We provide residential excavation in Nanaimo for landscape construction, site clearing, grading, drainage and ground preparation.
Using compact excavation equipment, we can work in backyards, side yards and other areas where access can be limited. Excavation may involve digging and removing existing soil, rock or fill, reshaping the ground, preparing grades or creating a stable base for the work that follows.
A successful excavation starts with looking at the existing site conditions and deciding what needs to be removed and what the finished grades need to be.
STEP 1: Before excavation starts, we assess the area including access, existing grades, soil conditions, drainage and any obstacles that may affect the work. Underground services also need to be located before digging begins.
STEP 2: The area is cleared where necessary, removing vegetation, roots, debris or other material that is in the way of the excavation.
STEP 3: We excavate the area to the required depth, removing soil, roots, rock and unsuitable material as needed. During this stage we also establish the required grades and slopes for the finished area.
STEP 4: Once excavation is complete, areas that require fill or aggregate can be backfilled in layers and compacted to create a stable base. Grades and drainage are checked as the area is prepared.
STEP 5: Excess excavated material and debris can then be removed from the property and the area left at the required grade ready for the next stage of work.
Our excavation equipment is generally billed at approximately $110-$130 per hour, depending on the machine required and the work being carried out.
Additional costs can include trucking, disposal, fuel, gravel or other materials required for the job.
Excavation costs vary because Nanaimo properties can have very different access, slopes, soil, rock and ground conditions. The amount of digging, grading and material removal required also affects the time and equipment needed.
Material removal is charged based on weight and trucking costs. Gravel, soil, landscape fabric, and other materials are billed at the contractor’s purchase price (including any applicable contractor discounts), plus 20%.
If you have just built a new home, there is often considerable excavation and grading still required around the property. Foundation backfill may contain several feet of disturbed soil, while the surrounding yard can have uneven grades, excess material, construction debris or areas that still require proper drainage. Excavation can be used to remove unsuitable material, establish the required elevations and reshape the site before the surrounding yard is finished. Access, soil conditions and recently backfilled areas should all be considered before excavation begins.
Properly completed excavation — dug to the correct depth with suitable material, grading and compaction — should provide a stable base for many years. Cutting corners on excavation, drainage or compaction is one of the main reasons prepared ground can settle, shift or require costly repairs later.
Yes. Excavation can be completed on sloped and difficult terrain, although the existing slope, soil conditions, drainage and equipment access all need to be considered before work starts.
We first look at how the existing land is graded and where water naturally moves across the property. Excavation and grading can then be used to adjust elevations and slopes while maintaining stable ground and directing water away from areas where it may cause problems.
Access is also important. Smaller excavation equipment can be used where larger machines cannot access the work area, although difficult access can mean more time and labour is required.
Rocky ground, steep slopes and restricted access are common on some Nanaimo properties and each site needs to be approached differently.
With our excavation experience, we are able to prepare residential properties for a wide range of projects, while working efficiently and staying within budget.
We provide professional residential excavation services for properties throughout Nanaimo and the surrounding area.
Proper excavation and site preparation can make a significant difference to the finished property. Removing unsuitable material, establishing correct grades and elevations, and preparing stable ground helps ensure the site is ready for the work that follows. Every property has different soil, access, drainage and ground conditions, so the excavation needs to suit the individual site.
Contact our office to arrange an appointment to discuss your residential excavation project.
We offer:
Excavation is the process of digging, cutting or removing material from the ground to create the required depth, shape or grade for an area.
Residential excavation usually involves removing or moving soil, rock, roots and other ground material using an excavator or other equipment.
Excavation can also be used to reshape uneven ground, establish finished grades and prepare a stable area for the work that follows.
