➜ Common Questions
Frequently asked
questions.
What should happen before excavation begins on my property?
Before digging starts, the project area should be evaluated for access, elevations, drainage, existing utilities, and the amount of material that may need to be removed or brought in. Dozer Construction & Landscaping, LLC can help determine the excavation, grading, and site-preparation work needed so the property is ready for the next phase of construction.
What is the difference between excavation, grading, and site preparation?
Excavation involves removing or relocating soil, while grading shapes the ground to establish the proper elevations and drainage. Site preparation can include both of these services along with clearing, compaction, trenching, building-pad preparation, and other work needed before construction begins.
Can you prepare a complete building pad for a new home, shop, or garage?
Yes. Building-pad preparation may include clearing the site, removing unsuitable material, cutting or filling areas to reach the required elevation, placing appropriate base material, grading, and compaction. Proper preparation is especially important because the foundation is only as reliable as the ground supporting it.
Why is proper compaction so important before building a foundation?
Loose or improperly placed soil can settle after construction, potentially contributing to uneven surfaces, drainage problems, or movement beneath a structure. Proper compaction creates a more stable base and is an important part of preparing sites for foundations, slabs, driveways, and other improvements.
Can you dig trenches for water, sewer, and underground power?
Yes. Dozer Construction & Landscaping, LLC provides trenching and sitework for underground utilities, including water, sewer, and power-related projects. Trench depth, routing, separation, bedding, and backfilling should be planned around the specific utility requirements and project specifications.
Can you handle both the excavation and utility hookup work?
Depending on the project, we can handle excavation, trenching, site preparation, and applicable utility connection work so customers do not have to coordinate several different dirt-work contractors. The exact scope depends on the utility provider, permitting requirements, and connections needed for the property.
What happens to all of the dirt removed during excavation?
Excavated soil may be reused elsewhere on the property for grading or backfill if it is suitable for the project. When excess or unsuitable material needs to be removed—or additional fill, gravel, topsoil, or other material is required—we can coordinate material hauling and delivery as part of the job.
How do you prevent drainage problems when grading a property?
Good grading is about more than making the ground look level. The finished elevations should encourage water to move away from structures and toward an appropriate drainage location while accounting for driveways, neighboring properties, landscaping, and other site conditions.
Can you repair a gravel driveway that has developed ruts, low spots, or drainage problems?
Yes. Many gravel driveway problems are caused by more than simply needing another layer of gravel. We can evaluate the grade, base, drainage, and existing material before determining whether the driveway needs regrading, additional base material, compaction, drainage improvements, or a combination of these services.
Do I need land clearing before excavation can begin?
It depends on the condition of the property. Undeveloped sites may require brush clearing, vegetation removal, debris removal, or other preparation before excavation and grading equipment can efficiently access and work on the site.
How do I know how much gravel, fill dirt, topsoil, or mulch I need delivered?
The amount depends on the dimensions of the area and the desired finished depth. Rather than guessing by the truckload, material quantities can be estimated based on the project’s square footage, depth, grade, and compaction requirements so you receive an appropriate amount for the job.
Can you deliver material even if I do not need excavation work?
Yes. Material delivery can be provided as a standalone service for homeowners, contractors, property owners, and businesses needing materials such as gravel, fill dirt, topsoil, mulch, or other commonly used landscape and site materials.
What information should I have ready when requesting an excavation estimate?
It helps to know the property location, what you are planning to build or accomplish, the approximate work area, and whether plans, elevations, utility information, or permits are already available. Photos and site plans can also help establish the scope before an on-site evaluation.
Can you handle excavation for both homeowners and contractors?
Yes. Dozer Construction & Landscaping, LLC works on projects ranging from individual residential improvements to excavation and site preparation supporting larger construction projects. Services can be performed as a standalone project or as one phase of a broader build.
What areas around Moses Lake do you provide excavation services in?
Dozer Construction & Landscaping, LLC serves Moses Lake and communities throughout the surrounding Columbia Basin, including Ephrata, Warden, Othello, Quincy, Royal City, Soap Lake, George, and nearby areas. Project availability may vary depending on the location, size, and scope of work.
