Key Takeaways:
- Residential excavation is an extensive job; you want to ensure it’s done right.
- There are a few key things you should ask your contractor for residential excavation before hiring.
- You should always ask for: their license, insurance, warranty, and an estimate. Other than that, ask for referrals and experience. These are all essential questions that will assist you in making your decision.
- Make sure you understand everything before signing any contracts.
Are you looking for a contractor to do residential excavation? If so, it’s essential to know what to ask them before you hire them. In this blog post, Purcell’s paving and masonry lists ten questions you should ask any contractor offering residential excavation services. By knowing what to ask, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible service for your money!
What is residential excavation?
Residential excavation removes earth and rock from property to make way for new construction. This can include clearing land for a new home or digging a foundation for an addition. Excavation contractors are responsible for operating the heavy machinery that is needed to complete the job, as well as managing any workers who are helping with the project.
Why hire professionals for residential excavation?
There are a few reasons why hiring professional contractors for excavation is always best rather than trying to do the job yourself. First of all, excavating land is very difficult and dangerous work. If you are not experienced in operating heavy machinery, you could seriously injure yourself or someone else. Secondly, professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Finally, hiring a professional contractor will save you money in the long run, as they will be able to get discounts on equipment and supplies.
Ten things to ask your contractor for residential excavation
Question 01: Do you have a license?
The first question you should ask any possible excavation contractors is if they are licensed, certified, and insured. Although not required in every jurisdiction, you should ensure the team you select has the skills and expertise necessary to do the task. Additionally, you should confirm that they have insurance coverage in case something goes wrong. Don’t just believe what they say, either. Before selecting your excavator or any other contractor for your project, get documentation of these credentials and insurance.
Question 02: How much experience do you have?
How long has your company been around? How long have you been engaged in residential excavation? Both of these questions are excellent for your prospective excavator.
Excavation is a delicate process, and you don’t want your home to be the one they practice on. A team with a lot of experience is eager to flaunt their abilities.
Ensure that the team you select is equally skilled and that the person you hire has years of expertise. No crew is equally proficient just because the excavation contractor in charge of the job has a lot of expertise.
Question 03: What similar projects have you completed?
Always request references from earlier work, including examples. A business that frequently completes these types of projects will have no trouble providing you with references from prior clients.
Additionally, investigate if there are any reviews or references of the contractor online. Select an excavator whose reputation is excellent and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your project.
If the excavator you’re considering employing hasn’t worked on a similar project, you might want to reconsider. Maybe you need a large residential house, but they have only worked on commercial excavations. They provide decent work, yet they lack the expertise you want for your job. To be sure, ask.
Question 04: Will you provide a project timeline?
Be sure to ask for a detailed timeline of the project. This will help you set your expectations and also allow you to plan around the construction. Additionally, enquire about any potential delays that could occur and how they would be handled. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing you with a realistic timeline and contingency plan.
Question 05: Which training and certifications does your team have?
Residential excavation can be dangerous, so you want to ensure that the contractor and their team are properly trained. Ask about their safety policies, procedures, and certifications or training. A good contractor or excavator will gladly share this information with you.
Question 06: Ask for an estimate
If the excavating contractor you’re working with gives you a verbal cost estimate, request a written estimate. Ask them to list any potential additional expenses and their associated prices in the estimate. When working on a significant residential project, get everything in writing. If your initial budget is off, you’ll spend the remainder of your construction attempting to make up for it.
Question 07: Is cleanup included?
Most excavation contractors will clean up after themselves. However, you should always confirm this before work begins. If they don’t offer cleanup services, ask about the cost of renting a dumpster or hauling the debris away yourself. Residential excavations can create significant waste, and you don’t want it sitting around your property.
Question 08: What are your hours of operation?
This is an important question, especially if you have neighbors who might be affected by the noise. Most contractors will work during regular business hours, but some may start earlier or work later to avoid rush hour traffic.
Question 09: Do you provide additional services?
Some excavation contractors also offer demolition services. If you’re planning on demolishing an old shed or garage, it may be more cost-effective to hire a contractor who can do both the excavation and demolition.
Question 10: What is your warranty policy?
Be sure to ask about the warranty policy before work begins. Most reputable contractors will offer a warranty on their workmanship. If something goes wrong with the excavation, you should be able to get it fixed at no cost to you.
Asking your contractor these ten questions will help ensure that you have a smooth and successful excavation project. Residential excavation can be a big undertaking, but it can be a breeze with the right contractor.
Contact Purcell’s Paving and Masonry; we are a full-service paving and masonry firm. We have been in operation for a long time and have finished jobs of various kinds in Long Hill, NJ. We constantly prioritize our clients and put out great effort to ensure they are happy with the results.
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