FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start?
Contact us directly. Clay will set up a time to
come to your home to go over the specific work you would like to have done.
He will make recommendations as necessary.
There is absolutely NO CHARGE for this consultation. After the
consultation, we will send you an estimate for the work. You may choose to
revise it at this time or ask any questions regarding the estimate. A new or
revised contract will be sent to you to sign.
Do I need a contractor?
A contractor can be an invaluable asset in a
multi-process job. They will be able to coordinate the many aspects involved in
scheduling and bringing larger jobs to completion, such as excavating,
electrical, utilities placement, construction, etc.
How do I pay?
50% of the contracted amount is required before
beginning work. The balance is to be paid upon the completion of the work.
Do you accept credit cards?
Howard’s Excavating knows it is sometimes easier
to pay for certain material or construction costs with a credit card. We are
happy to accept Visa, American Express, Discover or MasterCard.
How can I get my construction plans to you?
Have a copy made for us and we can pick them up
or you can mail them to us or deliver them to our office, or have a digital
version made as an image file and e-mail them to us.
Can you do my landscaping job?
Howard’s Excavating does do some landscaping but
we are not a landscaping company. We will
build a variety of stone, concrete, wood or modular retaining walls and stair
systems, we will spread, stone, woodchips or a number of other ground covers.
Howard’s would be happy to supply you or your landscaper with a variety of
landscaping supplies including the planting of trees, shrubs, flowers or
ornamental plantings.
How does a septic system work?
A septic system is made up of two parts, the
septic tank & a tile field. Waste material from the house enters the septic tank
slowly so that the solids can settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer or
raise to the top and form a scum layer. In between these two layers is a liquid
waste center that over time slowly flows out into the tile field, through the
gravel filled trenches and into the soil below. The soil acts as the final
filter in the treatment of waste.
What is grading?
Grading is the preparation of soil and dirt
levels in your lot for construction. One of the main reasons to have your lot
graded is if you plan to build on uneven ground. You may need to use fill dirt
to level the area in preparation for construction. Another reason is to ensure
proper drainage. Grading your lot will guarantee that water will flow away from
construction and not enter other properties.
How can I control erosion?
There are multiple ways to accomplish this. One
way is to plan construction activities during summer and fall so that erosion
control measures can be in place when the rain comes. Another way is to make
sure that you examine your site carefully before building, paying close
attention to slope, drainage patterns and soil types. One final way is to
preserve existing vegetation as much as possible by limiting grading and plant
removal to the areas under current construction.
Got more questions? We can provide answers. Call us today at 269-469-1170.