Categories
Excavation Professionals

3 Remarkable Benefits of Working with Commercial Excavation Services Contractors

It might sometimes seem like commercial excavation services are nothing more than trucking around huge heaps of dirt, but in reality, it’s so much more.

Excavation is a process utilized during the initial construction phases where equipment or explosives are used to move the rock, earth, or other materials.

It is used to create the foundation of the building and ensure that the final construction will sit on flat ground.

There are many things to consider when working with commercial excavation services.

There are many processes when it comes to excavating that all require the right materials, machinery, and techniques to guarantee that the job is done the first time correctly.

These commercial excavation services include dredging, site preparation, grading, trenching, and digging.

What is Commercial Excavation?

Commercial excavation is earthwork for non-residential projects, like malls, condominiums, and industrial constructions. The goal of commercial excavation is the same as residential – to prepare the site for construction.

That includes removing debris like trees and rocks, digging for underground spaces and utilities, and redistributing and compacting soil for stability and grading.

How Do Commercial Excavation Services Differ

Compared with residential projects, industrial buildings are often larger, made of steel and concrete, and hence heavier than average lumber-framed homes. Also, rather than 8 ft basements, non-residential buildings sometimes have underground parking lots or multiple underground levels. That means commercial excavators need to dig and drill deeper piles for stability.

The deeper the excavation, the more costly and hazardous it becomes. Speaking of hazards, sometimes repurposing commercial properties, such as an old gas station, needs the safe disposal and removal of contaminated soil and, in this specific example, underground fuel tanks too.

Additionally, the pressure and weight of nearby commercial structures must also be considered to guarantee site safety. Commercial excavation services are more complicated because of the number of project components, personnel, contractors, and types of machinery involved.

Why Work with Professional Excavators

There are several reasons why someone might need commercial excavation services. Be it for construction purposes or for just reclaiming the land, a commercial excavation company could serve as the answer to all of your issues related to land maintenance.

Land, construction work road excavation, go hand in hand; setting up a foundation for the project is more important than anything else; a poor foundation may collapse the whole structure and waste money and time.

Ground excavation could be utilized for projects such as constructing a pool, a huge housing development project, or residential excavation for a personal home.

An excavating contractor hires people who are professionals and do this regularly. They’re the ones that can be depended upon to solve any ground excavation issues that one may encounter.

The Benefits of Working with Commercial Excavation Services

Knowledge and Experience

When inexperienced individuals try to take the job of excavation into their hands, that could become a problem for the property owners. You already got a lot to think about, and taking on this challenging work is overwhelming.

We’d say some things are better off when they’re left to dirt work contractors. That is why hiring professionals for commercial excavation services should be considered a prerequisite for construction.

They possess the required skills, knowledge, and years of experience. They ensure you continue focusing on your work while they do the excavation business effortlessly.

Saving A Lot of Time

Excavating contractors with top-notch machines and the latest equipment saves a lot of time as they do the work as efficiently as possible. That also helps boost your timeline for the whole project, ensuring that pre-construction excavation does not get in your way.

Choose the best excavation contractor to work with.

Diminished Cost

Using the latest machines and equipment in the hands of the most experienced commercial excavation services professionals saves time and financial resources. It helps shave off expenses in a process that makes it easy for bills to pile up. Financial relief is always welcome whether you are on a strict budget or are operating on commission.

Hiring professionals for commercial excavation services is necessary for any property owner looking for land maintenance. They do much more than move dirt around. They help you with tractor work, demolition services, landscaping, lawn care, tree and stump removal, ground preparation, bush hogging, etc.

How to Select the Right Commercial Excavating Services Contractor

If you’re trying to find the best contractor for commercial excavation services, here are some tips:

Compare the Services

Some excavation companies might specialize in a particular type of commercial excavation services, while others could have everything covered & at your disposal straight off the bat.

Make sure that you get those who offer & specialize in the work & tasks that you need, and do not book someone that can’t meet your criteria.

Also, go for someone who possesses the right level of knowledge & experience.

Ask for Their Portfolio

Once you have identified a few commercial excavation services companies that meet your standards & criteria, check their past work or ask for their portfolio. They can send you this via mail. You could also locate their projects & before and after pictures on their social media or webpage.

