Outlining the boundaries of your dig site is important for two reasons. First, by delineating the boundaries of the construction project, you’ll stay within the right area.
You’ll also be able to dig straight lines. Making straight cuts would be more difficult without the markers. Second, clear markings will show utility companies where you plan
to dig. The best way to outline your site is by using white stakes, paint, or flags.

You must obtain approval from local utility companies before you start to dig. The utility company will ensure there aren’t any lines buried underneath the soil.
In Minnesota, you can visit www.gopherstateonecall.org or call toll free 8-1-1 before you dig!

It’s important to manage storm water run-off within the boundaries of your project. If you aren’t able to manage the erosion on your site, your project will likely get shut down during an inspection.
You can manage erosion by removing the first layer of soil and then creating a silt fence.
If you don’t engage in this type of mitigation technique, the soil will likely wash away during the first storm, causing serious issues on the site.

When starting a construction project, there are important tasks that need to be accomplished upfront to prepare the site properly. While these preparations take time, they cannot be skipped. If they’re overlooked, there will be delays once the project gets underway.

For the most part, excavation depends on good weather. So, when the weather is good, maximize your excavation time. If you don’t take advantage of the good weather, you may get a stretch of unfavorable weather, which will cause project delays.

As discussed previously, excavation is just the first step in the overall construction process. Because there are other contractors working on the project, it’s important that everyone is kept informed about issues and progress. Effective communication can ensure a project runs smoothly. However, ineffective communication can cause misunderstandings and ultimately, project delays.