Excavation

  1. Home
  2. Excavation
Construction worker in an orange vest and hard hat reviews documents on-site.

Top 10 Excavation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  • March 18, 2025
  • No Comments

Excavation is a critical step in any construction project. Whether it’s for a new home, a landscaping project, or laying the foundation for a commercial building, excavating the site properly is key to the success of the project. However, mistakes during excavation can cause significant delays, additional costs, and safety hazards.

1. Failing to Properly Survey the Site

One of the biggest mistakes in excavation is not thoroughly surveying the site before digging. A proper survey helps determine the correct excavation area, identifies potential hazards, and ensures that everything is in line with the design plans.

How to Avoid It: Before beginning excavation, hire a professional surveyor to assess the site and mark the correct boundaries. This will prevent unnecessary digging in the wrong areas and avoid costly rework.

2. Damaging Underground Utilities

Hitting an underground utility line—such as water, gas, or electrical lines—is a common mistake that can lead to expensive repairs and serious safety risks.

How to Avoid It: Always check with local utility companies before excavating. Request a utility markout to ensure you know where the utility lines are located. Additionally, use specialized equipment and techniques to avoid damaging these lines during excavation.

3. Ignoring Proper Drainage

Improper drainage planning can lead to water pooling around the foundation or within other areas of the site. This can result in long-term damage, such as soil erosion or water damage to structures.

How to Avoid It: Ensure proper grading of the site to direct water away from key structures. Consult with an expert on drainage solutions before starting excavation to ensure water doesn’t collect where it shouldn’t. If you’re in need of professional help, consider installing a proper drainage system in Oklahoma City, OK, to effectively manage water flow and protect your property from water damage.

4. Over-Excavating or Under-Excavating

Over-excavating means digging too deep, while under-excavating means not digging deep enough. Both of these mistakes can lead to issues with the stability of the foundation or other structures built on top of the site.

How to Avoid It: Stick to the specifications in your project plans. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with an experienced contractor or engineer to ensure the right depth for your excavation.

5. Not Considering Soil Conditions

Excavating without considering the type and condition of the soil can lead to stability problems. If the soil is too soft or unstable, it can cause the excavation walls to collapse, leading to safety hazards and structural issues.

How to Avoid It: Perform a soil test to determine its stability before starting the excavation. If the soil is not suitable for excavation, you may need to reinforce it with additional materials or use special techniques to ensure safety.

6. Not Using Proper Equipment

A woman wearing a yellow hard hat and green safety vest holds a wrench in each hand, looking puzzled.

Using the wrong type of equipment or poorly maintained machinery can cause mistakes during excavation. Equipment that is too small for the job can result in delays, while equipment that is not maintained can break down, further stalling the project.

How to Avoid It: Always use the correct equipment for the type of excavation you’re doing. Ensure that all machinery is regularly serviced and properly maintained to avoid breakdowns and delays.

7. Failing to Account for Weather Conditions

Excavation work can be greatly impacted by weather conditions. For example, rain can make the soil unstable and increase the risk of landslides or erosion, while freezing temperatures can make the ground harder to dig.

How to Avoid It: Monitor the weather forecast and avoid excavation during extreme weather conditions. If excavation must continue in challenging weather, take extra precautions to ensure the site remains stable and safe.

8. Ignoring Safety Precautions

Excavation sites are inherently dangerous, especially if safety measures are not taken. Risks such as cave-ins, falling debris, and equipment accidents can cause injuries or even fatalities.

How to Avoid It: Always follow proper safety guidelines, such as using protective barriers, ensuring workers wear safety gear, and securing the excavation site. Trench boxes and shoring can help prevent cave-ins in deeper excavations. Safety should always be a top priority.

9. Skipping Proper Permits and Regulations

Excavation work often requires permits and must comply with local building codes. Failing to obtain the correct permits can lead to fines, penalties, or having to redo work.

How to Avoid It: Before starting excavation, check with your local government to determine what permits are needed for your project. Make sure all the necessary permits are obtained and that the excavation complies with local regulations.

10. Not Planning for Waste Disposal

Excavation produces a lot of waste, including soil, rocks, and debris. Failing to plan for proper waste disposal can result in a messy worksite and environmental concerns.

How to Avoid It: Plan for waste disposal before starting the excavation. Ensure that there is a proper system in place for removing debris, and make sure the disposal site complies with local environmental regulations.

Get Your Excavation Project Done Right!

