Frequently Asked Questions
Services Overview
What excavation services does Bellevue Excavating Contractors provide in Greater Seattle?
We handle residential and commercial excavation, site prep, land clearing, lot grubbing, grading, demolition, utility trenching, and drainage systems across Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, and King County.
Do you work with both homeowners and general contractors?
Yes—our team delivers turnkey excavation for homeowners, builders, engineers, and developers, coordinating scope, schedule, and inspections to keep projects moving in the Bellevue–Seattle area.
Can you take a project from raw lot to build-ready site?
Absolutely. We clear and grub, perform cut-and-fill, rough and final grading, trench for utilities and drainage, compact to spec, and hand off a build-ready pad.
Do you handle small residential jobs as well as large commercial sites?
Yes—from single-family utility trenching and driveway grading to large commercial pads, parking lots, and subdivision infrastructure in King County.
Are your services available year-round in Bellevue and Seattle?
We operate year-round and adapt methods for Northwest weather, using erosion control, soil management, and weather-resilient scheduling to maintain progress.
Pre-Construction & Permits
How does your pre-construction process work?
We start with a site visit, plan review, and utility locates; then we build a scope, phasing plan, erosion control plan, access route, trucking plan, and schedule for your Bellevue or Seattle property.
Do you help with permits and approvals?
Yes—we advise on city and county permits for grading, right-of-way, demolition, and drainage, and coordinate inspections to keep your project compliant.
How are underground utilities located before digging?
We request 811 locates, mark private utilities as needed, verify clearances, and integrate dig-safe procedures into the daily plan.
What information should I share for an accurate estimate?
Site address, civil/structural plans, soils report (if available), desired timeline, and any known constraints like access limits, trees, or export restrictions.
How do you plan access and staging on tight Bellevue lots?
We map access widths, overhead obstructions, and slopes; sequence material deliveries; and use compact equipment or conveyor excavation where space is limited.
Scheduling & Timelines
How quickly can you start after approval?
Most projects begin within 1–3 weeks depending on scope, permits, and utility locates; urgent needs may be accelerated when resources allow.
What does a typical project timeline include?
Mobilization, erosion control, clearing/grubbing, excavation, utility trenching, inspections, backfill/compaction, rough grade, and final cleanup.
What factors affect excavation duration?
Lot size, soil type, rock/obstructions, groundwater, weather, access, and inspection requirements impact timeline and crew size.
How do you minimize weather delays in the Pacific Northwest?
We sequence work around storms, use pumps and blankets, stockpile crushed rock for stabilization, and maintain erosion and sediment controls.
How are schedule updates communicated?
Your project manager provides a written schedule at kickoff and sends updates by email/text after milestones, inspections, or weather changes.
Land Clearing & Lot Grubbing
What’s included in land clearing for Seattle-area sites?
Removal of brush, trees, surface debris, and boulders; setup of access and erosion control; and safe separation of recyclable green waste.
What is lot grubbing and why is it important?
Grubbing removes stumps, roots, and organic layers below grade so subgrade is stable for excavation, compaction, and long-term structure performance.
Can you preserve select trees or natural features?
Yes—we fence off tree protection zones, adjust equipment paths, and fine-grade around root zones per arborist guidelines.
How do you dispose of clearing debris?
We separate and recycle where possible, haul to approved facilities, and document export volumes for your records.
Do you provide invasive root or bamboo removal?
We can excavate and remove invasive root systems, haul off contaminated soils if required, and install barriers to reduce regrowth.
Excavation & Grading
How do you ensure accurate cuts and elevations?
We follow engineered plans, set benchmarks and offsets, use laser levels, and verify grades during and after excavation.
What is cut-and-fill grading?
Cut-and-fill balances the site by excavating high areas and placing soil in low areas to reach design elevations and reduce import/export.
How do you manage unsuitable or soft soils?
We over-excavate, replace with structural fill, stabilize with crushed rock or geotextile, and compact to engineered densities.
Do you offer basement and daylight basement excavation?
Yes—we perform foundation digs, over-excavation as required by soils reports, and install safe shoring where needed.
How do you handle steep or confined sites in Bellevue?
We use compact excavators, long-reach equipment, conveyor systems, or staged excavation to maintain safety and precision in tight spaces.
Drainage & Utilities
What drainage solutions do you install?
French drains, footing drains, drywells, catch basins, downspout connections, and swales graded to move water away from structures.
Do you trench for water, sewer, and power?
Yes—utility trenching to plan depth and separation, with bedding, warning tape, and backfill/compaction to spec.
Can you correct yard flooding or soggy lawns?
We diagnose grades, soil permeability, and runoff; then shape surface grades and add subsurface drains to manage Bellevue rainwater effectively.
How do you protect neighboring properties during drainage work?
We control runoff with silt fence and rock construction entrances, maintain positive drainage, and follow city detail sheets.
Do you handle sump pumps and discharge lines?
Yes—design-build or per plan, including pump basins, power coordination, discharge routing, and freeze-resistant layouts.
Demolition & Removal
Do you provide residential and light commercial demolition?
We demolish sheds, garages, small buildings, and concrete features, segregate materials, and haul to approved recycling or disposal sites.
How are demolition permits and utilities handled?
We assist with permits, ensure gas/water/power are shut off and capped, and schedule inspections before mobilizing equipment.
Can you break and remove concrete driveways or slabs?
Yes—sawcut, break, load-out, and disposal, followed by subgrade prep for new driveways, patios, or foundations.
How do you control dust and noise during demo?
We wet down work areas, set work hours, and use modern equipment to minimize neighborhood impact in Bellevue and Seattle.
What about asbestos or hazardous materials?
