What expertise do you bring to the job?
We have over ten years of residential excavation experience and more than five years of commercial excavation experience. In that time we have completed many projects including land development, preparation for pole barns, horse arenas, lot clearing, foundations, etc.
Our broad experience helps us to see the whole picture. We can give you ideas and advise you when a plan is not going to work. This means that you receive the best possible plan of action.
Take a look at some of the case studies of jobs we have completed.
Who will do the actual work?
The answer depends on the type of project. We will do all the excavation work that prepares the site, but we will usually subcontract where parts of the job are better provided by another contractor. For example, if concrete or asphalt needs to be laid, we will manage reliable subcontractors to complete the project. We will always be your primary contact and will be responsible for a quality job.
Who will oversee the day to day operations of the job?
Don Kaiser is our foreman and he will be in charge of what’s happening on site. Don will be completely familiar with what needs to be done to ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction.
How many jobs will you be working on at the same time?
The answer depends on the current situation, but we don’t expect our volume to go beyond two or three concurrent jobs. The size and difficulty of the jobs are factors we take into account so that each job has the commitment and resources for an excellent outcome.
Are there any written guarantees or warrantees?
We want you to be completely happy. We don’t receive the final payment until you are satisfied. If needed and within reason we will go back to fix any problems, but our goal is not to leave your site until you are happy with our work. Our business depends on word of mouth referrals and we are committed to excellence.
Who can I call with questions when the project starts? When can they be reached?
Jim Horn or Don Kaiser will be on site during the job. We will review our ten step process with you so you clearly understand the plan of action and how long it will take. We try to anticipate any questions that may be of concern before work is started. We will be available, of course, during the project by phone or in person. We return calls in a timely fashion.
What type of mess, noise and inconvenience can I expect?
Earth moving equipment makes noise. We will be up front with you and will do our best to work with you on your preferred hours of operation. Our process is to develop a plan that will lay out all the facts so that everyone knows what’s happening. At the end of the job, we want you to feel that the inconvenience was worth it and we will not leave a mess!
Do you provide references?
Yes. And we encourage you to contact them.
How do you determine the price for my project?
This depends on the job. Our goal is to have a clear understanding of what the customer wants accomplished before we start. In these situations we provide an estimate for the project. If for whatever reason the goal is not clear at the beginning, we will quote on a time and materials basis.
For example, there have been times when a customer had difficulty deciding on the best place to put some landscaping. They wanted to see what it would look like before making a final decision. In situations like this it is impossible for us to predict how much the final job will cost at the beginning so we charge on a time and materials basis.
How far out are you in work to start a job?
This varies with circumstances. Please call to find out. We work in the Winter. Some work can be done in rainy weather.
What kind of jobs don’t you do?
We focus on what we do best which is residential and light commercial excavation projects. We have the man power and equipment ideal for that type of project.
If your project is beyond our scope, we will be honest and tell you. We are more than happy to recommend other contractors if we believe they can better meet your needs. If you are not sure if your project is something we can do -- just ask us.
What happens if you knock out a phone line or other utility?
If it was properly located, we fix it. If it was not located by the proper authorities, we work with them to have it repaired. This is also the reason that we carry insurance.
What if my neighbors complain?
After we have finalized our plan of action with you, and when necessary, we will notify the neighbors of what we will be doing and do our best to address any of their concerns.
How should I determine the experience and competence of a contractor?
Contractors work out of their vehicles. Look at their truck and determine how clean it is. If their work space is organized, there is an indication that they have good attention to detail. Also find out if they are insured and bonded. Insurance only covers their liability if they are negligent and not the work they have done. Bonding covers any substandard work up to a fixed maximum. In the state of Oregon that amount is $15,000.
Check to see how much a contractor’s work is covered and reasearch to see if the bonding company already has claims against the contractor.
And don’t forget to call some of their previous customers to ask about their experience with the contractor. A good contractor will have no hesitation in providing references.
Also visit the State of Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board at http://www.ccb.state.or.us/. On this website you can research a contractor plus learn about how to hire a contractor.