Top 10 Excavation Tips for Residential and Commercial Projects
Excavation work is not just about removing the soil and rocks from your site. Rather, it takes a lot of planning before even starting the work. You will definitely want the foundation of your site to be solid enough, and it’s fair.
At VWD Group, we have been providing expert excavation services in Melbourne for more than 35 years now. Honestly, we have learned so many things about excavation works in the meantime. So in today’s article, we will be sharing ten useful tips for both residential and commercial excavation work.
You Should Always Test Your Soil Before Starting Any Work
Well, this is probably the most important thing you should do for your project. Soil testing helps you understand what type of ground you are working with. In Melbourne, soil testing generally costs between $300 and $1,000, but it saves you from big problems later. The test shows how strong your soil is and what kind of foundation you need. Without proper testing, your building might have serious issues later on.
Site Assessment Should Cover Everything Important
As we have said earlier, planning is very important for excavation work. You need to check the ground slope, nearby buildings, trees, and water areas. At VWD Group, we always look at how trucks can get to the site, too. This helps us choose the right equipment and plan the work properly. A good site check saves time and money during your residential excavation in Melbourne.
You Need The Right Permits for Most Excavation Jobs
Most excavation work needs official papers from local councils. Building permits are required when your digging is connected to construction work, like foundations or retaining walls. Planning permits might be needed if you change the natural shape of the land. Getting these permits early helps avoid delays in your commercial excavation in Melbourne projects.
WorkSafe Rules Must Be Followed for Deep Excavations
Melbourne has strict safety rules for deep digging work. You must tell WorkSafe Victoria at least three days before starting if your trench is deeper than 1.5 meters or your shaft is deeper than 2 meters. Also, you need to have a Safe Work Method Statement for these jobs.
You Must Contact Before You Dig Australia First
Actually, this step is not just important, but it’s the law. Before you start any excavation project in Melbourne, you have to call Before You Dig Australia to find underground services. There are so many underground connections like gas pipes, electrical wires, and water lines. So, if you do not do this and damage something underground, you could face big fines. Well, if you choose trusted excavation contractors in Melbourne like us, they already know about this law.
Always Consider Ground Support Systems To Prevent Dangerous Collapses
When you dig trenches that are 1.5 meters deep or more, the sides must be properly supported. This prevents the ground from falling in and hurting workers. Actually, there are a few methods for doing this, like shoring, benching, or battering methods. Well, for complicated excavation projects, you may need a geotechnical engineer to design the support system.
Weather Conditions Can Really Affect Your Timeline
Melbourne’s weather changes a lot, and this affects excavation work. Rain can make soil too wet to work with, while very dry conditions create dust problems. Well again experienced excavation contractors in Melbourne know how to deal with weather-related delays. There is no fixed timeline for excavation projects in general. It can take between 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on size and weather conditions. But anyway, we will give you a closer timeline right after understanding your overall requirements.
Proper Waste Disposal Keeps You Out of Trouble
Another very useful tip for your excavation project is to never even think about dumping the excavated soil anywhere you want. Soil disposal costs can be anywhere between $30 and $80 per cubic meter in Melbourne. Some part of the soil can also be contaminated and may need special handling. On the other hand, removing rocks is a bit more expensive at $150 to $400 per cubic meter. But of course, responsible disposal is a huge priority. Also, it not only protects the environment but also saves you from avoiding fines.
The Right Equipment Makes Your Job Much Easier
Well, another important thing is to check if your contractor is working with the right machinery or not. Small residential excavation sites need mini excavators, and of course, big commercial projects need larger machinery. You can expect to pay around $100 to $300 per hour only for renting the machine for the work.
You Should Always Have Emergency Plans
Actually, emergency planning is required by law for risky excavation work. Your plan should cover ground collapse, flooding, gas leaks, and worker rescue. All your workers should know about these emergency plans before starting work. Well, this way you can be sure that everyone stays safe and reduces panic if something goes wrong.
Get A Free Quote For Your Excavation Project In Melbourne
VWD Group is your trusted team of excavation contractors in Melbourne, and we never compromise on the quality of work. You really need to worry about any single point that we mentioned above when you call us for your excavation project in Melbourne. With more than 1000 successful projects, we have learned how to complete demolition and excavation works. Each member in our team has all the required licenses. When you trust us, it becomes our priority to serve to with valuable work. You can get your free quote for our expert excavation services in Melbourne. Just call us today at 1300 893 366.