Excavation questions, answered plainly
The questions Jacksonville property owners actually ask us, with the answers we give on the phone. Anything missing, call (443) 364-3676 and ask.
Do I need a permit to clear land or dig a pond in Jacksonville?
It depends on the parcel. Plenty of private clearing and pond work on uplands needs nothing beyond the digging. Parcels touching mapped wetlands, creeks or the preserve areas can need review from the city or the St. Johns River Water Management District. We flag the question at the walk-through and tell you honestly when a parcel needs paperwork before machines.
Who calls 811?
We do, every time. Sunshine 811 tickets go in before any scheduled dig and through the expedited process on emergencies. Private lines like irrigation, well feeds and landscape lighting are not in the 811 system, so we ask you about them and hand dig near anything suspicious.
Why do you publish pricing when nobody else does?
Because the quotes in this trade are a black box and homeowners know it. Published ranges cost us the occasional job to a lowball bid and win us every customer who wants to check the math. We prefer the second kind.
How fast can you get to an emergency?
Same day inside Duval County in most cases, often within hours. Nights and weekends carry the higher call-out rate on the emergency page. Call rather than filling the form; the phone is the emergency channel.
What does the water table do to my project?
It sets the method and sometimes the calendar. Much of the First Coast sits a few feet above groundwater, so deep digs may need dewatering and wet-season work may need matting or a schedule shift. We price water handling as its own line so you can see it, and when waiting for dry ground is the cheaper answer, we say so.
What happens if you find a gopher tortoise burrow?
Work near the burrow stops, because Florida protects the species and the burrow. Options range from adjusting the clearing limits to a permitted relocation through an authorized agent. It costs some time and occasionally some money, and it is not optional for us or for any legitimate contractor.
Do you haul away the debris and dirt?
If you want it gone, yes, at the published per-truckload rate. Spreading spoil on your own property or mulching cleared vegetation in place is cheaper and we suggest it whenever the site allows.
Are you insured, and who runs the machines?
Insured for the work we do, and the crew that quotes the job is the crew that digs it. No brokered-out labor showing up in an unmarked truck.
How far will you travel?
Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties day to day: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Middleburg, St. Augustine, the beaches, Yulee and Fernandina. Outside that, call anyway. For the right project the machines travel.
Can you work with my builder or plumber?
That is half our work. We open and close the ground; your plumber, builder or utility contractor does their trade in between. On commercial jobs we coordinate directly with the GC and the testing agency.
Pricing lives on the published cost guide. Emergencies live on the emergency page.