Excavation is required to prepare most plots of land for the paving process.

The excavation process can seem simple at first glance, but it is an intricate process that must be completed with care in order to create a solid foundation for any paved project. Any mistake made during excavation could impact the durability and reliability of a paved parking lot or driveway over time.

Learn more about the essential preparatory steps that must be taken to ensure your next excavation project goes smoothly.

1. Complete the Grading Process

All paving excavation projects should begin with grading. Grading is the process by which land is carefully examined to determine the best approach to an excavation project.

Contractors will identify soil types, the distance to nearby structures, and the slope of the land when grading a project. All of this information is then compiled and used to create a plan for the excavation project.

Without proper grading, a contractor can't identify which types of equipment will be needed to complete the excavation with ease.

2. Acquire Necessary Permits

Once the grading process is completed and a comprehensive excavation plan is created, a contractor will need to obtain any licenses or permits required to begin your paving excavation. Most municipal governments regulate land use closely.

A permit is required before any significant changes can be made to a parcel of land. The permit application gives government officials the opportunity to review proposed changes, evaluate their potential impact on the community, and decide whether or not these changes are warranted.

Excavating without a permit could result in significant fines and penalties, so be sure that all the proper permits are in place before your excavation contractor breaks ground.

3. Identify Potential Complications

When you take the time to identify any potential complications that may arise before you begin excavating, you will be prepared to overcome these complications and prevent them from disrupting excavation activities.

Two potential complications that should always be addressed before excavation begins are erosion and grubbing.

Mechanical and vegetative measures will need to be employed in the event that erosion becomes a problem during excavation. You can save a lot of time and money by identifying which erosion-control methods will be used if the need arises during excavation.

You will also want to work with your contractor to determine how you will dispose of brushes, trees, stumps, and roots during excavation. The disposal of these materials is known as grubbing and is often regulated by very specific laws and ordinances.