Browse through their videos or photos to see the commercial excavation services they are capable of doing. This process can be time-consuming, but the result and what you gain from it are more than worth it.

Request for References & Read Reviews

You could ask your friends & family for a bit of help and guidance, particularly if this is something they’ve been handling before and in the past. Overall, looking for testimonials from former clients and references would be best.

Nowadays, everything is only one click away, which suggests that you can easily find the right review that would answer your questions or confirm/deny your suspicion or thoughts that you have about this company.

Check their License

Did you know that one can own lots of different licenses & options? Someone with a license is much more reliable & a safer choice. They could also ensure that you have a valid contract, + if anything goes south, you would not be responsible for their mistakes.

The commercial excavation services contractors you choose should have propert licenses.

This written contract would set out all the terms and conditions beforehand while outlining the type of work from beginning to end. The company will also list out its materials & gear beforehand, which means there will be no hidden expenses later.

Check out their equipment

Speaking of gear and equipment, some contractors for commercial excavation services are equipped for bigger jobs, while others that are smaller would only work with the most common tools & with specific surroundings. For instance, a smaller excavator is usually chosen for sewer repairs.

Bigger & more serious agencies can be equipped for something more complex, requiring large excavators and maybe even a hydraulic hammer. That is why you have to find someone who meets your criteria.

Compare the Quotes

Different excavation companies will have different quotes & commercial excavation services to offer. That will all depend on the project, the equipment needed, and the distance from the place and back to their company.

If you have a tight budget and you do not have a lot of options, make sure that you do the process of elimination. Beware of companies that bid super low since they might offer low-quality or poorly used materials.

Categories
Excavation Professionals Farm and Ranch Excavation

What are the 6 Most Practical Reasons to Work with Farm and Ranch Excavation Professionals?

Farm and ranch excavation work is something that has to be taken on by a professional contractor.

Whether you are planning to install a plumbing system for your farm, dig a drainage ditch, or build a barn, working with a professional farm and ranch excavation company is among the most ideal ways to improve your property.

What A Farm and Ranch Excavation Contractor Could Do For Your Business

Now that you understand what a farm and ranch excavation is, you are probably wondering how they can benefit your business. Here’s a more in-depth look at what a farm and ranch excavation contractor could do for you.

Site Preparation

Working with a farm and ranch excavation company offers many benefits.

Farm and ranch excavation contractors are vital to the early part of any construction effort. They’re the ones who tell if the soil is firm enough to support the foundation of a construction project.

Their testing could also tell if the construction can support the pressure and weight of the project.

Cut And Fill Excavation

Farm and ranch excavation contractors offer the cut and fill excavation work needed for the project to pick up. They clear the topsoil, sand, and rock land that would make building a foundation impossible. Afterward, they can remove any unwanted vegetation from the topsoil to make the lot more stable and appealing.

Operate Heavy Machinery

One of the most notable advantages of working with farm and ranch excavation contractors is that they understand how to use excavation tools and heavy machinery.

They understand how to use cranes, bulldozers, and rollers, which only a few professionals can. You could not complete foundation preparation or site clearing without these tools.

Ensure The Project Is Meeting Standards

Most farm and ranch excavation contractors are bonded and licensed, which means they know and understand the safety and on-site job practices required by the Occupational and Safety Hazard Association.

That also means they carry liability insurance coverage for their work, which is a big benefit for construction companies.

Why Work with Professionals

Farm and ranch excavation may seem as simple as renting a piece of huge equipment and then moving around some dirt, but the process could be much more complicated than you may expect. Why work with a professional farm and ranch excavation contractor for your next huge project? The following are some main reasons you should consider working with a skilled excavator!

It’s Dangerous Business

Someone that’s an expert in soil composition will know what to expect as they’re working on a property. The composition of muddy soil, rocky soil, and wet soil can make it hard to dig deep or even stay on a safe footing in an excavator.

It's always best to work with professionals.

A professional farm and ranch excavation company would know how to test the soil to ensure that the composition could be understood and that full safety can be ensured on the job site.

Need for Speed

Professional farm and ranch excavation companies work with numerous clients at a time to get jobs done in an orderly, fast, and professional manner. They’re used to working with a strict schedule and keeping a proper and steady pace. If you rely on yourself or a friend to get the job done, unanticipated delays that you aren’t equipped to resolve can set the work back and further delay your project.

