DIY projects can be enticing because they are often cheaper. A lot of people don’t need certain professional assistance, and it can be easy to think this applies to excavation work. The reality is it doesn’t. There’s a reason why the United States has so many excavation contractors. They are a necessary and vital component of the construction industry.
This doesn’t mean that every project is impossible to do yourself, but there are important considerations to make before you decide. These considerations range from the cost of equipment to planning and even to potential health and safety issues.
When DIY Fails
Unless you’re an experienced contractor with the right equipment, building a foundation is not an easy matter. Beyond the ease of construction issues, the quality of the foundation is of paramount importance. If the home has a bad foundation, the chances are it will require a lot of maintenance and very expensive repairs.
Home or commercial foundations shouldn’t be part of any DIY project. A single mistake or overlooked detail could spell disaster for your home in the future. There is more to consider when it comes to foundations and building pads.
Health and Safety
Knowing where underground utilities are located is vital to any project. You don’t want to hit a line by accident and cause an explosion or electrocution. It may not be as dangerous to hit a water or sewer line, but the amount of work and expense it will add is going to be considerable.
It is also dangerous to work on a dig site by yourself. If you’re trenching lines or digging out a basement, you are one accident away from disaster. If you fall into the trench or hole and injure yourself, it could be some time before anyone realizes you need help.
Regulatory Issues
Contrary to what you may have heard, any work that you do will require regulatory compliance. This is often done via the permit system. If you don’t secure the proper permits when you build your structure, it might not be insurable, and you could be penalized for breaking the law.
Professional companies have experience dealing with regulatory issues. They will be able to acquire the permits they need to do the work. If you’re trying to accomplish a DIY project and get fined, a lot of the savings you seek will be destroyed.
Engineering and Science
Soil testing and other processes are done to ensure that the ground is suitable for a long-term building or construction. This means that if you don’t have a science or engineering background, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Failing to understand the science or engineering behind foundations can also doom your building to ruin.
Part of the engineering process that is important is ensuring proper soil compaction. It is not enough to clear a building pad and then start work on construction. The ground must be solid and compacted to a point that it won’t sag or sink once the weight of the building is upon it.
Equipment and Maintenance
If you’re planning out a DIY project that requires excavation, you’ll need equipment. Renting the equipment that you need can be difficult, and it will be expensive. If you purchase your own equipment, then you will have a permanent expense when it comes to maintenance.
Beyond the need for heavy equipment, you also have to consider tools. It is not cheap to purchase the proper tools for every excavation job. You’ll need to have a variety of shovels and other implements if you want to have any chance of doing the job right.
When DIY Works
Not all DIY projects will end in failure, even those that require some excavation. The key is to know what you can handle and what you should seek professional assistance for. Here are a few projects that you can DIY without too much risk or problem.
Small Jobs
In general, DIY projects should be kept small. This will reduce the engineering and planning requirements of the job. If you only need to make a small alteration to your land, you might be able to do it yourself. Remember, however, that this could still require the use of equipment and various tools.
Easy Work
There are a lot of small projects that aren’t going to require permits or professional assistance. This could be something as simple as putting up a temporary or prefabricated shed in your yard. You don’t need to hire a contractor to do this kind of work unless you have extenuating circumstances like age or infirmity.
Get the Right Contractor
One of the reasons a lot of people pursue DIY projects is due to the cost of hiring contractors. The problem is, this cost includes a lot of protection. A reputable contractor is going to have insurance and is bonded to protect you against accidents or mishaps. You won’t be liable for injuries they suffer or sustain on your job site through no fault of your own.
A lot of contractors have also developed a bad reputation for not being professional. BDH Land Solution prides itself on being professional and behaving with integrity. We won’t leave a job half-finished. We’ll make sure you get the professional results that you’re paying for.
If you get a quote from BDH Land Solutions, you can rest assured that it will be as accurate as possible. If something unforeseen comes up, we won’t just continue on and expect you to pay the difference. Instead, we will wait for you to approve any changes or additional work before continuing.
Part of controlling the costs of any project is having the right tools and equipment on hand. BDH Land Solutions has the tools and equipment that you’ll need. No job is too large, or too complex for us to take care of.
Instead of relying on unprofessional or inexperienced contractors, let BDH Land Solutions take care of your next excavation project. Contact us, and let’s set up a time to meet and find out what your job needs. We can’t wait to get started working for you!
