If you’re preparing for construction on your property, you may be looking for ways to tighten the budget and save yourself some time. Living in Metro Vancouver isn’t getting any cheaper, and home renovations and repairs can be costly. Many homeowners assume they can save on both by incorporating a bit of DIY into their construction plan. While it is possible to rent certain excavation equipment with little to no experience, here are some reasons why even the handiest of homeowners should leave excavation in Vancouver to the experts.
Safety first
Whether you’re installing a new perimeter drainage system, laying a foundation, demolishing a section of landscaping, or even grading a driveway, excavating can be dangerous if not done properly.
Excavation involves heavy machinery and equipment that require a certain amount of training and experience. Professionals know how to operate these machines safely and what precautions to take to mitigate risks and avoid costly mistakes and damage to the surrounding area. Some of the deadliest excavator accidents happen during the simplest of operations such as backing up, moving the bucket up and down, or even when a poorly secured bucket attachment falls on a pedestrian. Moreover, excavating can pose any number of risks to infrastructures buried within the substrate. Certified professionals can operate the machinery with exacting skills and know what to look for when digging. If your project requires excavation in Vancouver, connecting with professionals like the expertly trained crew here at West Coast Drainage is the best way to get the job done safely.
Wisdom and weather
Excavating professionals have years of experience in the field and are prepared to deal with a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. Here in the Lower Mainland, we see a veritable spectrum of weather patterns that can affect a job site regardless of the season. From heavy rainfall to freezing to snow to dry summer conditions, skilled excavators will know how to handle various types of soil and rock safely and efficiently without disturbing more land than they need to. They also know how to deal with unexpected situations that may arise during the excavation process such as discovering decommissioned water lines or electrical conduits, shifts in the land, or cave-ins. Relying on a professional for excavation in Vancouver saves you not just the stress of battling unforeseen circumstances but also the cost of novice mistakes. Hiring a trained excavator to do the job right the first time, on time, saves you the financial strain of attempting a DIY excavation only to run into a mass of problems that will require a professional to untangle anyway.
Keep things on the up and up
Knowing how to drive and operate excavating equipment is not the only hurdle in the way of a DIY excavation in Vancouver project. In British Columbia, many excavation projects require adherence to OHS policies and procedures and may be accountable to certain municipal bylaws. Excavating professionals are well-versed in the regulations and laws governing excavation work. They will ensure that the project is done in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, which can save you the headache of attempting to read up on all relevant legalities and work-safe policies as well as save you any potential legal issues down the road.
If you’re preparing to tackle a large home renovation that involves excavation, don’t hesitate to connect with our qualified crew here at West Coast Drainage. Let us provide you with peace of mind through certified, safe, and cost-effective excavation in Vancouver.
