Frequently Asked Questions About Excavating in Canberra
What not to say to a general contractor?
Look, after twenty years working with contractors across Canberra, I’ve heard it all. The biggest mistake homeowners make is saying “just do whatever’s cheapest” or “I don’t need to see the permits.” Trust me, cutting corners on excavation work in Canberra’s clay soils will cost you more later when your foundation starts moving.
Another thing that gets contractors offside is “my neighbor’s brother-in-law said you’re doing it wrong.” We’re licensed professionals who understand ACT building codes and local soil conditions. If you have concerns, ask questions – but don’t assume someone without excavation experience knows better than we do.
Who is liable should a contractor damage underground assets?
In the ACT, liability depends on whether proper procedures were followed. As a licensed excavating contractor, we’re required to contact “Dial Before You Dig” and get utility locations before any excavation begins. If we follow those procedures and utilities aren’t marked correctly, the utility company typically carries liability.
However, if we don’t follow proper location procedures or ignore marked utilities, we’re liable for damages. That’s why our comprehensive insurance is so important – it protects both us and our clients. Never work with an excavating contractor who doesn’t carry proper insurance, especially in established Canberra suburbs where utility maps might not be accurate.
What is benching in excavating?
Benching is cutting stepped levels into excavation walls to prevent collapse – think of it like giant stairs carved into the earth. In Canberra’s clay soils, benching becomes really important because wet clay can shift unexpectedly, especially during our spring rains.
We use benching when excavating deeper foundations or basement areas, particularly in areas like Forrest or Deakin where heritage requirements might prevent other soil stabilization methods. Each “step” distributes soil pressure differently, making the excavation safer for workers and preventing cave-ins that could damage neighboring properties.
How much can an excavator excavate per day?
In Canberra conditions, a standard excavator might move 150-300 cubic meters of soil per day, but that’s assuming normal conditions. Hit our clay soils when they’re wet and that drops dramatically. Rock – which you find in many hillside suburbs – can slow things to 50 cubic meters or less.
Weather’s the biggest variable here. During our dry months, soil moves easily. But try excavating after heavy spring rains when clay turns to sticky mess, and productivity drops by half. That’s why experienced Canberra contractors build weather contingencies into project timelines.
How long does it take to excavate 1m3?
In good Canberra soil conditions, an experienced operator might excavate 1 cubic meter in 2-3 minutes. But that’s just the digging – loading trucks, moving around the site, and dealing with obstacles takes additional time.
Rock changes everything. Some of the granite you find in Canberra’s hillside suburbs can take 30 minutes or more per cubic meter if you’re breaking it with hydraulic hammers. That’s why site assessment before quoting is so important – what looks like simple dirt might be sitting on top of rock shelf.
