An excavating contractor is responsible for creating a construction site. Before it is even considered a construction site, they are there evaluating the possibilities of the site. Essentially, they pave the way for a new construction project to begin. 

Being an excavating contractor includes clearing and digging the site. Additionally, excavating contractors are integral to the success of a construction project. Even beyond the initial excavating, these contractors can help play a role in the functionality of the overall project — even once construction begins. Learn more here. 

So, what exactly are the functions of an excavating contractor?

Preconstruction

An excavating contractor’s work begins well before construction starts. They are involved in project planning from the beginning to lend insight and help create a solid path forward. They help analyze and discuss everything from digging the foundation of the site to figuring out erosion control. Their goal is to make sure that the project proceeds as smoothly as possible from day one.

Site Excavation

As their title would suggest, excavating contractors do prepare the site through land alteration, grading, and drainage correction. They carve out the foundation for the building and verify that the ground is able to support the weight of the future building. They can change the incline of a piece of land, recreate terrain, and even change the direction of water drainage to make it more optimal for the project.

Road & Infrastructure

It may or may not come as a surprise that roadways are considered major construction. And often, what is underneath the road is just as important as the roadway itself. The road needs a stable foundation, so that it is level and sits atop dense, compressed dirt. Drainage is also important. In order to build a long lasting roadway, it needs to be able to drain properly. 

Underground Utilities

Excavator contractors help dig trenches, lay pipes, repair systems that are already in place, and help ensure that the underground utility system is perfect before construction begins above. They also ensure that they do not disrupt any utility lines that already exist, which could be detrimental to the project if broken.

Land Clearing

Demolition and land clearing are also pivotal parts of an excavation process, because most land doesn’t come clear and ready to build upon. Sometimes there’s a pre-existing building in the way. Other times, there is vegetation or the dirt isn’t completely stable to hold another structure atop. There are many reasons that previous land might need to be cleared and stabilized before another construction project can begin. 

Excavating contractors are an integral part of any construction project, because they ensure that there is a solid foundation on which to build upon. It doesn’t matter how beautifully crafted a structure is if the foundation isn’t curated properly. The most innovatively designed building will crumble if the ground below cannot support it. A construction project cannot be complete without an excavator contractor.