What is an Excavation Contractor or Earthmover?

An Excavation Contractor or Earthmover is a licensed operator who carries out ground preparation works, typically before laying the slab or starting any major structural works. They use machinery like excavators, bobcats, and tippers to move soil, dig trenches, cut and fill levels, or remove vegetation and debris from your building site.



They are usually among the first trades on-site once demolition (if needed) is complete and the survey set-out is done.

What does an Excavation Contractor or Earthmover do?

Your Excavation Contractor or Earthmover will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Clear vegetation, debris, and spoil from the site
  • Cut and fill the ground to achieve required levels
  • Excavate for footings, piers, trenches, and services
  • Remove excess soil or backfill as needed
  • Coordinate with the surveyor for exact depths and locations


Some contractors can also manage retaining walls, rock excavation, or site compaction if needed..

Barry's Toolbox

If you’re not on flat land, ask for a cut-and-fill plan to avoid surprises on the day. It’s one of the biggest causes of cost blowouts.


And don’t forget to check where the spoil is going — tipping fees can add hundreds (or thousands) if excess dirt isn’t reused on-site.

What to look for in an Excavation Contractor or Earthmover

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Experience working on residential sites of similar scale
  • Appropriate licences and insurances
  • Machinery type and whether it suits your access (tight or sloped sites)
  • Clear scope including removal, tipping, and compaction (if needed)
  • Willingness to coordinate with your surveyor


It’s a bonus if they’re familiar with local ground conditions or already work with your engineer or certifier.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Your site plan and slab layout
  • Survey set-out or reference points
  • A soil report (if available)
  • Any notes from your engineer about pier or trench depths
  • Site access details and machinery restrictions

Glossary

Below is a breakdown of each inspection your Building Certifier will carry out during construction. These checks ensure your project complies with all relevant building codes and regulations at critical stages.

Term Definition
Procure Excavation Contractor / Earthmover Sourcing and engaging a licensed contractor to carry out excavation and earthmoving works for the site.
Manage the Excavation Works Overseeing digging and shaping the site according to engineering plans, particularly for the basement.
Manage the Excavation Stockpile Removal Handling the removal of excess soil not reused on site, ensuring proper disposal.
Manage the Backfilling Soil & Compaction Around Foundation (Basement) Replacing and compacting soil around the basement after structural works to ensure site stability.

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the excavation contractor handle waste removal?

    Yes — most include tipping and spoil removal in their quote, but always double check what's included.



  • Will they compact the site after excavation?

    Not always — if compaction is needed, make sure this is listed in the scope and confirmed by your engineer.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.