Demolition & Removal
Removing old patios, walks, decks, walls, lawn or planting that are in the way of the new work.
Trade 10 · Excavation & Site Preparation
Excavation, Demolition & Site Preparation
Careful removal, access planning, excavation and base preparation that set the project up correctly.
What We Build
Sub-services
The groundwork that every build stands on
Excavation
Digging to the depth and shape the design calls for.
Grading
Shaping the site so surfaces slope to drain and elevations match the plan.
Base Preparation
Compacting subgrade and base material so the finished surface stands on firm ground.
Access Planning & Staging
Planning how equipment, material and spoils move through the property.
Spoils & Haul-Away
Deciding what soil stays on site, what is reused and what leaves.
Why It Matters
Excavation & Site Preparation
Get the ground right and the rest follows
Most outdoor construction problems trace back to the ground: soft spots, trapped water, poor compaction or surprises under the surface. Careful preparation prevents those.
Site preparation is also where scope gets decided. What is under the old surface, how tight the access is and where the water goes can all change what a project needs, which is why we assess before we price.
What good looks like
- Underground utilities are located before digging.
- Existing surfaces and spoils are planned for before work starts.
- Subgrade is checked and compacted before base material goes in.
- Final grades slope away from the house and toward the drainage plan.
Design Options
Make it yours
Planning choices before the first cut
Equipment & Material Routes
Gate widths, slopes and obstacles decide what equipment can be used and how material is moved.
Reuse or Haul Away
Soil can sometimes be reused for grading; the rest must be hauled away.
Protecting Trees, Lawn & Structures
Tree roots, lawn and existing structures can be fenced, protected or planned around.
Elevations & Slopes
Finish levels, steps and drainage slopes are set so the project fits the property.
Order of Work
Groundwork is sequenced with other trades so access is not blocked or finished work is not disturbed.
Materials
Suppliers & collections
Where site preparation materials come from
Base and drainage materials are specified by the build they support. We confirm aggregates, fabric and drainage products during estimating, and you can explore related products through the design center. Product availability, colors and pricing can change, so a saved link is a selection request, not a guarantee.
SiteOne Hardscapes
Drainage, landscape and hardscape-related supplies through SiteOne Landscape Supply.
Visit SiteOne Hardscapes (opens in a new tab)Mutual Materials
Primary regional hardscape source for pavers, walls and masonry that sit on the prepared base.
Visit Mutual Materials (opens in a new tab)Materials Design Center
Explore supplier collections, paste the product links you like into your project request, and we will confirm availability, suitability and pricing during design and estimating.
Explore all materialsHow We Build It
6 Steps
How site preparation is done
Utility Locate & Site Walk
We confirm utility locations before digging and walk the site to mark limits, access and what stays.
Protection & Staging
Trees, lawn, structures and routes are protected and a staging area is set.
Demolition & Removal
Old surfaces and materials are removed and sorted for haul-away or reuse.
Excavation
We dig to the planned depth and shape, checking the soil as we go.
Grading & Subgrade Preparation
The subgrade is shaped to drain and compacted so it is firm and uniform.
Base Placement & Handoff
Base material is placed and compacted, then the area is ready for the build trade.
Warranty & Credentials
What stands behind the work
Workmanship coverage and credentials are confirmed in writing with your proposal.
What Affects the Cost
Factors, not prices
What affects the cost of site preparation
Area & depth
Larger and deeper excavations mean more machine time and spoils.
What is being removed
Concrete, old decks, walls and roots take more effort to demolish and haul.
Access
Narrow gates, slopes and long carries affect equipment and labor.
Soil conditions
Wet, rocky or unstable soil can change what is needed.
Spoils
Hauling and disposal of material is a variable in the scope.
Base & grading requirements
The needs of the build above set the base and grading scope.
Every property is different. After we assess yours, your proposal sets out the written scope, options and pricing assumptions.
FAQ
Excavation & Site Preparation
Do you check for utilities before digging?
Yes. Underground utilities are located before excavation, and we plan around what is found. In Washington, calling 811 is the standard way to request a locate.
Can you work in tight access?
Often, yes. Smaller equipment and hand work can be used, though tight access can affect labor and scope. We assess access during the property review.
What happens to the soil and old materials?
We plan what can be reused on site and what must be hauled away, and we describe that in your proposal.
Can you remove an old patio, deck or wall?
Yes. Demolition and removal are part of our scope when they are needed for the new project.
What does site preparation cost?
Area, depth, what is removed, access, soil and spoils all play a role. Your written proposal sets out the scope and pricing after the assessment.
Let us build the space you have been planning
Tell us what you want to change and any materials that have caught your eye. We will help you understand the right next step.