By definition, excavation is removing soil and rock from a given area. And with access to the internet, some heavy equipment, and a few friends to help, you might think you’re ready to tackle your own excavation project. But is it really as straightforward as it seems?

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no. Excavation is actually a very technical process that requires precision and expertise. Any misstep can result in serious injury or even death. To help you understand why you should always leave excavation to the professionals, we’ve listed some of the dangers of DIY excavation:

1. Risk of Collapse

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The texture and quality of soil differ from one place to another, and if you’re not knowledgeable enough about this, digging on weak soil can lead to a landslide; burying you into a massive underground cavity.

Here in Calgary, the clay soil is notorious for being unstable. Without the proper tools and know-how to work around it, you’re putting yourself at risk of the ground giving way beneath you. This is especially dangerous if you’re excavating a large area.

Even if you think the soil in your backyard is stable enough, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call in a professional company to assist you in your excavation and cement work in Calgary.

2. Contamination

DIY excavations can also lead to groundwater contamination if not done properly. This happens when there’s a leakage in the water pipes or if gas chemicals used in the process seep into the ground.

While these can all result from accidental hitting and poking of pipes and wires, it can lead to health hazards. However, inhalation of chemicals and consuming contaminated water are potential risks you can prevent by hiring someone that’s an expert in this job.

Remember that prevention is better than cure, so paying a licensed excavation contractor to do this work for you would cost significantly less and could decrease the risk of contamination.

3. Lawsuits

Did you know that if someone gets injured on your property while you’re doing a DIY excavation, you can be held liable? This is especially true if the person suffers long-term injuries or dies as a result of the accident. 

So, not only do you have to deal with the emotional trauma of knowing that someone got hurt because of your actions, but you could also end up owing them a huge sum of money in damages. To avoid this, it’s always best to entrust excavation work to licensed professionals who know what they’re doing and have the necessary insurance to cover any accidents that might occur.

4. Stress and Paperwork

This one isn’t “dangerous” per se, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you opt to do your own excavation, be prepared to deal with a lot of stress and paperwork. 

In any excavation, construction, and cement work, you do more than just digging and building. This is a job that requires papers, permits, and professionals.

Before you can start on any construction project here in Calgary, you need to know the rules and what papers to prepare. Some local regulations include how long you’ll do works like excavation and concrete pouring, what materials you’ll be using, or how long you’re only allowed to work on these—all these can be identified in securing a permit.

If you’re not sure about the regulations and permits you’ll need to get in Calgary for a construction project, excavation and cement companies can help you with that.

5. Injuries and Deaths

An excavation process involves the use of large and powerful machinery like dump trucks, backhoes, and bulldozers. If not handled with care, this heavy equipment can pose a threat not just to your property but also to your life.

So, in case we haven’t stressed this enough, excavation is a very dangerous job. Every year, there are countless reports of people getting injured or killed while doing their own excavations. While some accidents might be due to faulty equipment or careless mistakes, others are simply the result of not having the necessary skills and experience to do the job safely. 

6. Poor Work of Quality

When you try to do an excavation project on your own, there’s a tendency you would want to finish it as soon as possible. This often results in sloppy and poor work quality which can be dangerous and harmful in the long run, like sinkholes for example.

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Remember that haste makes waste, so it’s always best to take your time and do things right the first time around.

Letting professional cement and construction companies handle concrete works and excavations can be both time and cost-effective, leaving you to rest assured that the outcome will be of its best quality.

 

Excavate the Right Way

Any licensed excavation contractor will tell you that the best way to avoid all the dangers we’ve listed above is to simply leave excavation work to the professionals. You might find plenty of DIY guides online, but unless you’re confident in your skills, it’s always best to play it safe and hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

The only right way to excavate is by calling the experts and letting them complete the job. In any work that involves demolition, major digging, and construction, professionals should be the ones handling them.

 

Excavation is a DIY-Free Zone

While DIY projects can feel therapeutic at certain times, doing construction projects by yourself is not advisable. Even if it’s just simple cement work, demolition, or excavation, it’s always best to leave it to the experts. 

TNA Concrete is a licensed and insured excavation contractor in Calgary that has almost 30 years of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of services, from simple cement work to more complex demolition and excavation projects. Contact us today to get a free quote!