Relying on an experienced farm and ranch excavation professional ensures the project gets done properly and on time.

Using The Right Equipment

Professional excavators may have to use more equipment for digging, making excavating quicker and safer. For instance, an excavator may use trenchers or long and narrow digging tools meant to dig trenches for excavating farms or ranches.

Trenchers are more efficient than bobcats.

These trenchers are also useful for the narrow and long pits needed for plumbing pipes or irrigation.

Using these trenches is more efficient and much quicker than digging those small rows with a bobcat! Specialty crane arms could also be used to reach over and around obstacles. Using these arms could be much easier than managing a bobcat or other equipment around flowerbeds, landscaping trees, and other items on your property.

Backhoes or cranes with more extended arms could also make quicker and safer work of digging pits that are over wet or soft soil. The equipment with those extended arms could sit further back from the edge of a hole during digging, making it less likely to collapse under its weight.

It is also worth noting that most professional farm and ranch excavation contractors have access to heavy-duty, construction-grade equipment that requires special licensing.

Professional excavators have access to heavy-duty equipment.

This larger equipment could often make quicker work of digging any pit or trench; in turn, you could have your new barn or outbuilding installed more quickly when you depend on a professional excavator with access to this heavy-duty equipment.

You Could Reduce Your Risk For Property Damage

Hiring a seasoned farm and ranch excavation contractor could reduce your risk for property damage. Professional farm and ranch excavation specialists would know how to properly dig on your property and call the public authorities to ensure they can detect all buried lines, wiring, and pipes locations.

Using an excavation machine is not a do-it-yourself job; experienced operators would know how to use excavators even in extremely small spaces. They can be externally careful when turning or moving and avoid spilling dirt for unnecessary cleanup.

Licensed and Insured

A professional excavator that has years of experience in the industry will also offer insurance in case something was to get damaged. If you were to damage an item while working on your property, you would be responsible for the cost of the repairs. If an accident occurs with an experienced operator, you will be covered for these costs. It’s an extra line of defense for your property and the entire project’s success.

Excavation Is Unsafe

Preparing a job site or digging a foundation for a property can be hazardous. Edges of the pit or holes can quickly collapse if the operator is not experienced or if there is a sudden movement. Hitting power lines can lead to deadly consequences, and the chance of hitting a gas line could result in even worse damage to your house. Rather than risking injury or a major accident for your property, working with a farm and ranch excavation professional is always the best option.

Bottom Line

Farming is a full-time job, and it could be a real challenge juggling a farm and ranch excavation project with other farming chores, like cutting the hay or feeding the livestock. A good professional farm and ranch excavation company could save you time and money. Check out the company’s credentials before you employ them for the job. You could also get helpful advice by talking to other farmers who have worked with farm and ranch excavation companies.

If you’re interested in hiring a professional farm and ranch excavation contractor, contact us today to learn more about what our excavation company can provide for you! Our number one priority here at Shilling Excavation is genuine customer service; we’re always available to resolve any questions you may have! There’s no project that is too big or small for us.

At Shilling Excavation, we are known for doing farm and ranch excavation jobs that no one else will touch. No matter the terrain or conditions, we’re up for the challenge. We’ll take on the job if we can get our tractors there. Plus, we’ll work with you to ensure you remain code compliant throughout the process.

Categories
Commercial Site Preparation

4 Undeniable Benefits of Working with a Site Preparation Company

A site preparation company is important since a construction project cannot be completed successfully with workforce and muscle alone.

While a cooperative, trained and efficient workforce is integral in preparing land for building, the project can go haywire if the muscle is not accompanied by level-headed decision-making.

It requires careful planning, estimation, and the help of a dependable site preparation company.

A site preparation company is important to any construction project.

While the brute force work of the labor is required to move and build structures, the site preparation process tests the contractor’s mental prowess and skill. Incorrect or half-hearted site preparation leads to a substandard project; therefore, it is one of the first things done before construction begins.

Site preparation is important, and so are land clearing and site preparation contractors. In this article, we’ll find out some of the benefits of working with a site preparation company that can make our life easier.

