Professional Excavation Services are the key to a successful commercial construction project. They help to improve timelines and reduce long-term maintenance issues by ensuring that builder and engineer specifications are met from the start.
Excavation services companies offer a variety of services, including digging and clearing, dirt work and more. A good contractor makes safety a priority and adheres to industry standards.
A solid foundation is essential to any construction project, and excavation services provide the expertise to build a strong one. From a new home or skyscraper to a garden retaining wall, the right excavation will set your project up for success from the ground up.
A detailed site survey is one of the most important steps in any excavation project. It helps to identify potential hazards and ensures that the work complies with local laws and regulations. A professional survey can help avoid costly mistakes like unforeseen underground utilities or unstable soil conditions that could delay or derail your project.
An excavation survey can also reveal any existing structures or other features that might interfere with the work. These can include buried water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and other items that must be protected from damage during the work. An experienced team can use advanced detection tools to map out these utilities before excavation begins, reducing the risk of accidents and expensive repairs down the road.
Once the survey is complete, it should be submitted to your local government for approval. A permit is often required for excavation projects, and failing to submit a survey can result in delays and fines. Additionally, a survey can help you ensure that your project complies with environmental standards and drainage systems.
Before excavation begins, it is important to clear the area of any debris or other obstacles. This will allow the machinery to move freely and prevent any accidents during the excavation process. It is also a good idea to clear the area of any structures that will be affected by the work, such as sheds or outdoor furniture.
The next step is to mark out the excavation zone according to the project plans. This can be done using stakes, flags, or markers. Once this is completed, it is time to begin the actual excavation.
Excavation projects can be complicated and involve a lot of moving parts. Therefore, careful planning and careful execution are crucial to their success. To minimize risk, it is important to choose a contractor with experience and expertise in the field. They should have the appropriate equipment and know how to use it properly. They should also follow strict safety procedures and have the proper insurance coverage to protect themselves and their clients.
Permits
Before any excavation work can begin, the property owner must first get a permit from the City. The specifics of what is required depends on the type of work being done. This could be anything from trenching for utilities to land clearing to construction of a driveway connecting to a Town road.
Permits can be obtained by visiting our Online Permit Portal, powered by OpenGov, or by calling (713) 228-3311. Once registered, you are able to start an application, save it and come back later to finish it. Additionally, you can keep track of the status of your application and communicate with staff through this portal from any device.
Depending on the scope of your project, other permits may be necessary from other City departments. For example, you will need a Drainage Permit if your project requires the installation of storm sewer or a sump pump. You will also need a Grading Permit if your project disturbs more than 5,000 square feet of soil. In addition, a Health Permit may be needed if your property has a private well or septic system.
Prior to the issuance of any permit, a bond must be posted. This ensures that any damages done within City rights of way or dedicated easements are repaired. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the bond.
Once the permit is issued, it must be prominently displayed at the job site at all times. Additionally, the contractor must submit proof of insurance and a sketch of the proposed work to the City for review. If a permit is to close a City street, the contractor will also need to obtain an Encumbrance Permit from the Traffic Department.
Before starting any excavation work, the contractor should discuss noise and dust levels with adjacent property owners. This will ensure that everyone understands the expectations and can plan accordingly. It is also a good idea to have the contractor provide the property owner with a copy of their Insurance Certificate and a completed Release of Liability form.
Equipment
Choosing a qualified excavation contractor is a critical decision for any construction project. The excavation process creates the foundation for all subsequent work, and poor quality can lead to costly mistakes, delays, or even structural problems down the line. A reputable contractor has extensive experience and will know how to address any challenges that may arise. They will be able to foresee issues and mitigate them efficiently, keeping the project on schedule and cost-efficient.
Whether you need trenching for utilities, site prep for new construction, or land clearing, a professional excavation service will have the right equipment to get the job done quickly and correctly. They will use a wide range of tools including backhoes, excavators, and dump trucks. They will also have specialized equipment, like pipe locating technology, for finding underground pipes and cables. They will also have the ability to reroute existing utility lines through hydro excavation, which uses pressurized water to remove and replace soil without damaging pipes or other underground structures.
Hiring an excavation services company that prioritizes safety is crucial for any construction project. They will have the proper training and insurance coverage to protect workers and property. They will also follow strict regulations regarding the handling of sophisticated machinery and awareness of potential underground hazards. They will set up barriers and fencing around the work area, preventing unauthorized access. This helps keep workers and passersby safe from accidents.
Before any digging project, the excavation company will contact a local utility company to mark the location of existing pipes and cables. This prevents accidental damage and saves time, money, and frustration. Using the wrong tool in the wrong location can cause serious injuries or even death.
Once the ground is clear, the excavation services company will prepare the area for construction. This includes removing trees, plants, and other debris. They will also level and grade the site, making it ready for the build. They will use heavy machinery with special attachments for clearing land and debris, such as the clamping function on an excavator. These attachments are especially helpful in areas with thicker or harder layers of dirt.
Safety
Excavation work carries innate risks, but with robust protocols and constant monitoring, the chances of accidents are greatly diminished. Whether it’s soil cave-ins, equipment failure, toxic fumes, or falling objects, the right precautionary measures help to mitigate all the dangers that can affect a crew’s safety and productivity.
Performing a Site Survey
Before starting any excavation project, call 811. They will send out a specialist to mark the exact location of underground utilities, such as sewer, water, gas, and power lines. This step is vital for avoiding expensive damages that can occur if workers accidentally damage these sensitive underground lines.
Creating a Safety Plan
A safety plan should be created before digging begins to address all potential hazards. The plan should include the necessary safety protocols and identify hazard controls like sloping or benching of excavation walls, which can be used to protect against collapse. It should also include a system to inspect soil stability, as different types of soil require different handling techniques.
Properly Training Employees
The best way to prevent excavation-related injuries is to train workers on proper procedures and use of PPE. This includes hard hats and other protective gear, as well as keeping all equipment in good working condition and replacing any that’s damaged or worn out. It’s also essential to provide engaging, impactful training that gets employees motivated and committed to following all the required protocols on-site.
Creating a Safe Workspace
The workplace must be designed with an appropriate number of supports, ladders, and ramps in trenches deeper than four feet. The workplace must also be adequately ventilated and tested for oxygen levels, dangerous gases, and other contaminants. In addition, a warning system with barricades and signs should be used to limit access and keep unauthorized personnel away from the excavation area.
Performing Excavation Services can be a huge benefit for your landscape by improving drainage and increasing the health of your soil. This can help to reduce standing water, soil erosion, and plant damage. Excavation can help with this by removing compacted or nutrient-poor soil and replacing it with fresh, fertile material. This can help with root growth and create a more hospitable environment for plants and trees.