Whether you're building a new foundation, adding a walk-up basement, or installing a septic system, excavation is one of the most critical phases of any construction project. Proper preparation before the crew arrives can save you thousands of dollars, prevent costly delays, and ensure the work goes smoothly from day one.
At OCM Construction, we've completed hundreds of excavation projects across the Greater Toronto Area. Here's what we recommend every homeowner do before the excavators roll in.
1. Call Ontario One Call (Before You Dig)
This is not optional -- it's the law. Before any excavation work begins in Ontario, you must contact Ontario One Call at least five business days in advance. They'll send utility companies to mark underground gas lines, water mains, electrical cables, and telecommunications infrastructure on your property.
Hitting an unmarked gas line or fiber optic cable can result in serious injury, service disruptions for your neighbours, and significant fines. The service is free, and it protects everyone on the job site.
2. Get Your Permits in Order
Most municipalities in the GTA require building permits for excavation work, especially if it involves foundation work, grading changes, or septic installations. Check with your local building department to find out exactly what you need. Common permits include:
- Building permits for structural foundation work
- Grading permits for changes to site drainage
- Septic permits from the local health authority
- Tree removal permits if protected species are affected
Your contractor should be able to help guide you through the permitting process, but ultimately the property owner is responsible for having the right paperwork in place.
3. Plan Equipment Access
Excavators, skid steers, and dump trucks need room to operate. Walk your property and think about how heavy equipment will get to the dig site. Consider these factors:
- Gate widths: Most mini excavators need at least 36 inches of clearance. Full-size machines need 8-10 feet.
- Ground conditions: Soft, wet ground can't support heavy machinery. If you have a muddy backyard, talk to your contractor about access mats or timing the work during drier months.
- Overhead clearance: Low-hanging power lines, tree branches, and overhangs all pose hazards for boom-equipped machinery.
- Neighbour access: If equipment needs to cross a neighbouring property, get written permission in advance.
4. Clear the Work Area
Remove anything portable from the excavation zone and a buffer of at least 10 feet around it. That includes:
- Patio furniture, planters, and decorations
- Children's play equipment
- Garden hoses, sprinkler heads, and landscape lighting
- Vehicles parked in the work path
If you have permanent structures close to the dig area -- sheds, decks, retaining walls -- discuss them with your contractor ahead of time. They may need to be temporarily supported or protected during excavation.
5. Talk to Your Neighbours
Excavation work is loud, dusty, and involves heavy truck traffic. Giving your neighbours advance notice is not just courteous -- it prevents complaints and keeps the project on schedule. Let them know:
- What work is being done and why
- Approximate start and end dates
- Expected work hours (most GTA municipalities allow construction between 7 AM and 7 PM on weekdays)
- Where trucks will be parking and turning around
6. Protect Landscaping You Want to Keep
Mark any trees, gardens, or landscaping features you want preserved. Temporary fencing or flagging tape works well. Discuss these areas with your excavation crew before work begins -- it's much easier to protect a mature tree before digging starts than to try to save it after a root ball has been cut.
7. Arrange for Soil Disposal
Excavation generates a lot of soil. A typical basement dig can produce 100-200 cubic yards of material. Your contractor should have a plan for where the spoil goes, but it's worth discussing upfront. Clean fill can often be reused on-site for backfilling or grading, but contaminated soil requires special handling and disposal at approved facilities.
Ready to Start?
Good preparation makes good projects. If you're planning excavation work anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, OCM Construction is here to help. We handle everything from initial site assessment to final grading, and we'll walk you through every step of the preparation process.