Hiring Excavating Contractors Hollis NH - What to Consider

Excavation is sometimes needed to transform a landscape into something beautiful and usable, and it requires specialized equipment and expertise. When it comes to hiring excavating contractors in Hollis, NH, here’s what to consider so that you can hire a reputable excavator to ensure a satisfactory outcome and a good foundation for your hardscape and softscape renovation.

1. Licensing and Certification

We strongly recommend that you never, ever hire an excavating contractor who is not currently licensed. A license ensures that a contractor has the experience, training, and knowledge to perform the work to the highest standards. It also means that the excavating contractor is permitted to perform excavation work and carries current insurance. A reputable excavation contractor will be happy to share licensing and certification documents with you. It’s the first sign of a reputable company that holds itself to high standards. Keep in mind that licensing and certification is fairly expensive, and this cost is rolled into the company’s bid. Very low bids are typically a sign of someone who’s not licensed or certified, or at the very least doesn’t have experience in submitting a reasonable bid.

2. Insurance

Excavation is inherently hazardous and there is a high probability of injury and property damage. Always ask for a copy of current insurance liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect both you (the homeowner), the workers, and the excavation company in the event of an accident.

3. Properly Maintained Equipment

The condition of the excavation contractor’s equipment says a lot about their business practices. If they can’t (or won’t) maintain their equipment in top working condition, they probably won’t take the care necessary to ensure a satisfactory excavation project. Reputable contractors take pride in their equipment and their work.

4. References and Referrals

Talk to professionals in the building industry, including local real estate agents or landscape companies. Don’t rely on generic questions such as, “Would you hire this company?” Ask prospective excavation contractors to provide references for similar projects. The Better Business Bureau rates companies, and online reviews can reveal a lot. Ask about any awards or special recognitions that demonstrate a contractor’s commitment to professionalism.

5. The Consultation

Never accept a bid from an excavation contractor who has not conducted a thorough site inspection, including an evaluation of the soil composition, underground utilities, site access, equipment staging areas, and any special site challenges, such as steep grades, surface water, trees, and structures. Be sure that any prospective contractor knows exactly what you need and expect so that there are no gray areas. Also, beware of any promises that are too good to be true.

6. Experience

Experienced excavation contractors have been exposed to a wide variety of situations that have tested their abilities and pushed them to their limits. No project is the same, and nothing is ever predictable in the world of excavation. They have learned from real-life experiences, and they can apply these lessons to the specific challenges they may face with your project. While it’s okay to give new contractors experience with simpler projects, use experienced contractors with a solid reputation for complex or large projects. Give preference to candidates who have done similar projects to ensure experience with your particular excavation situation.

A good excavation is the beginning of a successful landscape or hardscape project. So a lot depends on it! Trust your project to someone with the experience, qualifications, and integrity: the pros at Northern Lights!

Hiring Excavating Contractors in Hollis, NH: What to Consider