When you’re ready to start your excavation project, trust the excavating contractors in OKC at Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage to get the job done efficiently and safely. Our experienced team will ensure proper site preparation, utility protection, and effective drainage solutions to keep your project on track. Call us today at 405-755-3975 for reliable excavation services that will set your construction project up for success!

Read More

Excavation Experts in Oklahoma City – Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage
  • August 19, 2013
  • No Comments

Excavation Experts in Oklahoma City

Excavation Equipment in Oklahoma City Oklahoma

Excavation Equipment in Oklahoma City Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is home to several excavation contractors for concrete work and yard drainage solutions, yet we at Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage have a great reputation among our customers with thousands of projects that required excavation. We have completed thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects over the 37 years that we have been in business that have required expert excavation contracting to make sure they are done properly.

Not many people are aware of what excavation is and what it entails, especially in the concrete and yard drainage industry. Therefore, today I’ll take you through the fundamentals of excavation and why it is such an important step to make sure your concrete or yard drainage project is done properly from the beginning.

Essentially, excavation means digging a hole or an opening in the earth/soil. Excavation is vital for laying pipes properly for efficient drainage and also in preparation for a concrete project. Excavation requires proper techniques, tools and equipment, which can be found only with contractors who are thorough professionals. I am proud to say that we were established in 1976, and have more than 37 years of experience in the concrete and yard drainage industry, which many times requires excavation work.

Excavation in Concrete Work

Excavation for Driveway in Oklahoma City

Excavation for Driveway in Oklahoma City

In concrete work, excavation is an important process. It helps us create proper slopes for any concrete structure and also bases for concrete driveways or patios. Slopes are extremely vital as they help in draining water effectively and efficiently from concrete structures. Grading your landscape properly before completing the concrete project is vital to making sure that water drains to the right area. Not only do we avoid problems with flooding, but we also make sure that your concrete structure will not be damaged by the improper flow of water. This requires precision planning and work to avoid any potential problems with heavy rains and flash flooding that can occur from time to time. Based on the thousands of projects that we have done over the years and going by what our customers tell us, I am delighted to say that we are able to offer precision quality for our customers at a reasonable cost. Don’t let your Oklahoma City home or business be subject to an excavation contractor that doesn’t have the experience that we do.

Excavation in Yard Drainage

Excavation for French Drain in Oklahoma City, OK

Excavation for French Drain in Oklahoma City, OK

Whether we are building French drains, surface drains, retaining walls, concrete drainage flumes, or troughs, we need to excavate to lay the pipes and position them correctly for a competent drainage solution. Excavating is also necessary when we create yard drainage solutions for our customers so that water can drain properly from the yard. We’ve had many customers in the past who have faced drainage problems in their yard. With our experienced and skilled team, we were able to offer customized solutions like grading, landscaping, erosion control, and much more.

Why Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage?

– We offer free consultation and free estimate for any of your excavation needs. You can call us at (405)755-3975 or fill our our Contact Form Here.

– We understand that each customers’ needs are different. Therefore, our proficient team offers customized solutions to suit your requirements.

– We also offer custom services like concrete floor work, stamped concrete, general concrete repair work, concrete stain and finishing, decorative concrete, and concrete wall construction.

– We have had the pleasure of completing thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects in the Oklahoma City Metro area over the past 37 years.

– Our team has individuals who take their work very seriously. Our superior workmanship and attention to detail means many happy and satisfied customers.

Whether you wish to install a decorative concrete sidewalk or a decorative patio with stamped border or steps, you can rely on us to complete the work within the pre-determined time and cost.

Call us today at (405)755-3975 for any of your excavation needs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

 

Read More

Excavation Experts in Piedmont – Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage
  • August 19, 2013
  • No Comments
Excavation Equipment in Piedmont Oklahoma

Excavation Equipment in Piedmont Oklahoma

Piedmont is home to several excavation contractors for concrete work and yard drainage solutions, yet we at Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage have a great reputation among our customers with thousands of projects that required excavation. We have completed thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects over the 37 years that we have been in business that have required expert excavation contracting to make sure they are done properly.

Not many people are aware of what excavation is and what it entails, especially in the concrete and yard drainage industry. Therefore, today I’ll take you through the fundamentals of excavation and why it is such an important step to make sure your concrete or yard drainage project is done properly from the beginning.

Essentially, excavation means digging a hole or an opening in the earth/soil. Excavation is vital for laying pipes properly for efficient drainage and also in preparation for a concrete project. Excavation requires proper techniques, tools and equipment, which can be found only with contractors who are thorough professionals. I am proud to say that we were established in 1976, and have more than 37 years of experience in the concrete and yard drainage industry, which many times requires excavation work.

