· Williams Digger Services
A good earthmoving contractor makes an excavation feel straightforward. A poor choice can mean delays, surprise charges and a section that is worse off than when you started. Whether you are levelling a garden, clearing a site or preparing for a build, these are the questions worth asking before you say yes.
The checklist
1. Is an operator included?
Ask exactly who is driving the machine. With Williams Digger Services every digger comes with one of our own trained, experienced operators; we do not supply dry hire. If a quote only covers a machine, find out who is operating it, who is insured and who is responsible for damage.
2. Are they insured?
Earthworks involve heavy machinery near houses, fences and services. Ask for confirmation of insurance in plain terms before work starts. We carry comprehensive insurance.
3. Is the quote specific about what is included?
A useful quote says what is being dug, where, how deep, what happens to the soil, and whether the area is left tidy or levelled. Be wary of a vague single number for a complicated job. For straightforward work you can compare published starting prices, for example ours on the digger hire prices page, but earth moving and excavation need a site-specific quote because access, depth, ground and spoil handling all change the cost.
4. Have underground services been considered?
Before any digging, find out where water, power, gas, telecommunications and drainage run. In New Zealand the free Before You Dig service (beforeudig.co.nz) is the usual starting point, and a good contractor will ask about it. Trenching also needs service locations and any consent requirements confirmed before digging starts.
5. Is council approval needed?
Some excavation needs consent and some does not, depending on the depth, location and what the work is for. Check with Auckland Council before work starts so you are not stopped half way.
6. Can the machine actually get to the work?
Gate width, side-yard width, slopes and overhead clearance decide which machines can reach the site. Measure the narrowest point and send photos. A contractor who asks for this information is thinking about your site rather than guessing.
7. What happens to the soil?
Spoil is often the biggest hidden cost. Ask whether it stays on site, is relocated or is taken away, and who arranges the truck. We can relocate or remove excavated material as part of the job, which keeps the site clear for the next trade.
8. Will they visit or look at photos first?
For small, simple jobs a phone conversation and photos may be enough for an indication. Anything involving depth, tricky access or unknown ground should be assessed properly before a firm price is given.
Red flags
- A firm price for a complex job with no questions about the site
- No clear answer on insurance or who operates the machine
- No mention of underground services or consent
- A quote that does not say what happens to the soil
How we work
You tell us about the job, send a few photos and measurements, and we give you an indication and a free quote. We confirm the scope and price in writing before any work begins. Our crews cover Central, West, South and East Auckland, the North Shore and the Hibiscus Coast.
See our earth moving and excavation service for the work we do, or call 0800 514 514 (Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5pm) for a free quote.