Excavation Questions, Answered
Straight answers about scheduling, access, drainage, utilities and what a project actually involves — the questions we get asked most on the phone.
Before you call
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Lowell, Ohio and work a 75-mile radius of the Mid-Ohio Valley — southeast Ohio and the Wood County side of West Virginia. Washington, Athens, Guernsey, Noble, Monroe, Morgan and Belmont counties on the Ohio side, and Parkersburg, Vienna, Williamstown, Mineral Wells, St. Marys and Sistersville across the river. See the full service area list.
How do you quote a job?
Free, and in person where it matters — someone looks at the ground before we put a number on it. Call or send the form with the address, what you want done, and roughly when you want it done. We reply within one business day and set a time to walk the site.
What drives the cost of a project?
Five things, mostly: how easy the site is to reach with equipment, how much material has to be moved or hauled off site, the rock under the topsoil, how wet the ground is, and how much drainage work the finish grade needs. Clearing brush is not the same job as clearing mature timber with stumps and hauling it out. We would rather explain that up front than surprise you later.
Do you take residential, commercial and agricultural work?
All three. Single-lot residential work — a building pad, a new driveway, a drainage problem — farm work such as field drainage, pond work and long lanes, and commercial lot clearing and site work for developers and builders.
Do you handle utilities before digging?
Utilities get located before any machine breaks ground — that is not negotiable for us. We call in the 811 locate request and wait for the marks before we dig; we do not start an excavation over unmarked lines. If you have a locate ticket number, have it ready; if not, we will tell you what needs to happen before we schedule the dig.
Who takes care of permits?
Permits, zoning approvals and anything a township, county or state agency wants filed are the property owner's or the builder's side of the project. We will tell you what the earthwork involves so you know what to ask for, and we are happy to talk to a builder or engineer you are working with — but we don't file for you.
My lot is wet, or it floods in the spring. Can you fix it?
That is a large share of the work we do in this valley. Clay-heavy soil and river-bottom water tables hold water until it is given somewhere to go: swales to carry it, French drains to collect it, culverts to move it under a lane, and a finish grade that sends it away from the building instead of back into it. See drainage work.
Can you get equipment to a lot with a narrow lane or a steep hill?
Often, yes — but tell us before we schedule. Access decides which machines come and how the job is staged. A lane with a tight turn, a low wire, a soft creek crossing or a steep gravel pitch changes the plan, and it is much cheaper to solve that before the equipment is on the road.
What about septic systems and foundations?
We do the earthwork around them: trenching, pads, grading and drainage. If your project needs a system designed or installed, or stamped engineering, that is a specialist's scope — we will say so plainly rather than pretend otherwise.
How far in advance should I call?
As early as you can, and certainly before you buy materials or book a builder. Spring and early summer fill up fastest. If you are on a deadline, call 740-629-7020 and tell us the date — we will tell you honestly whether we can hit it.
Does the weather shut you down?
Some of it, yes. Frozen ground and sustained heavy rain stop earthwork the same way they stop everyone else's. What we can do is plan around the season: drainage and clearing often work in windows when grading and seeding do not.
Who will I actually be dealing with?
The owner, TJ Flowers — from the first look at your ground to the final grade. No sales layer and no call centre in between.
How do I pay, and is there financing?
Cash, check and credit card are all fine, and financing is available on larger projects — ask when you get your quote.
Can you work evenings or weekends?
Yes, by arrangement. Call or text 740-629-7020 any time — the line is answered 24/7, and evenings and weekends can be scheduled when that suits your job better than a weekday.
Will I be able to see what was done?
Yes. Projects are photo-documented as they go, so you have a record of the work under the surface — drainage runs, culvert bedding and base prep that get covered up when the job is finished.
How do I get a certificate of insurance or check your credentials?
Ask. We are fully licensed and insured. When you request a quote, say you want a certificate of insurance with it and we will send one.
Still have a question?
Call 740-629-7020 or send us your project details — free quotes across the Mid-Ohio Valley, and a reply within one business day.
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