Top Questions to Ask Your Excavation Contractor Before You Hire
Hiring an excavation contractor is one of the first—and most important—steps in any construction project. Whether you’re building a new home, installing a driveway, or prepping for concrete work, the quality of your excavation sets the tone for everything that follows.
But how do you know if a contractor is the right fit? What should you ask before handing over the job?
At Just Dig It, we believe every property owner deserves clear answers and honest communication. In this post, we’ll share the top questions to ask any excavation contractor before hiring them—so you can protect your project, your timeline, and your investment.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Excavation may not be the flashiest part of construction, but it’s where everything begins. Mistakes here can lead to:
- Foundation issues
- Poor drainage
- Cracked concrete
- Failed inspections
- Delays for the rest of the trades
Asking the right questions up front can save time, money, and a whole lot of stress down the line.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Excavation Contractor
1. How Much Experience Do You Have With This Type of Project?
Excavation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ask your contractor if they’ve worked on projects like yours before—whether that’s:
- Residential house pads
- Utility trenching
- Flatwork prep
- Steep slope grading
- Foundation or basement digs
Why It Matters:
Experience with similar terrain or project types reduces surprises and ensures the work gets done right the first time.
2. Can You Walk Me Through Your Process From Start to Finish?
A pro should be able to clearly explain:
- How they evaluate the site
- What equipment they’ll use
- How they’ll handle soil or drainage issues
- What happens with the spoils (excavated dirt)
- What’s included in cleanup or backfill
Why It Matters:
It helps you understand what to expect and whether they’ll coordinate well with your builder or concrete crew.
3. Are You Familiar With Local Soil, Elevation, and Drainage Requirements?
Utah soils vary—from soft topsoil to rocky hillside terrain. And every city has its own drainage and grading standards.
Why It Matters:
Local knowledge can prevent code violations, erosion problems, or misgraded pads that cause long-term issues.
4. What Equipment Will You Use for This Job?
Not every project needs a full-size excavator. Some sites may require mini-excavators, skid steers, or trenchers—especially in tight access areas.
Why It Matters:
The right tools mean cleaner work, fewer delays, and less damage to surrounding property.
5. Do You Handle Permits or Utility Marking?
Before digging, utility lines must be marked (usually by calling 811 or Blue Stakes in Utah). Some excavation jobs may also require city permits.
Why It Matters:
You want a contractor who knows how to follow regulations and keeps your property—and their crew—safe.
6. Can You Coordinate With My Builder or Concrete Contractor?
Good excavation sets up the next crew for success. Poor communication between trades leads to delays, incorrect elevations, or rework.
Why It Matters:
If your excavation contractor is proactive about coordination, your whole build moves more smoothly.
7. What’s Included in the Price—and What’s Not?
Make sure the quote clearly outlines:
- Scope of work (excavation, backfill, compaction, haul-off)
- Equipment and labor costs
- Travel or access fees
- Cleanup and spoils removal
- Any exclusions or change order conditions
Why It Matters:
Clear estimates reduce billing surprises and set expectations for everyone involved.
8. How Soon Can You Start—and How Long Will It Take?
Construction is all about timing. If your excavator is booked out for weeks or can’t commit to a schedule, it could delay every trade after them.
Why It Matters:
Reliable scheduling is key—especially on tight or seasonal timelines.
9. Do You Guarantee Your Work?
Ask if the contractor stands behind their grading, trenching, or pad prep once other trades are onsite.
Why It Matters:
A professional should be willing to fix any errors related to excavation layout, compaction, or grading that lead to immediate issues.
10. Can I See Photos or Reviews of Past Work?
Look for:
- Project photos that match your scope (not stock images)
- Reviews on Google or social media
- References if needed
Why It Matters:
Past work is the best predictor of future performance.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if a contractor:
- Rushes through the quote without walking your site
- Can’t explain their excavation process clearly
- Doesn’t have the right equipment or experience
- Avoids discussing utilities, drainage, or soil concerns
- Provides vague or lump-sum pricing with no detail
Good contractors are transparent, knowledgeable, and happy to answer your questions.
What Makes Just Dig It Different
At Just Dig It, we take excavation seriously because we know your entire project depends on it. We bring:
- Clear communication from quote to cleanup
- Flexible scheduling and fast turnaround
- Clean, compacted, ready-to-build results
- Local knowledge of Utah terrain and inspection requirements
- Friendly, professional service on every job
Whether you're trenching for utilities, prepping for concrete, or clearing a site, we get in, get it done, and leave it ready for the next crew.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you’re planning an excavation project—big or small—give us a call. We’ll answer every question, walk your site, and provide a fast, clear estimate.
Call (801) 793-5585 or request your estimate online here.
