Frequently Asked Questions
Excavation Contractors Questions
What do excavation contractors cost in Chattanooga?
HomeBlue's Chattanooga figures put a machine with operator at about $190 to $330 an hour, $1,500 to $2,700 for a full day, and $400 to $600 or more per truckload of dirt hauled off. A new-home basement dig runs about $3,800 to $6,600 and a no-basement foundation $2,300 to $4,000. We quote each job after seeing it.
Is it harder to dig on Signal or Lookout Mountain?
Often, yes. Plateau soils formed from sandstone typically hit bedrock at 20 to 40 inches, so footings, septic lines and pools may need rock work. Access on steep, winding roads can also limit equipment size.
Do you work in Georgia?
Yes. We work in Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, Ringgold, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Permit and utility locate rules there follow Georgia law, which we check for each job.
What is the wettest problem you see most?
Runoff from higher ground. With about 55 inches of rain a year and steep ridges everywhere, water from the lot above often ends up in a crawlspace. Curtain drains, swales and regrading are the usual fixes.
Do I need to call before digging?
Yes. Both Tennessee and Georgia require notice to the state one-call center so utilities can be marked before excavation. We file the request for our jobs.
Can you remove an old concrete patio or shed?
Yes. Small demolition, concrete breakout and hauling are part of what we do. Larger buildings may need asbestos checks and a demolition permit first.
How long does a typical residential excavation job take?
Many drainage and trenching jobs take a day or two. Site prep for a new house usually runs several days to a week of machine time, depending on slope, rock and weather. We give you a schedule with the quote.
Residential Site Preparation Questions
How long does site prep take for a house?
A typical residential lot takes a few days to a week of machine time, depending on slope, rock and weather.
Can you work from my builder's plans?
Yes. We set grades and digs from the builder's or engineer's plans and stakes.
What if we hit rock on the mountain?
We stop and show you, then follow the rock pricing in the quote.
Do you install the silt fence too?
Yes, erosion control is part of the job.
What does residential site prep cost?
It varies with slope, rock and hauling. HomeBlue's Chattanooga figures put a no-basement foundation dig at $2,300 to $4,000 and a basement at $3,800 to $6,600, before rock and hauling.
Hillside Grading & Wall Excavation Questions
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
HomeGuide notes most cities require one above 3 to 4 feet. We confirm the rule for your address.
Can you build the wall too?
We do the excavation, base and backfill and work with a wall builder or mason for the wall itself.
Will grading make my slope less stable?
Not if fill is benched, cuts are supported and water is managed. Those are the rules we follow.
How do I stop water coming down the hill?
A swale or curtain drain above the house usually catches it.
How tall can a wall be without an engineer?
HomeGuide notes walls 4 feet or taller usually need an engineer's design. Your local building office has the final word.
Drainage Solutions Questions
How do I know which drain I need?
Water from uphill needs a curtain drain; a soggy spot needs a French drain or regrade; roof water needs buried downspouts. We usually combine them.
Will a French drain fix a wet crawlspace?
Often, when water is coming from outside. Some crawlspaces also need interior work by a waterproofing contractor.
Can a drain go to the street?
Sometimes, depending on local rules. We check before connecting.
Why not drain into a low spot in the yard?
In limestone areas it may be a sink, and adding water can enlarge it.
How long does a French drain take to install?
Most residential runs take one to two days.
Do you need a permit for a French drain?
Usually not for work on your own lot, but connections to a street or storm system can need approval. We check.
Septic & Sewer Line Excavation Questions
Do you design septic systems?
No. A soil evaluation and approved design are required first. We dig to that design.
Can you dig a septic system on the mountain?
Yes, though shallow rock may affect cost and layout. We price rock separately.
Will equipment damage my drain field?
We keep heavy machines off field areas.
Can you replace an old sewer lateral?
We dig and backfill; your plumber does the connections.
How deep are septic field lines?
The approved design sets the depth, usually shallow enough for the soil to treat the effluent.
Can you dig in winter?
Usually yes; snow is light here. Very wet soil can delay field work.
Lot Clearing & Mulching Questions
Can you keep the big trees?
Yes. We flag them first and work around them.
Is mulching cheaper than hauling?
Usually, because nothing leaves the site.
Do you clear steep mountain lots?
Yes, with care for erosion and access.
Do you remove stumps?
Yes, where they would interfere with building.
How long does clearing take?
A wooded quarter-acre lot often takes one to two days.
Will mulch kill the grass?
A thin layer breaks down and lets grass return; thick piles are spread out.
Concrete Removal & Small Demolition Questions
Do you recycle concrete?
Where a recycler is available, yes.
Do I need a permit to tear down a shed?
Sometimes. It depends on size and city. We check.
What about asbestos?
Older buildings should be checked first. A qualified contractor removes any asbestos before we demolish.
Can you prep for a new driveway?
Yes, with grading and stone base after removal.
How long does driveway removal take?
Usually a day for a typical residential driveway.
Do I have to disconnect utilities before shed demolition?
Yes, any power, water or gas to the building must be shut off and disconnected first.