Excavation converts raw terrain into build‑ready, structurally reliable, and drain‑aware surfaces. It’s more than digging holes; it’s orchestrating soil behavior, moisture movement, and structural stability. Our scope covers house seat excavation, driveway subgrade shaping, utility and septic trenching, pond earthwork, and retaining or shot rock wall construction.
House Pads & Structural Seats
We remove organics and unsuitable pockets, over‑excavate soft zones if necessary, then reintroduce or compact suitable material in controlled lifts. Perimeters are sloped to shed water, not trap it. Early attention to drainage avoids later foundation issues or saturated soils under slabs.
Driveways & Access
A well‑built driveway begins below stone: shaped subgrade, crown or cross slope, ditching, and culvert placement (sized for watershed). Addressing weak spots before base installation extends surface life and reduces washouts.
Utilities, Water & Septic
Trenching for water lines, electrical conduit, drainage pipe, or septic laterals requires correct depth, bedding, separation, and orderly backfill compaction to prevent post‑settle trenches that telegraph through finished surfaces. Septic excavation is performed with awareness of percolation zones and code requirements.
Retaining & Shot Rock Walls
Shot rock—fractured angular stone reclaimed from historic coal blasting—offers interlocking mass for rural retaining applications. Paired with drain tile, free‑draining backfill, and filter fabric where specified, it delivers a sustainable and cost‑efficient alternative to heavily manufactured systems. Engineered designs are followed precisely when required.
Pond & Drainage Earthwork
From shaping a new basin to repairing a leak-prone dam, we focus on core trench integrity, proper bank slope, and overflow/spillway planning. Drainage swales and berms redirect surface water, protecting pads and drives from erosion or saturation.
Process Overview
- Evaluation: Soil type, slope, drainage paths, utility locates.
- Planning: Grade strategy, material reuse, wall or trench sequencing.
- Clearing (if needed) & Access Prep: Safe machine movement reduces time.
- Bulk Excavation & Trenching: Controlled cuts with minimal over‑dig.
- Compaction & Backfill Management: Stability over speed.
- Wall / Structural Features & Drainage Integration.
- Finish Grade & Client Walkthrough.
Risk Reduction
Planning reduces settling, driveway failure, pond seepage, and wall lean. Drainage paths are clarified before final passes. Unsuitable soils are isolated or replaced.
Common Questions
What is shot rock?
Reclaimed angular rock repurposed for structural retaining—cost effective and natural looking.
Do you install septic systems?
We handle excavation and coordinate compliant installation.
Can you provide compaction tests?
Third‑party density testing available if specified.
Do you manage wall drainage?
Yes—tile, aggregate, and fabric per best practice or engineer spec.
Build on a Prepared Foundation
Solid excavation shortens timelines and protects investments.