Excavation contractors are often the first team on site when you are preparing for construction or other major projects. These contractors prepare the job site, move dirt, dig foundations and trenches, and make sure that everything else is ready to go before construction begins.
The reality is that there are many risks and complexities involved when heavy equipment is being used. So, experienced excavation contractors will take a proactive approach to ensure that they have a good safety plan and well-trained crew members.
The most important thing you can do is ensure that you are hiring experienced contractors who implement the right safety practices for a successful excavation project. The questions you ask in the initial stages can help you determine the best contractors to hire for your job.
Here are 5 questions you should bring up during the initial consultation:
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Will You Provide References from Other Clients Who Have Used Your Services?
References can be a valuable way to gain insights into how the contractor treats their customers. Talking to previous customers allows you to learn about the excavation contractors from a third-party perspective.
Both references and customer reviews can be helpful. For example, if you don’t have the opportunity to talk to previous customers directly, then you can look at online reviews for more information. Read both the good reviews and the bad reviews to see the bigger picture. Also, remember that reviews are the opinion of one person, there are always other factors that happened behind the scenes contributing the positive or negative review a person leaves about a contractor.
Important points to look for in the reviews and references include the quality of work, adherence to timelines, communication, and professionalism. Also watch out for red flags such as incomplete projects as well as a lack of references or reviews.
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Do You Have a List of Completed Projects Similar to Mine?
For the best outcome on your project, make sure you are hiring excavation contractors who have experience on other similar projects. Successful completion of these similar projects can be a good indication that the contractors will be able to complete your project as promised.
Completed projects show that the contractors can plan and execute the excavation. Since each project is unique, a long list of completed projects speaks to the versatility the contractor will bring to your site.
Many contractors will have before and after photos so that you can see the results they delivered to their clients.
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What Equipment and Capabilities Do You Have to Handle My Project?
Always check on contractor qualifications before deciding who you are going to hire. Make sure that the team is licensed and certified, with proper training in the services they will be offering for your project.
Additionally, ask questions about the type of equipment that will be used on your work site. Heavy machinery varies depending on the project scope, and you want to make sure that the equipment will match the terrain and complexity of the scope of work.
Ask about whether the contractor owns the equipment they are bringing, or if they will be renting the necessary equipment. If they are the equipment owners, ask questions about the maintenance and care of the equipment to ensure safety and performance. Also, the crew members who are operating the equipment must have the proper licensing and certifications to match the type of equipment being used.
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Who is Managing the Project, and What is Their Experience?
Management matters, especially when multiple contractors are involved. If you are hiring excavation contractors directly, then make sure that you meet the manager in advance. This in-house approach is beneficial because you know that the whole team is accustomed to working together.
The other alternative is to hire a general contractor who is managing the rest of the providers. There are pros and cons to this approach, depending on your unique needs for the project.
Check with the manager to find out about their experience with similar projects. Also, make sure they have the necessary license and permits for the type of work they will be overseeing.
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What is Your Safety Plan for This Excavation Project?
Safety procedures should always be a high priority on every job site. The reality is that excavation work can be quite dangerous, especially when heavy machinery is involved. Ask the contractor about their general safety protocols and how the team members are trained. Also, discuss any site-specific hazards that need to be addressed for your customized safety plan.
Most job sites have underground utilities that could pose a safety threat when digging starts. So, make sure that the team always identifies utilities in the area and has a plan in place to avoid hitting these lines.
Another consideration is to make sure that your excavation contractors have the proper insurance coverage. While the hope is that these safety practices will reduce the risk of injury or damage, you always need to have full coverage in case something goes wrong. A good insurance policy will help you avoid costly financial liability if a person is injured on the job site.
FAQ
Will you provide a written estimate for my excavation project?
Yes, experienced excavation contractors will always give their clients a full, detailed estimate for the work. Make sure your contractor is transparent about the project costs. You need to have clear expectations about the pricing and scope of work.
What protective equipment do you use on-site?
Our team is proactive about safety, including the use of personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel-toed boots, reflective vests, and more.
Need Excavation Services? Call the Pros at Venditti, LLC
When you need excavation services, it makes sense to call a trusted team with experience in the industry. We invite you to contact us at Venditti, LLC discuss your project and budget. We have many years of experience with excavation, and also offer other related services such as demolition and more.