Almost every building project, from houses to roads, requires some excavation before construction can begin. In the early stages of the project, the general contractor will have an experienced excavation expert develop a plan to move earth and rubble, dig footers for foundations, or get the site ready for building. While digging might seem fairly straightforward, proper excavation can be a complex process.

The Excavation Process Explained

1. Reviewing the Site

Before breaking ground, a specialist will carefully examine the building site to look for irregularities or issues that might present a problem later on. For instance, loose soil might require reinforcement, or the property might have old pipes underground that need to be removed. Once the site has been reviewed, the excavation contractor will draw up a plan that establishes the project’s boundaries and how deep they’ll need to dig.

2. Beginning Excavation

After marking the corners of the excavation site, the contractors will start to remove rock and soil, working down towards the approved depth. Depending on the conditions of the soil, this might involve the use of heavy equipment, hand tools, or even explosives.

3. Installing Drainage

It’s not uncommon for groundwater to seep into the excavation site, making conditions hazardous for workers and slowing down the project. In many cases, the excavation contractor might have to install dewatering pumps and drainage trenches to keep the site dry so that the work can continue on schedule.

4. Digging Utility Trenches & Grading

For residential projects and commercial facilities, the excavation crew will also dig trenches for plumbing, power lines, utility cables, and any other utilities the building will need. Finally, they’ll ensure the bottom of the excavation is flat, level, and ready for the general contractor to begin pouring the foundation.

If you need a respected general contractor with extensive excavation experience, turn to the professionals at MK Enterprises in Kodiak, AK. This firm offers a well-rounded selection of services, giving them the ability to manage every stage of your building project. Visit their website for a complete list of what they offer, follow their Facebook page for more tips and advice, or call (907) 486-5537 today to discuss your project with one of the area’s top general contractors today.