How to Choose the Best Excavation Contractor

Choosing the Best Excavation Contractor for Your Home: No-Nonsense Tips

Let’s cut to it: Hiring an excavation contractor is one of those decisions you don’t want to mess up.

They’re the first people on your site—the ones who dig the hole everything else will sit on. Whether you’re building a home, installing a septic system, or grading your yard for better drainage, the quality of that first step affects everything after it.

But how do you actually choose the right excavation contractor? What makes one crew better than another? How do you know who to trust?

At Chris Dirt Excavating, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright scary. So, we put together these no-fluff tips to help you hire smart, avoid regret, and get your job done right.

1. Don’t Just Google “Excavator Near Me”—Ask for Experience That Matches Your Project

Every contractor has a different specialty. Some are great with big commercial sites. Others are used to tight suburban backyards. Some dig ponds, some install septic tanks, and some only do grading.

What you want is someone who’s done your kind of project—multiple times.

Ask this directly:

“Have you done this type of job before?”

“How many similar projects have you handled in the last year?”

“Can I see photos or talk to past clients?”

If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

2. Look for Proper Licensing and Insurance (No Exceptions)

Excavation can be risky. If something goes wrong—say they hit a utility line, damage your neighbor’s fence, or someone gets hurt—you need to know you’re covered.

Always verify:

They’re licensed to operate in your state or county

They carry general liability insurance

They have workers’ comp coverage for their crew

Ask for copies. A reputable contractor won’t mind showing you.

3. Pay Attention to How They Communicate

We’re in the dirt business, but that doesn’t mean communication should be muddy.

Signs of a good contractor:

They return your calls or messages promptly

They show up when they say they will

They explain things clearly (no jargon fog)

They give you a written estimate—and honor it

If you feel like you’re being brushed off or rushed through the details, keep looking. Excavation is too important to gamble on guesswork.

4. Get a Written Estimate (And Understand What’s In It)

Verbal quotes aren’t enough. Get a detailed written estimate that includes:

Scope of work (what exactly are they doing?)

Equipment costs

Hauling and disposal fees

Materials (like gravel or fill)

Timelines

Payment schedule

If something isn’t listed, ask. A good contractor will walk you through the line items and explain where costs might go up or down depending on what’s found during the dig.

Bonus tip: Beware of suspiciously low bids. If one estimate is thousands cheaper than the others, ask what they’re leaving out.

5. Watch Out for These Red Flags

Here’s what should make you pause—or walk away:

Vague or one-line estimates

No contract

No proof of insurance

Bad or no reviews

Asking for full payment upfront

“We can start tomorrow” (unless you’re in the off-season)

Trust your gut. If something feels off—it probably is.

6. Read the Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)

Online reviews are helpful, but look deeper than just the star rating. You want to see mentions of:

Punctuality

Professionalism

Clean-up after the job

Communication

Sticking to the quote

One bad review doesn’t mean they’re bad—stuff happens. But a pattern of the same complaints? That’s different.

If possible, ask for a couple references from recent clients.

7. Ask This One Final Question: “What Happens If…”

It’s the question that tells you everything about how a contractor handles the unexpected.

“What happens if you hit rock? If it rains for a week? If we need to adjust the plan after you start?”

Their answer will tell you:

If they’ve been through this before

If they plan ahead

If they’ll work with you or leave you hanging

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Hiring a Digging Crew—You’re Hiring the Foundation of Your Project

Excavation might not be glamorous, but it’s what makes the rest of your home possible.

Choose wisely.

Ask the awkward questions. Insist on clarity. Don’t rush the decision. A good excavation contractor won’t just move dirt—they’ll move your whole project in the right direction from day one.

If you’re in West Michigan and thinking about digging, trenching, or prepping your site, reach out to Chris Dirt Excavating. We’re not the biggest team around, but we’re honest, thorough, and we take pride in getting the details right.

Even if you don’t hire us—we’ll happily answer your questions so you can hire someone who’s the right fit for you.