The Benefits of Working with a Site Preparation Company

Makes Excavation Easier

Removing obstructions and hard & stubborn problems on the area surface makes the land much easier to excavate. The things to be removed may include trees to be uprooted, rocks, and other debris. It improves efficiency in the excavation, saving both time and money.

When done without prior experience, this may become tedious and time-consuming. The same job becomes exponentially easier and faster when it lies in the hands of an experienced and seasoned site preparation company.

A land preparation company should show professionalism and quality service.

Helps in Conducting a Timely Inspection

Upon completing the grading site preparation process, the site preparation company gets an approximate idea about the location of crucial things like underground wirings and pipelines. This knowledge helps prevent accidental damage to these systems during construction, saving you the hassle of laying them again.

Increases Ease of Access

Large hurdles or obstructions in the way of construction can become a huge pain in the neck. Not only does it hinder your workforce from moving across your land, but it also leaves you unprepared for any irregularity you may encounter after beginning construction. A timely grading and site preparation job done by a site preparation company ensures you don’t have to deal with those hindrances.

Helps the Structure Become Stronger

As they say, ‘You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation.’ One needs to ensure that the base on which the structure will be built is stable and strong. This is where an experienced site preparation company comes into the picture. The site is carefully scoured, graded, and worked upon by professionals ensuring the land is impeccable.

Land preparation is an essential phase of any commercial construction project. As a property developer, your eyes should remain fixed on a better investment return- from site design and selection to construction. Maximizing your property value starts by choosing the right land clearing service.

A site preparation company allows investors to put more acreage into use while maintaining a healthy relationship with the environment around them. A site preparation company can also offer site evaluation, feasibility analyses, and clearing services, whether your project involves industrial or agricultural activities, institutional developments, or planned communities.

Why You Should Choose a Qualified Site Preparation Company

If you have a construction project planned, you may be looking for qualified companies to offer bids on grading and erosion control. As you plan out the teams you want to work with, you may wonder if you’ve chosen the right company to provide grading solutions for your building project. Here are some reasons you’ll want to choose a qualified grading company to do the work.

A site preparation company can also help increase ease of access.

First, the site preparation company you choose will be laying the foundation for your new building and setting the scene for the surrounding landscape. Knowing that you have a team of professionals on your job site who are knowledgeable about their craft will give you confidence that your project will succeed from the start.

The grading process creates a solid foundation for your new building; therefore, choosing a certified site preparation company will ensure you work with a team that can handle the job to the necessary specifications.

Finally, choosing a qualified site preparation company is crucial for reducing risk on the job site and the risk of potential future pitfalls. True grading professionals can assess your build site, offer important insights during the initial construction stages, and ensure that your project is on target.

How To Choose a Site Preparation Company

Site preparation can use up a significant amount of time and money. The land clearing company you work with determines your time and monetary investment return.

As you gather the list of local site preparation companies, here are several important factors to keep in mind:

1. Experience

The first step in your search should be to find a local site preparation company that provides quality services. An experienced commercial contractor can offer effective strategies and solutions related to the land development service. You will need to find a site preparation company capable of adjusting appropriately to the demands that fit your intended use. How long has the site preparation company been in operation? Have they handled projects of a similar size and budget? Work experience equips the technicians with the appropriate skills to handle your requests.

2. Specialization

A site preparation company can help prep the soil for construction.

Every commercial project is unique, demanding specific services for land preparation. Ask the land clearing company to list the suite of services they offer. See if the site preparation company aligns with what you wish to achieve with your property. Do they specialize in residential or commercial projects? The site preparation company should also have the right equipment for the project’s specific needs and workload.

3. Total Cost

As a developer, you need to draft a budget estimate to determine how much you are willing to spend on the site preparation service. Have open conversations with contractors on reasonable pricing based on land size and terrain. Find out what’s included in the site preparation services. Which pricing model do they use: billable hours or daily week?

4.Site Preparation Equipment

Your project cannot get done with faulty or unreliable equipment. For peace of mind, have a conversation with the lead on the job about the quality, maintenance, and upkeep of the company’s excavator, bulldozer, skid steer, all the way down to the dirt and rock screening equipment, or whatever equipment is needed for your specific project.

