Top Excavation Mistakes (and How We Avoid Them)
Avoiding Costly Errors on Your Next Construction Project
Excavation is more than just digging a hole—it’s the foundation of everything to come. Mistakes made during excavation can lead to major setbacks, unexpected expenses, and even structural failure down the road.
At Amex Construction LLC, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when the job isn’t done right—and we’ve built our reputation on making sure it is. Here are the most common excavation mistakes—and how we prevent them from ever becoming your problem.
❌ 1. Digging Without Utility Markouts
The Mistake:
Failing to call Dig Safe or properly mark underground utilities can result in dangerous hits on gas, water, electric, or sewer lines—posing safety hazards and major fines.
How We Avoid It:
Amex always contacts Dig Safe and cross-references utility plans before a single scoop of dirt is moved. We flag the area clearly, work carefully near marked lines, and use safe hand-digging methods where needed.
❌ 2. Poor Soil Assessment or Grading
The Mistake:
Skipping soil evaluations or improperly grading a lot can lead to drainage issues, foundation settling, or erosion—especially here in Southeastern Massachusetts, where conditions vary widely.
How We Avoid It:
We evaluate soil type, compaction, and water flow before we start. Our operators use laser levels and site plans to execute accurate cuts, fills, and final grades for lasting stability.
❌ 3. Not Following the Site Plan
The Mistake:
Some contractors "eyeball it"—leading to utility trenches in the wrong spot, incorrect foundation depths, or setbacks that don’t meet code.
How We Avoid It:
We follow the approved engineering and architectural plans to the letter, and we review them on-site with our crew. When discrepancies arise, we work directly with the builder, homeowner, or engineer to correct them before digging.
❌ 4. Inadequate Drainage Planning
The Mistake:
Improper or missing drainage systems can cause water pooling, basement leaks, or frost heave in winter.
How We Avoid It:
Our team designs and installs drainage solutions that include swales, pipe drains, or crushed stone trenches—built into your grading plan. We also handle stormwater BMPs and DEP compliance for both residential and commercial projects.
❌ 5. Skipping Proper Compaction
The Mistake:
Loose backfill or uncompressed fill dirt under driveways, patios, or foundations can lead to settling and cracks.
How We Avoid It:
Amex uses mechanical compactors, not just bucket tamping. Whether it's a sewer trench, septic field, or garage pad, we compact each lift of soil as required to meet specs and soil conditions.
Why Amex Construction Does It Right
From Title V septic installs and sewer connections to grading, utility trenching, and site prep, our team is licensed, certified, and committed to quality.
What Sets Us Apart:
✔️ Fully licensed and insured
✔️ Certified E/One grinder pump installers
✔️ Experts in stormwater BMPs and Mass DEP regulations
✔️ Full-service site prep, from excavation to final grading
✔️ Transparent communication with homeowners and builders
📍 Serving Hanover, Cape Cod & Southeastern Massachusetts
Avoiding mistakes starts with hiring the right contractor. If you're breaking ground on a new home, subdivision, or commercial project, let Amex Construction LLC get it right from day one.
📞 Call us today at (781) 243-5654
