5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Excavating Contractor

When you’re working on a big commercial project, you’ll need the right contractors on your team. Excavation jobs in particular take a skilled professional to properly plan out and execute, as they can include integral aspects of your site, such as road-building and ground leveling. If you need excavation done for your next commercial project, you’ll want to make sure you enlist the help of the best commercial excavating contractors in the area.

Knowing how to find the best excavating contractor can be difficult. Some companies, like Mr. Tree in Portland, have decades of experience, which is a good indicator of the quality of their work. Some companies may be able to show you previous work that is aligned with the way you want your project to turn out. But the best way to find the best commercial excavating contractors for you is to know what questions to ask them before you choose. Here are a few questions that you should consider asking your potential contractor.

1. Are You Licensed & Insured?

One of the first questions you should ask commercial excavating contractors is if they are both licensed and insured to do the work you plan on contracting them to do. The answer to this question will help you separate professional businesses from illegitimate businesses and find the best contractor in your area.

Excavation work is intense and can often require large pieces of earth to be moved and a decent amount of people to do the job. You want to make sure they’re licensed to complete the work and to use the heavy machinery necessary to complete such a task safely. You also want to make sure they’re insured so that you aren’t responsible for any potential damage to property or injuries sustained by the crew.

Although asking about licensure and insurance is a good first step, you shouldn’t stop there. You should also ask for documentation for proof. Any legitimate contractor will be happy to supply you with proof of their credentials. Taking this extra step can also let you see proof that their insurance and licenses won’t expire before or during your project.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Though everyone has to start somewhere, you don’t want your project to be the first that your commercial excavating contractor has ever completed. For this reason, it’s important to ask for more information about their work, such as how long they’ve been in business. Knowing how long a contractor has been in business can give you peace of mind, as it shows proof that they’ve been able to stay in business for a reason.

Experienced businesses like Mr. Tree in the Portland, Oregon, area have a lot of firsthand experience to draw from for your project and are prepared for whatever situations may arise.

3. Have You Worked on Similar Projects?

Not all commercial contractors have experience doing the same work. For instance, some excavators may work exclusively on road builds and not have as much experience on the landslide debris removal you need completed. One way you can ensure that the contractor you choose is capable of producing the work you expect is to ask to see previous projects. Explain what you want in full detail and then ask if they can show you any pictures of previous work that’s similar or if they can direct you to a place where you can see this commercial work in-person.

Another way you can confirm that they’ve worked on similar projects is by checking out their website. Businesses like Mr. Tree have their excavation services listed clearly on the website so that potential clients know what work to be completed is an option. Excavation work that can be done by Mr. Tree includes road building services, washout repairs and clean up, ground leveling and catwork services, as well as landslide and mudslide debris removal and cleanup. Checking a contractor’s website before contacting them can help you to avoid asking questions that you can already find answers to. And maybe even save you a phone call if a contractor doesn’t offer the services you need.

4. Does Your Business Do Any Other Services?

A great question to ask your commercial excavating contractor is if their business is able to provide you with any other services. More often than not, excavation isn’t the only service that needs to be done to complete your project. Other services like lot clearing, demolition, and more may also need to be done to leave you with the finished project you’re after. Knowing which services a business is able to complete for you may save you a lot of time trying to find multiple contractors to complete each job.

Mr. Tree is able to do a lot more than just excavation services. Services like tree removal, logging, demolition, and lot cleaning are among the commercial services they can provide. Creating a good relationship with a contractor like Mr. Tree can also come in handy when you need smaller residential work done.

5. Ask for an Estimate

Knowing the roundabout costs for the work you need done can help you decide whether you’re financially ready to have excavation work done. This should be part of the research you do before contacting contractors. You should also have a good idea about the specific work that you need completed so that you can properly relay the information to your potential contractor. This can allow you to be more prepared to ask for an estimate from contractors when you’re ready.

When you’re asking for an estimate, there are a few things you should take into consideration. For instance, a newer company might offer you a lower price, but they may not be able to provide you with the references and previous work history that a more established contractor can. When you receive a higher estimate, it may include the expertise that comes with working with a well-established and experienced contractor. Mr. Tree can offer potential customers a free estimate for your potential excavation needs and walk you through the process of having excavation work done.