If the equipment isn’t well kept, your project will likely be delayed, wasting your precious time. Another thing to consider is if the price of the site preparation company you are leaning towards is on the higher end, the apparatus they are using is more than likely on the higher end.

5. Recommendations

The site preparation company’s reputation is another factor you should keep in mind. Smaller companies may have public reviews available. For larger companies, they may list their accreditations on their website or have a list of private client references at request.

Spend the extra time to read reviews from the site preparation company’s customers. Visit their sites and talk in person to ask about their overall service from efficiency, equipment upkeep, timelines met when given, maintaining a budget, and their satisfaction with the result.  

Site preparation services need a reliable site preparation company to set up your project for success. When selecting, remember to factor in their experience, specialty, costs, and reputation.

Categories
Excavation Professionals Farm Digging

Everything You Need to Know About Farm Excavation Services

You need farm excavation services to improve the efficiency of your farm or ranch and to help increase output and a healthier environment.

Farm excavation services improve the area’s functionality and keep it running smoothly.

Excavation projects, like farm excavation services, may take a long time and be costly. When done correctly, though, they may save you a lot of money later on throughout the building process.

You need You need farm excavation services to help make your farm more efficient.

The work has its fair share of risks, so it is recommended to practice extreme caution.

Here is our top do’s and don’ts list to protect your workers and get the work done flawlessly.

Do’s

Hire A Contractor

Because of the dangers and arduous nature of the excavation, it is advisable to work with farm excavation services with professional experience on large-scale projects. Experienced farm excavation services contractors will provide a wide range of excavating expertise, a highly competent team, and innovative equipment.

You might think that you can tackle agricultural excavation projects on your own. However, you never know when an emergency is going to arise. You will want to have professional farm excavation services to handle the situation when they do. Not only that, but a professional excavation service will ensure that your soil remains stable, even after the excavation, which ensures continued safety for you and your animals.

Protective Clothing

Anyone accessing a construction site must wear protective clothing such as fluorescent coveralls, steel toecap boots, and hard helmets. This approach will lessen the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the event of an accident.

Atmospheric Testing

Excavated areas are easily filled with toxic gases and hazardous fumes, which often make their way to the bottom of the area. The concentration of these gases may reduce the level of oxygen in the trenches over time.

There are many considerations when excavating your farm.

These gases are very harmful due to their invisibility and lack of odor. As a result, it is advised that frequent air testing be carried out to check for these gases.

Don’t

Pile Excavated Soil on the Edge of a Trench

Excavated soil piled on the edge of a trench poses a danger to personnel. Due to the soft dirt, the pile might easily drop back into the trench, burying employees at the bottom. As a result, make sure that any dirt or other surcharge is at least two feet away from the trench’s edge.

Suspend Loads

It should be guaranteed that no one is below the loads, whether they are hung or moved by a crane.

Entrances and Exits

Before beginning work on a building site, separate spaces for entrances and exits should be constructed. Workers must also be properly identified. Furthermore, frequent region inspections will guarantee that the excavation project is finished without delay.

What Does Farm Excavation Services Entail?

Heavy equipment — backhoes, bulldozers, steam shovels, front-end loaders, and tractors may be seen alongside excavators.

Farm excavation services begins with site preparation.

Site preparation and planning – Farm excavation services begin with site preparation and planning to ensure that the soil and land can sustain your foundation and building.

Earthmoving – Farm excavation services often move a lot of soil and land, yet this isn’t all they do.

How To Select The Right Contractor For Farm Excavation Services

Reliable farm excavation services are critical to the success of any agricultural building project. When many local companies provide farm excavation services, you must decide which one offers the best quality job as well as the most satisfactory customer service:

Experience

Farm excavation services may seem to be a simple operation. On the other hand, excavation requires years of on-the-job expertise that has educated specialists on dealing with every circumstance that may develop. We at Shilling Excavation have worked with various commercial developers and are familiar with the complexities of land excavation in our region.

Reputation

An excavator with years of expertise managing projects for farm excavation services across the local community gives a company a specific reputation.

It's best to work with professional farm excavation services to ensure project quality and completion.

While no excavation firm can satisfy everyone, the contractor you pick should have a positive reputation among clients and other specialists. Request references and do internet research on any excavating company you’re considering.