If suspected, we pause work and coordinate professional testing and abatement before demolition proceeds.
Soils, Materials & Trucking
Do you import structural fill or crushed rock?
Yes—we source quality materials, deliver efficiently, and compact in lifts to meet plan specifications.
How is excess soil or debris exported from my site?
Our trucking plan details load counts, dump sites, and traffic routes to keep your Bellevue project efficient and compliant.
What if we encounter rock?
We evaluate mechanical removal options, adjust schedule, and communicate any cost impacts before proceeding.
Can you stabilize wet or muddy subgrades?
We install rock working pads, use geotextile fabric, and dewater as needed to create a stable construction surface.
Do you provide topsoil and finish grading?
Yes—screened topsoil placement, lawn/bed prep, and smooth finish grades ready for landscaping.
Safety & Compliance
How do you keep my property and neighbors safe?
We fence work zones, manage traffic, cover open trenches, and follow strict safety protocols and daily tailgate meetings.
What environmental protections are used on Bellevue sites?
Silt fence, inlet protection, wattles, stabilized entrances, and rapid stabilization of exposed soils to protect waterways and storm systems.
Are your operators licensed and insured?
Yes—experienced, certified operators and fully insured crews protect your project, equipment, and surrounding properties.
How do you manage trench and slope safety?
We bench, slope, or shore trenches per depth and soil type and never leave unsafe excavations unattended.
Do you provide documentation for inspections?
We keep compaction reports, material tickets, and photo documentation available for your builder and the jurisdiction.
Pricing, Estimates & Change Orders
How are excavation costs calculated?
Pricing reflects scope, crew size, equipment, trucking, materials, access, soils, and disposal—clearly itemized in your estimate.
Do you offer fixed-price and time-and-materials options?
Yes—lump-sum for well-defined scopes and T&M for variable conditions like rock, groundwater, or unknown utilities.
What triggers a change order?
Conditions that differ from plans (e.g., hidden debris, unsuitable soils, extra export/import) are documented and approved before work continues.
What payment schedule do you use?
Typical milestones: deposit at scheduling, progress draws after major phases, and final payment at completion.
Do you provide free estimates in Bellevue and Seattle?
Yes—complimentary site assessments and written proposals with scope, schedule, and pricing assumptions.
Project Management & Coordination
Who will be my point of contact?
A dedicated project manager coordinates crews, trucking, inspections, and communication from mobilization to final walkthrough.
How do you coordinate with my builder and engineer?
We align on plan details, RFI responses, testing, and inspection windows to protect the critical path and reduce downtime.
Can you phase work around other trades?
Yes—phased clearing, selective excavation, or weekend utility trenching keeps the overall project moving.
How are daily updates handled?
We send brief progress notes, next-day goals, and any inspection or material needs so you always know status.
Do you use drones or photos for progress tracking?
When helpful, we capture overhead or progress photos and share in your project log for records and approvals.
Equipment & Methods
What equipment do you use for Bellevue excavation?
Modern excavators, skid steers, dozers, compactors, breakers, and saws matched to site size, access, and soils.
Do you offer precision or low-impact digging?
Yes—vacuum or hand excavation near sensitive utilities, and compact equipment for tight urban lots.
How do you verify compaction?
We compact in engineered lifts and can provide third-party density testing or proof-rolls per plan requirements.
What erosion and sediment controls are standard?
Silt fence, wattles, check dams, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances are installed at mobilization.
Do you use conveyors for confined excavation?
When access is tight, conveyor excavation speeds spoil removal and reduces disturbance to Bellevue neighborhoods.
Warranty, Closeout & Post-Project
Do you warranty your excavation and drainage work?
Yes—workmanship warranty terms are stated in your contract; we stand behind proper grades, compaction, and drain installations.
What does project closeout include?
Final grading, site cleanup, haul-off, photo documentation, as-built notes if applicable, and a walkthrough with your PM.
Will you return for settlement or punch-list items?
If compaction or settlement concerns arise, contact us—our team will evaluate and remedy within warranty terms.
Do you offer maintenance tips for new drainage?
We provide simple guidelines for keeping basins clear, maintaining downspouts, and protecting swales and outfalls.
Can you prepare the site for immediate construction?
Yes—after closeout we leave a clean, stable pad, safe access, and documented elevations so the next trade can start.
Service Area & Company Info
What areas do you serve?
Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Renton, Sammamish, Newcastle, and surrounding King County communities.
Are you local to the Greater Seattle region?
Yes—Bellevue Excavating Contractors is a local team familiar with King County soils, codes, and weather patterns.
How do I request a quote?
Call or submit the contact form on our website with your address, plans, and target start date—we’ll schedule a site visit promptly.
Can you provide references or recent projects?
Yes—on request we share project snapshots and references for residential and commercial excavation across Greater Seattle.
Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp?
Absolutely—we maintain full coverage for your protection and can provide COI certificates upon request.
Residential, Commercial & Special Services
What residential excavation services are most common in Bellevue?
Foundation digs, additions, driveway grading, retaining wall prep, drainage fixes, and utility trenching for new builds and remodels.
What commercial services do you provide?
Pad excavation, parking lot prep, utilities, stormwater systems, and site grading for offices, retail, and multifamily.
Do you offer emergency excavation or drainage repair?
Yes—subject to crew availability, we respond to urgent issues like broken lines, washouts, or flooding in the Seattle area.
Can you help with retaining wall excavation and backfill?
We excavate to plan, install drainage and geotextile as specified, and backfill/compact in lifts to support wall integrity.
Do you prepare sites for ADUs or backyard cottages?
Yes—clearing, utility trenching, pad grading, and permit coordination for ADUs/DADUs in Bellevue and nearby cities.
