Scope we cover
- Trenching for water, sewer, storm, gas, and dry utility runs
- Footing excavation per structural drawings
- Building pad cut and rough subgrade shaping
- Retention basin excavation and shaping
- Mass cut and fill on light commercial parcels
- Utility trench prep up to the tie-in (utility company makes the connection)
- Spoil management, export, and import fill placement
Typical commercial project types
Most of our commercial excavation work is on small office pads, light industrial slabs, parking lot prep, single-story retail, restaurant pads, accessory commercial structures, and small mixed-use buildings. We are not the right fit for high-rise foundations, heavy industrial mass earthwork, or deep shoring projects. Our sweet spot is the kind of light commercial site where the GC needs a reliable, scheduled earthwork sub who shows up with the right equipment and a current set of plans.
Soil, rock, and groundwater considerations
Sacramento Valley sites often have clay-heavy soils that hold water and shrink and swell with moisture. Foothill sites add decomposed granite, weathered rock, and occasional refusal. Sites near the Delta or low water table areas can see groundwater inside footing depths. Before we mobilize, we want to see the geotech report when one exists, and we want a conversation about expected soil behavior, dewatering, and unsuitable material handling.
Coordination with civil engineer and geotech
| Document | What We Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Civil grading plan | Pad elevations, drainage, cut/fill quantities | Drives mass earthwork sequence |
| Structural drawings | Footing depth, width, and reinforcement | Drives footing excavation accuracy |
| Geotech report | Bearing capacity, compaction, unsuitable material | Dictates overexcavation and import fill |
| Utility plan | Trench location, depth, separation, slope | Drives trench sequence and shoring |
| SWPPP | BMPs, perimeter, inlet protection | Required before disturbed area thresholds |
Sequencing with concrete and utility crews
Most commercial excavation work is a handoff to the next trade. Footing excavation hands off to the concrete crew within a tight window so trenches do not collapse or fill with water. Utility trench prep needs to time up with the utility contractor's schedule because open trenches in commercial settings carry safety, traffic, and permit risk. We build the schedule around those handoffs rather than treating excavation as a standalone task.
Shoring, trench safety, and access
Cal/OSHA trench safety rules apply above five feet of depth, and earlier on sites with soil instability or surcharge. We size shoring, sloping, or shielding to the soil and depth of the trench, not just to the convenience of the schedule. On commercial sites with sidewalks, parking, or active operations, traffic control and perimeter protection are planned before the first cut is made.
Frequently asked questions
- What excavation work can you actually do?
- We handle trenching, footing excavation, pad cuts, retention basin shaping, mass cut and fill, and utility trench prep. We do not perform the licensed utility tie-in itself; the utility company or licensed sub makes the final connection.
- How do you handle trench safety on commercial sites?
- We follow Cal/OSHA requirements, with sloping, shielding, or shoring sized to the soil and depth. On occupied or pedestrian sites we add fencing, signage, and traffic control before any open trench is left unattended.
- What lead time do you need to mobilize?
- Two to four weeks is typical when plans and permits are in hand. Tighter turns are possible when the scope is small and the schedule is open, but we will be honest about what we can hit.
- How do you handle unsuitable soil or unexpected rock?
- We flag it as soon as we see it, document the condition, and price overexcavation, import fill, or rock work as a change order rather than absorbing it. Hiding it in the schedule helps nobody.
- Can you self-perform import or export of dirt?
- Yes, we coordinate trucking, disposal routes, and import fill from approved sources. The volume and haul distance should be planned into the bid up front.
Related planning resources
Excavation service
Trenching, pad cuts, footings, and commercial earthwork scope.
Trenching service
Utility trench prep, depth, slope, and shoring scope.
Grading service
Rough and finish grading paired with excavation work.
Commercial demolition
When demolition feeds directly into pad and footing excavation.
Contractor site preparation
Package scope when a GC needs demo, clearing, and excavation as one handoff.
Sacramento demolition and land clearing
Service area overview for Sacramento city commercial work.