When meeting with several farm excavation services contractors, inquire about the equipment they’ll be using for your project. How often do they follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations? How old is the equipment? Hiring a firm that does not properly maintain its equipment might have a negative impact on how it does business in other areas.

Credentials

A commercial excavator must be licensed, certified, and bonded before being hired. These certifications guarantee a particular degree of quality while also safeguarding your investment. While a buddy may have the equipment to execute excavation work, they lack the qualifications to protect you against delays, failures, blunders, accidents, and other unforeseen events that slow down development and cost you more time and money.

Cost

For this project, you have already established an exact budget. The concept of cheap farm excavation services bids is quite attractive to many individuals. But it’s the reason for alarm if an excavator comes in much lower than the others. You get what you pay for when you choose the lowest option—usually a lot of difficulties, excuses, and downtime.

We at Shilling Excavation have been providing quality farm excavation services to business developers for years. We invest in better machinery that we repair on a regular basis. Our staff is composed of experienced and highly-trained individuals that our customers can rely on.

We personalize services to match your requirements after understanding the specifics of a project, so you only pay for the work that is necessary. Contact us today to learn more about our farm excavation services.

Categories
Land Clearing Work

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing a Land Clearing Contractor

If you have a huge area of land that has to be cleared, chances are you’ll have to hire a land clearing contractor. Land clearing is a huge task and requires a skilled professional contractor to have the job done. If it’s not handled properly, the job could be dangerous and also potentially cause damage to your land.

Because of this, you need to be really careful when selecting a land clearing contractor. Never select the cheapest option because, as in a lot of other things, you usually get what you pay for.

What Does a Land Clearing Contractor Do

Mostly, lot clearing basically involves the same thing, though the amount of time it would take varies based on the project. In short, the process includes land surveying against the blueprints for the construction to know what needs to be done. Then, the land clearing services would get the land to a point where it is ready to be built on.

There are many considerations when choosing a land clearing contractor.

This process usually begins with clearing away any large rocks or vegetation on the land. Bushes and trees offer major hurdles for most construction projects. Even if a tree is not really in the way, its roots can become a problem a few years down the line.

The next step involves property grading. Once more, the process depends somewhat on precisely what the land is like. Things such as erosion prevention and drainage control might be necessary to ensure the land would hold up through the years. Installation of wells or septic systems could also be included in this process.

Other grading tasks may include:

  • Creating an access road
  • Connecting the site to utilities such as electricity and water
  • Digging a foundation or basement
  • Demolishing existing buildings
A land preparation company should show professionalism and quality service.

This process could sometimes be slowed down by the need for construction or building permits. These permits could also add new fees to the costs of the building site preparation.

What to Ask Before Hiring a Land Clearing Contractor

Below are a few questions you should always ask when you hire a land clearing contractor:

Do You Have the Proper Registration and Licenses?

Clearing a lot may seem like a simple, albeit huge, task, but several variables are at play. First, you’ll have to take different steps based on what you are removing. The process for handling trees is different from the one for handling brush and debris.

The right land clearing contractor should have certifications and licenses.

Heavy equipment might be needed, and the remnants of mulched plants and brush may have to be burned. Because of heavy machinery and potentially fire at play, it is no wonder that land clearing contractors are expected to have licenses to perform the job they do.

You’ll want to ask if your potential land clearing contractor has all the necessary forms, such as workers’ compensation, insurance, and other required paperwork. And a professional land clearing contractor would be able to furnish these forms effortlessly; if they hesitate in doing so, they’re not the people you wish to pay to clear your land.

What Safety Precautions Do You Take?

Because land clearing involves a huge undertaking, usually involving numerous types of heavy machinery, you’ll want to be fully aware of any safety protocols that the contractor will be following. Ensure whoever you’re considering takes safety very seriously! 

Check to ensure the workers wear hard hats, for instance, and protective eyewear when they’re using heavy equipment for mulching trees and other projects of the same nature. Always hire people who prioritize their safety.

Do You Have References?

A proper land clearing contractor would also have references they can give upon request. They should be able to easily point you toward satisfied clients that have used their services in the past.

You should not hesitate to ask if the land clearing contractor has references that he can show.