Excavation in Concrete Work

Excavation for Driveway in Piedmont

Excavation for Driveway in Piedmont

In concrete work, excavation is an important process. It helps us create proper slopes for any concrete structure and also bases for concrete driveways or patios. Slopes are extremely vital as they help in draining water effectively and efficiently from concrete structures. Grading your landscape properly before completing the concrete project is vital to making sure that water drains to the right area. Not only do we avoid problems with flooding, but we also make sure that your concrete structure will not be damaged by the improper flow of water. This requires precision planning and work to avoid any potential problems with heavy rains and flash flooding that can occur from time to time. Based on the thousands of projects that we have done over the years and going by what our customers tell us, I am delighted to say that we are able to offer precision quality for our customers at a reasonable cost. Don’t let your Piedmont home or business be subject to an excavation contractor that doesn’t have the experience that we do.

Excavation in Yard Drainage

Excavation for French Drain in Piedmont, OK

Excavation for French Drain in Piedmont, OK

Whether we are building French drains, surface drains, retaining walls, concrete drainage flumes, or troughs, we need to excavate to lay the pipes and position them correctly for a competent drainage solution. Excavating is also necessary when we create yard drainage solutions for our customers so that water can drain properly from the yard. We’ve had many customers in the past who have faced drainage problems in their yard. With our experienced and skilled team, we were able to offer customized solutions like grading, landscaping, erosion control, and much more.

Why Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage?

– We offer free consultation and free estimate for any of your excavation needs. You can call us at (405)755-3975 or fill our our Contact Form Here.

– We understand that each customers’ needs are different. Therefore, our proficient team offers customized solutions to suit your requirements.

– We also offer custom services like concrete floor work, stamped concrete, general concrete repair work, concrete stain and finishing, decorative concrete, and concrete wall construction.

– We have had the pleasure of completing thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects in the Oklahoma City Metro area over the past 37 years.

– Our team has individuals who take their work very seriously. Our superior workmanship and attention to detail means many happy and satisfied customers.

Whether you wish to install a decorative concrete sidewalk or a decorative patio with stamped border or steps, you can rely on us to complete the work within the pre-determined time and cost.

Call us today at (405)755-3975 for any of your excavation needs in Piedmont, Oklahoma.

 

Read More

Excavation Experts in The Village – Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage
  • August 19, 2013
  • No Comments
Excavation Equipment in The Village Oklahoma

Excavation Equipment in The Village Oklahoma

The Village is home to several excavation contractors for concrete work and yard drainage solutions, yet we at Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage have a great reputation among our customers with thousands of projects that required excavation. We have completed thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects over the 37 years that we have been in business that have required expert excavation contracting to make sure they are done properly.

Not many people are aware of what excavation is and what it entails, especially in the concrete and yard drainage industry. Therefore, today I’ll take you through the fundamentals of excavation and why it is such an important step to make sure your concrete or yard drainage project is done properly from the beginning.

Essentially, excavation means digging a hole or an opening in the earth/soil. Excavation is vital for laying pipes properly for efficient drainage and also in preparation for a concrete project. Excavation requires proper techniques, tools and equipment, which can be found only with contractors who are thorough professionals. I am proud to say that we were established in 1976, and have more than 37 years of experience in the concrete and yard drainage industry, which many times requires excavation work.

Excavation in Concrete Work

Excavation for Driveway in The Village

Excavation for Driveway in The Village

In concrete work, excavation is an important process. It helps us create proper slopes for any concrete structure and also bases for concrete driveways or patios. Slopes are extremely vital as they help in draining water effectively and efficiently from concrete structures. Grading your landscape properly before completing the concrete project is vital to making sure that water drains to the right area. Not only do we avoid problems with flooding, but we also make sure that your concrete structure will not be damaged by the improper flow of water. This requires precision planning and work to avoid any potential problems with heavy rains and flash flooding that can occur from time to time. Based on the thousands of projects that we have done over the years and going by what our customers tell us, I am delighted to say that we are able to offer precision quality for our customers at a reasonable cost. Don’t let your The Village home or business be subject to an excavation contractor that doesn’t have the experience that we do.

