What to Know When Hiring an Excavator
Whether you’re installing a septic system or an in-ground pool or have another reason to need an excavator, it’s important that you know how to choose the right one. Residential excavation should be professional, reliable and completed on time and on budget—how do you figure out who to hire?
The team at Countryside Construction Inc. wants you to be sure you’re hiring the best excavators available—make sure you contact at least three different excavation companies and compare bids before settling on one. Here’s what to look for when you’re interviewing excavators.
How long have they been in business, and how much excavation experience do they have?
Naturally, you want to work with experienced professionals. Ask your excavator how long they’ve been in business and the types of excavation projects they most commonly perform.
Do they have testimonials or reviews from other clients?
A reputable company will be happy to provide you with references so you can speak to current and former clients alike.
What kind of licenses and insurance do they carry?
You want to hire a company that has a business license—this guarantees the very baseline of professionalism—but it’s also smart to inquire about their insurance and who it protects. You don’t want someone to get injured on your property and look to you for compensation.
Have they ever worked with this type of project in a similar area?
Generally, you’ll know whether your excavator has done similar projects, but knowing where those projects were completed is helpful, too. Naturally, different areas have different types of soil and the different challenges that come along with it. Ideally, the company will have a wide variety of experience and will know about any potential challenges before you get started.
Do they offer cleanup?
Once all that dirt is dug up from your property, what are you going to do with it? It’s smart to find out whether cleanup is included in the quote, if the company performs that service and whether you’ll have to go elsewhere to get rid of the dirt, before you make a final decision.
Will they provide a timeline and quote in writing?
If a contractor isn’t willing to offer you a timeline and quote in writing, consider going with another company. It’s easy to say, “We can get this done in a week for this amount,” but you won’t be protected if it takes longer or they try to charge you more later. Also, be sure to ask about the possibility of additional charges, and what types of circumstances might require them.
Residential excavation
Ready to install a septic system on your property? You’ll need the services of a professional excavator, and Countryside Construction Inc. can help. We offer residential excavation services, including excavations for pools, basements and more. We also offer trenching and earthmoving services. Reach out to us today to find out how to get started.