Moreover, you should be able to get online and browse customer reviews regarding the company you are looking to get the services of. Check Yelp and other related sites to ensure that previous customers have positive things to say about the business you’re thinking of hiring.

You should also look into all social media presences. Often, customers put comments on Facebook and Google informing you of the service they paid for. A reliable, established business should have numerous references and good reviews to boast of.

Will You Be Using Subcontractors?

Several contractors use subcontractors for big jobs like land clearing. While that’s fine, you will want to ensure you know about it and you’re aware of who is working on your land. If the land clearing contractor tells you they do, in fact, use subcontractors, they should be able to furnish paperwork and references for them as well. There’s no point in vetting only the land clearing contractor if you do not vet the subcontractors too!

How Much Do You Charge?

While it isn’t always recommended to go for the cheapest option when choosing a land clearing contractor, it does not hurt to ask for many estimates. If you find several businesses that seem to have everything in order and many positive reviews and references, there is no reason you can not contact all of them and explain the job you’re thinking of.

While a company that says to do the job for too little is probably not reputable, there’s no reason you have to go for the most expensive option, either. Keep prices competitive by asking for multiple estimates from a couple of various companies.

Have You Done Jobs Like Mine Before?

Every job is unique, and just because you’ve found a reputable land clearing contractor does not mean they have experience doing the same type of work you need to be done. In fact, you might discover that your particular project has a few unique challenges that might baffle less experienced contractors.

Ask if your land clearing contractor has done jobs like yours before.

The only way to know this is to ask, so make sure to describe the project type you have and everything involved. Inform your potential land clearing contractor of any unusual hazards within the area and any unusual challenges they may encounter. Chances are, they’ve handled similar issues in the past. If they seem familiar with the work type you are offering, that is a good sign.

What Do I Need to Do?

The land clearing contractor should also be able to inform you how you could prepare for them to start work. This, of course, is likewise based on the type of work that’s being done. Do you need to shut off any power or water? Make arrangements for any trees to be moved or cut down? You might need to contact other services too. There may be plenty of preparations you need to make, so ensure you know them before letting the contractors in.

And any other questions!

Of course, you do not need to limit your queries to those on this list. If you’re dealing with a professional land clearing agency, chances are they have heard them all before. Don’t hesitate to ask questions that pop into your mind, and don’t be afraid of coming across as ignorant or silly. It’s better to leave as informed as you could possibly be. That’s when you know you have found that right company to hire.

FAQ

Can I do land clearing by myself? 

Land clearing is a complicated process that involves heavy machinery and advanced equipment that might not always be available to a regular homeowner. Thus, while you can clear land by yourself, it could be dangerous and more expensive. 

How much does land clearing cost?

Land clearing could cost per acre ranges between $1,500 to $3,000 on just lightly wooded lots and could range from $3,790 to $6,710 for a heavily wooded area.

Categories
Commercial Site Preparation Land Clearing Work

5 Reasons to Work with Professional Site Preparation Contractors

Site preparation contractors are essential since site preparation is a vital component for ensuring the success of a construction project. If the land is not properly prepared for building, there could be significant safety or quality issues with the construction process, likely leading to lengthy delays and additional expenses.

Let’s look at the significance of this process, how it is done, and why working with professional site preparation contractors is of utmost importance.

Why Is Site Preparation Important?

Site prep is the preparation and conditioning of a construction site, and that happens after the design of a construction project and before the construction.

Site preparation contractors are essential in any construction project.

The range of activities and processes involved in this first phase ensures a stable foundation for your structure. It guarantees that the site conditions enable the construction project’s successful development.  

Ultimately, this affects the factors that influence the overall safety of the site and the project’s affordability.  

Any contractor, builder, or engineer will know that the site prep phase is critical. It can often determine the safety of your workers or the success or failure of construction.  

A land preparation company should show professionalism and quality service.

Proper land clearing and site prep are indispensable and not something you should leave up to chance.

Due to this, basic site preparation by site preparation contractors is an essential preliminary measure for the construction of any building. Nevertheless, the specifics of some project developments make them need more work than others.

Site Prep Services  

There are many different processes involved in preparing the site. At Shilling Excavation, we could do them all effectively and efficiently.

