Soil, concrete/asphalt, green waste, and mixed construction debris—each requires its own bin to avoid contamination fees.

How long can I keep the bin?

Standard rentals are 3–7 days; extended rentals available by the day or week.

Where can a bin be placed?

Driveways or firm surfaces with clear access; street placement may need a municipal permit.

Do you offer load‑over or walk‑in bins?

Yes. Many bins have rear swing doors for easier loading of heavy items.

Are weight limits included?

Yes. Each bin includes a weight allowance; overweight fees are billed per tonne based on scale tickets.

Can bins be used for clean‑fill pricing?

Yes. Single‑material loads like clean concrete or clean soil qualify for reduced tipping rates.

How fast can you deliver or swap a bin?

Often same‑day or next‑day within our service area; book early during peak season.

General Process, Pricing & Scheduling

What’s your typical project workflow?

After receiving a phone call, or a contact form off our website, we'll set up a time for the process to begin:

Site visit → fixed quote/allowances → locates/permits → mobilization → excavation/inspection → backfill/grade → clean‑up → handover.

How do you build quotes?

Detailed scope with inclusions/exclusions, unit rates or lump sum, disposal destinations, and allowances for unknowns.

What payment terms do you use?

Commonly a deposit to schedule, progress draws for longer jobs, and balance on completion—outlined in the quote.

How far in advance should I book?

1–2 weeks for small jobs; 3–6 weeks for larger projects or during peak season.

What if weather delays the job?

We re‑sequence tasks to protect the site; schedule impacts are communicated same day and documented.

Do you provide warranties?

We warrant workmanship for a defined period on scope we control; materials follow manufacturer or disposal facility terms.

Are permits and inspections included?

We can coordinate them; fees are usually a pass‑through item noted in your quote.

What areas do you serve?

Greater Victoria and surrounding communities; travel charges may apply outside our standard radius.

How do you ensure safety on site?

Daily tailboards, equipment inspections, exclusion zones, and supervision by competent operators.

Can you work around existing landscaping or hardscaping?

Yes, with protection measures and careful machine selection; unavoidable impacts are discussed in advance.

How do you handle change orders?

Written description, revised pricing, and client approval before additional work proceeds.

Do you provide daily updates?

Yes. We provide brief daily summaries with photos for multi‑day projects.

What equipment do you own?

Tracked excavators of multiple sizes, skid steers, compactors, trucks/trailers, and attachments (buckets, rakes, hammers).

Can you start with a ballpark estimate from photos?

Yes. We can give a range from photos and measurements, then confirm on site before finalizing.

How do you reduce neighbour disruption?

Notice letters when appropriate, clean site boundaries, managed parking, and bylaw‑compliant hours.

What happens to contaminated soils if discovered?

Work pauses in the affected area; we arrange testing and disposal through approved facilities with manifests.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We carry the required business licenses, liability insurance, and WCB coverage; certificates available on request.

What should I do before you arrive?

Clear access, mark private lines/irrigation, secure pets, and confirm parking or staging areas.