DIY-Residential Excavations: 3 FAQs

Various situations may create the need to dig up the landscape in the residential setting. Examples of these scenarios include the installation of external drainage pipes, undertaking repairs and maintenance-related activities on these pipes and the installation of fibre-optic cables.

It's expected for a DIY-minded homeowner to have a number of questions in relation to the above-mentioned topic. This article discusses answers to three questions for the benefit of homeowners planning an excavation-related activity.

What Excavation Equipment Is Needed?

Mini excavators are often the most ideal for DIY excavation-related activities because their small size makes it easier for them to be transported to residential premises.  They're especially preferred for residential areas where space is limited or in remote areas that make it challenging for standard-sized excavation equipment to access the site.

The tracks in a mini excavator are often either made of steel or rubber. Mini excavators that feature tracks made of steel are preferred when the tracks will need to maneuver over rough terrain (e.g. rock-filled landscapes) while the rubber-tracked counterparts are preferred when the excavator will have its tracks moving over smooth terrain (e.g. an asphalt or concrete driveway).

Is A Permit Required For DIY-Excavation?

In a large number of states, homeowners are not required to get a permit in order to undertake small- to medium-scale excavation-related activities on private property. However, there may be exceptions to this. For example, a permit may be required if the excavation-related activity requires a homeowner to clear native vegetation from portions of the landscape. In such situations, issuance of permits is often done on condition that the homeowner will take practical measures to encourage the regeneration of native trees and shrubs that are cleared for excavation.

How Can The Impact Of Excavation-Related Activities On The Landscape Be Reduced?

DIY-minded homeowners should be concerned about the environmental impact of their intended excavation-related activity. In the ideal situation, the negative impact of the activities referred to should be kept at a bare minimum. One of the best ways to do this is to minimize the need for extensive excavation within the landscape. For example, a camera inspection of leaking drainage systems will identify the exact location of leakages, thereby eliminating the need to dig up multiple locations along the drainage system in a bid to manually identify the location of leaky drainage pipes.

If you decide you'd rather not undertake this task yourself, contact someone who specializes in excavation services.