Tree Clearing

Tree clearing is an essential step, especially on greenfield sites with no previous development. We get rid of all tree stumps, debris, timber, and other vegetation on the construction site to make a clear space for the construction and earthworks.  

Clearing plants and trees need the help of site preparation contractors.

Removing trees sometimes requires skills that vary from brownfield sites. All tree roots left behind in the ground might continue to grow and risk the integrity and costs of the development down the road. So, it’s important to find these during site preparation.

Sometimes, you might have to leave specific greenery on the site for aesthetic or conservation reasons. As such, this step needs a lot of attention to detail.  

Land Clearing

Land clearing is often the final step before proceeding with excavation.

Besides removing trees, the site preparation involves demolishing underground infrastructure and existing buildings on site.  

You never know what you’ll find when it comes to land clearing. Existing buildings and infrastructure onsite can often produce unexpected obstacles. That could easily push the construction project above budget or behind schedule. We at Shilling Excavating are expert site preparation contractors, and we have the know-how to develop creative solutions to prevent delays from unforeseen events.  

Structural Fill & Import fill

When leveling a parcel of land for construction, we at Shilling Excavation fill any depressions present in the project land using earth. Sometimes, excavations are easily balanced by bulk earthworks where we can use excess soil from another section to get the depressions filled.

When this isn’t the case, we would have to import fill to obtain the required site gradient.  

If the soil on the site is not strong enough to support a structure, it needs replacing with compacted structural fill. That will ensure a solid and good foundation for development. 

Drainage Site Access

Flooding of the roadways and site property can cause complications in the construction project. The best way to stop this is by ensuring the right installation of onsite drainage systems and pipes. It’s crucial to have enough access to these systems to maintain them properly and mitigate risks of flooding.

Site preparation contractors also demolish existing buildings.

Our team comprises hard workers who know all the ins and outs of site clearing, preparation, and excavation. We know exactly how to deal with these elements to make sure that the land is excellently primed for construction.  

Why Go to Professional Site Preparation Contractors?

The first part of all new construction projects is clearing and preparing the site once the ground is broken.

Preparation of a land area by a seasoned site preparation service is vital to the building project’s success, as mistakes made with this important initial step could leave you with serious issues throughout the construction project and even down the road.

Before you assume anyone with a backhoe could clear and ready your building site, understand why hiring expert site preparation contractors for the project is vital.

Proper land clearing

There is more to land clearing than just removing trees and vegetation.

Professional site preparation contractors have the knowledge and equipment to do a thorough and complete stump and tree removals. Afterward, there’s nothing left to interfere with foundation construction or lay a stable and flat building pad.

Objects such as old structures, large rocks, and anything else on the construction site are properly cleared to leave a clean slate for a new building.

Easier and Faster Excavation

When a construction site is properly cleared, excavation is a breeze, which means fewer problems digging for pad installation and foundation construction, plus the ability to stick to a project schedule.

Timely, professional site preparation contractors reduce the cost of preparing to build, so your construction project stays within the designated budget because no excessive excavation time is spent because of poorly removed stumps and other objects.

accurate Land Grading

Land grading is one of the more extensive processes involved in proper construction site preparation. You must hire only professional site preparation contractors to deal with it.

Site preparation contractors know the ins and out of excavation and preparation.

Proper grading and soil preparation are vital for ensuring the site have sufficient drainage and support for the coming infrastructure.

Improperly done, the construction site could suffer from major issues in the future that jeopardizes the structure’s stability.

Better Site Access

Expert site preparation contractors would also clear and prepare a stable accessway to the construction site.

A prepared access way gives passage to and from your site by heavy equipment and machinery easier and less destructive, leaving little site damage to repair and clean up when the project is complete.

A Stable Construction Site

Most importantly, expert site preparation contractors guarantee that you can start a new project with a stable, expertly-readied construction site that could provide a good, safe foundation for the building.

With meticulously done land clearing, grading, and excavating, the project is protected against common serious issues when you build on a construction site that hasn’t been correctly prepared.

FAQ 

What are site preparation contractors?

Site preparation contractors prepare sites for construction and perform tasks such as grading, demolition, excavating, and septic system installation.

What is site preparation in construction?

 The first phase of any major construction is called site preparation. This process involves leveling the ground for building, and clearing the land of debris and trees.