An excavation contractor is a highly skilled member of the construction workforce that employs the use of heavy equipment and machinery to provide a wide variety of tasks from basic demolitions to the movement of millions of tons of earth around and away from construction sites. The excavation contractor is primarily responsible for the new construction site to be cleared free from any debris, graded and ready for a new structure to be erected. All demolition contractors and equipment must comply with OSHA standards and other local, state and federal management organizations.
Licenses from state organizations are typically required from any excavation contracting company and these can be easily verified by calling your local building code enforcement agency or building department. Insurance is always going to be required to purchase heavy equipment. But besides their equipment being insured, is their workers and your property insured as well? Always verify that proper builder’s risk, liability and workman’s compensation insurance is in order and up to date before you sign any contracts or make any deals.
Union membership or credentials in a local excavation organization doesn’t always mean that they are the best person for the job, but it does show that prospective excavators have pride in their trade and an inside knowledge of the industry’s latest and greatest practices. This might be an advantage for your particular building project.
While credentials and the right licenses don’t always prove excavation contractors will do quality work, good references will. A minimum of three contactable reference are a must have before hiring any excavation contractor to do any work on your project. Once you’ve discovered a long line of past satisfied customers, you can be sure you’re going to get the right person for the job.
If your project requires the demolition of any structures, you may need to consider hiring a demolition contractor for the project. While most excavation contractors are allowed to demolish empty structures with minimal problems, sites where lead, asbestos or mold exists may require the use of a federally certified demolitions contractor to safely haul away debris and decontaminate the site. |
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