Updating your landscape can sometimes require excavation, an often complex process that requires a lot of expertise. It’s a big project that requires plenty of communication. Here are five important questions to ask excavating contractors near Milford, NH.
The plan for excavation should always be detailed and comprehensive so that damage to the earth is minimized. Contractors will have visited the site several times and conducted safety inspections before the dig begins.
Related: HOW EXCAVATION CONTRACTORS ENSURE EVERY EXCAVATION GOES TO PLAN IN AMHERST NH
Why Do I Need Excavation?
While excavation is a process that damages the environment in order to alter the landscape to make it more usable and/or more beautiful, it’s often necessary. There may be drainage issues that may necessitate catch basins and/or retaining walls. There may be a lack of usable space, which may require digging into a hillside and preparing the hillside for retaining walls and terraces. There may be a need to remove existing structures such as a partially collapsed barn, or removal of landscape elements such as large boulders and rocks that prevent the space from being used optimally. Of course, excavation is necessary for pools and structures.
Clarify why excavation is necessary, and whether it will require large or smaller excavation equipment. In some cases, access to the project site is severely limited (large equipment will need at least 8’ of clear access) which will mean smaller equipment; the work will still be done, but expect that smaller equipment will make the project take longer.
Where is Excavation in the Grand Scheme?
Excavation is one of the first phases of any major landscape renovation. It’s the messiest and most disruptive part of any project. It is followed by grading and leveling, and then the installation of hardscapes and softscapes. Knowing the excavation timeline is crucial so a homeowner can make plans to move any vulnerable personal property such as vehicles safely out of the way, and make accommodations for a disruption of their lifestyle while the excavation is going on.
What Comes Before the Dig?
Safety is always a top priority for both the contractors and the homeowners. The excavation company will conduct site visits, obtain permits with the local municipality, and assess the location of all structures and landscape elements that need to be protected and preserved, as well as any that need to be removed.
The excavation company will contact utility companies to determine the location of any buried or above ground gas, water, electric, telephone, and communications cables. They will also obtain necessary permits. The excavation cannot proceed as planned without these steps.
When Does the Dig Start?
Scheduling is everything with such a big project. Your landscaping contractors will be in touch well beforehand to make sure that every step in the process is scheduled. This includes what needs to be done with the utility companies as well as the permitting process. Site preparation includes making sure that the right equipment can access the project location.
What Happens After the Dig?
The excavation project should be wrapped up with as little disruption to the surrounding landscape as possible before further work ready to commence. Debris should be removed, and any rocks and dirt should be removed unless it is part of the ongoing project. All damage should be addressed before the next phase begins.
While excavation is a messy and dangerous job, the ultimate reward is an attractive and usable landscape and increased property value.
