Whether it is soil assessment, scope, or the timeline, every excavation project starts with a comprehensive plan. But excavation work involves working with the ground. And the ground always presents surprises that no amount of planning can fully anticipate.
If a contractor is experienced and professional, they will always prepare for those challenges in advance. Today, we’ll talk about how contractors handle those challenges and what you should look at before hiring anyone.
What Unexpected Surprises Look Like
Those surprises vary a lot and depend on the site and the project.
The most common problem is the unexpected rock formations (which appear in areas where surface surveys don’t reveal what is sitting beneath). Similarly, groundwater also shows up in depths where it is least expected and creates major complications around drainage. Old structures or debris from previous construction work are also discovered a lot.
Each of the above problems needs a different response. A contractor must also be able to pivot quickly without derailing the entire project.
Why Experience Makes the Difference
Excavation contractors who have worked on a range of projects have almost seen (and done) it all. They can see problems early and know how to properly address them.
An inexperienced contractor who hasn’t dealt with unexpected rock formation or a groundwater issue will create more problems than actually finishing the project. They may also not have the right equipment and may not know the most efficient solution for a specific issue.
Communication Matters a Lot in Handling the Unexpected
If something unexpected happens, how a contractor communicates with you matters as much as how they actually handle the issue. If someone is professional, they’ll talk to you about it instantly and clearly lay out the options available. They’ll also give you a clear picture of what each option means in a given timeline or budget.
You would never want a situation where you find out about a complication only after the decisions have been made. So before you hire anyone, always ask them directly how they communicate when they see something unexpected.
The Role of Equipment and Resources
For handling unexpected challenges, a contractor would need equipment (or expertise) that was not part of the original plan. If a contractor is working with a varied equipment inventory, they’re always better than someone who has a limited set of equipment.
The same applies to a contractor’s network. A contractor who has relationships with construction engineers, locators, and drainage specialists can bring the right expertise at the right time. They won’t lose days by sourcing the help from scratch.
What This Means When You Are Choosing a Contractor
When you’re hiring a contractor, always ask questions that include scenarios. Check whether they handled a project that didn’t go as planned and how they handled it. Their answers will tell you a lot.
Excavation projects that go entirely as planned are the exception rather than the rule. Choosing someone who handles the unexpected well is as important as choosing someone who plans well in the first place.