Excavation in Yard Drainage

Excavation for French Drain in The Village, OK

Excavation for French Drain in The Village, OK

Whether we are building French drains, surface drains, retaining walls, concrete drainage flumes, or troughs, we need to excavate to lay the pipes and position them correctly for a competent drainage solution. Excavating is also necessary when we create yard drainage solutions for our customers so that water can drain properly from the yard. We’ve had many customers in the past who have faced drainage problems in their yard. With our experienced and skilled team, we were able to offer customized solutions like grading, landscaping, erosion control, and much more.

Why Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage?

– We offer free consultation and free estimate for any of your excavation needs. You can call us at (405)755-3975 or fill our our Contact Form Here.

– We understand that each customers’ needs are different. Therefore, our proficient team offers customized solutions to suit your requirements.

– We also offer custom services like concrete floor work, stamped concrete, general concrete repair work, concrete stain and finishing, decorative concrete, and concrete wall construction.

– We have had the pleasure of completing thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects in the Oklahoma City Metro area over the past 37 years.

– Our team has individuals who take their work very seriously. Our superior workmanship and attention to detail means many happy and satisfied customers.

Whether you wish to install a decorative concrete sidewalk or a decorative patio with stamped border or steps, you can rely on us to complete the work within the pre-determined time and cost.

Call us today at (405)755-3975 for any of your excavation needs in The Village, Oklahoma.

 

Read More

Excavation Experts in Mustang – Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage
  • August 19, 2013
  • No Comments
Excavation Equipment in Mustang Oklahoma

Excavation Equipment in Mustang Oklahoma

Mustang is home to several excavation contractors for concrete work and yard drainage solutions, yet we at Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage have a great reputation among our customers with thousands of projects that required excavation. We have completed thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects over the 37 years that we have been in business that have required expert excavation contracting to make sure they are done properly.

Not many people are aware of what excavation is and what it entails, especially in the concrete and yard drainage industry. Therefore, today I’ll take you through the fundamentals of excavation and why it is such an important step to make sure your concrete or yard drainage project is done properly from the beginning.

Essentially, excavation means digging a hole or an opening in the earth/soil. Excavation is vital for laying pipes properly for efficient drainage and also in preparation for a concrete project. Excavation requires proper techniques, tools and equipment, which can be found only with contractors who are thorough professionals. I am proud to say that we were established in 1976, and have more than 37 years of experience in the concrete and yard drainage industry, which many times requires excavation work.

Excavation in Concrete Work

Excavation for Driveway in Mustang

Excavation for Driveway in Mustang

In concrete work, excavation is an important process. It helps us create proper slopes for any concrete structure and also bases for concrete driveways or patios. Slopes are extremely vital as they help in draining water effectively and efficiently from concrete structures. Grading your landscape properly before completing the concrete project is vital to making sure that water drains to the right area. Not only do we avoid problems with flooding, but we also make sure that your concrete structure will not be damaged by the improper flow of water. This requires precision planning and work to avoid any potential problems with heavy rains and flash flooding that can occur from time to time. Based on the thousands of projects that we have done over the years and going by what our customers tell us, I am delighted to say that we are able to offer precision quality for our customers at a reasonable cost. Don’t let your Mustang home or business be subject to an excavation contractor that doesn’t have the experience that we do.

Excavation in Yard Drainage

Excavation for French Drain in Mustang, OK

Excavation for French Drain in Mustang, OK

Whether we are building French drains, surface drains, retaining walls, concrete drainage flumes, or troughs, we need to excavate to lay the pipes and position them correctly for a competent drainage solution. Excavating is also necessary when we create yard drainage solutions for our customers so that water can drain properly from the yard. We’ve had many customers in the past who have faced drainage problems in their yard. With our experienced and skilled team, we were able to offer customized solutions like grading, landscaping, erosion control, and much more.

Why Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete and Yard Drainage?

– We offer free consultation and free estimate for any of your excavation needs. You can call us at (405)755-3975 or fill our our Contact Form Here.

– We understand that each customers’ needs are different. Therefore, our proficient team offers customized solutions to suit your requirements.

– We also offer custom services like concrete floor work, stamped concrete, general concrete repair work, concrete stain and finishing, decorative concrete, and concrete wall construction.

– We have had the pleasure of completing thousands of concrete and yard drainage projects in the Oklahoma City Metro area over the past 37 years.

– Our team has individuals who take their work very seriously. Our superior workmanship and attention to detail means many happy and satisfied customers.

Whether you wish to install a decorative concrete sidewalk or a decorative patio with stamped border or steps, you can rely on us to complete the work within the pre-determined time and cost.

Call us today at (405)755-3975 for any of your excavation needs in Mustang, Oklahoma.

 

Read More