A wide range of residential and commercial building projects require excavating contractors, such as sewer digging, roadwork, and land clearing. Whether you need their help to create a solid foundation for new building construction or to grade land for better drainage, use these tips to streamline the hiring process. The right contractor becomes a service professional you can rely on for years.

4 Tips for Hiring an Excavating Contractor

1. Research Contractor Licenses

Never work with an unlicensed contractor or one who uses unlicensed subcontractors to save money. Contact your state’s licensing board to find out if potential candidates have up-to-date licenses and strong work histories with few complaints, legal issues, and other problems. Licensed contractors provide legal services that meet the state’s building and grading regulations.

2. Ask About Insurance & Bonds

Work with an excavating contractor that’s fully licensed as well as insured and bonded. Liability insurance and worker’s compensation covers work-related property damages and injuries, respectively, so you don’t have to. Bonding provides another form of insurance. It’s secured money by the state that becomes available if you file a complaint against the contractor for insufficient work.

3. Request Estimates

Compare estimates from two or more companies. Detailed estimates should feature the full scope of work, so ask about anything that’s missing or any fees you do not understand. And while the excavating contractor with the lowest bid can be attractive, keep in mind that extremely low bids often mean poor quality materials and subcontractor work to cut costs.  

4. Learn About Experience Specific to Your Project

Ask about their experience in light of your project’s unique needs, such as water hazard digging for a golf course or lot clearing for a new park or shopping center. Learn what equipment the contractors will use, such as mini excavators and bulldozers, as well as if they provide any other services that can expedite your project, such as demolition and hauling.
 

If you live or work in the Lincoln, NE, area and need an excavator, turn to LeGrande Excavating. Offering over 25 years of experience, this locally owned company provides a full range of excavating, grading, land clearing, and demolition services to residents throughout southeast Nebraska. Call (402) 423-4076 today to request a free estimate or visit the website for more information.