Frequently Asked Questions

HomeBlue estimates a machine with operator in Vancouver at about $210 to $370 an hour, or $1,700 to $3,000 for a full day, with hauling at $400 to $600 per truckload. Clearing, rock and wet-season conditions add to that. We quote after seeing the site.

Some work, yes: trenching, small digs and emergency repairs go on year-round. Large grading and compaction work is better in the drier months, because saturated soil cannot be compacted properly.

Yes. In Washington, requests go to the Washington Utility Notification Center at least two business days ahead, and tickets are valid for 45 days. We place them for our jobs.

It depends on the soil. Gravelly flood deposits like the Sifton series drain very fast, while clay soils on the hills drain slowly. We check the soil and what the city or county allows before recommending one.

Yes. We clear brush and trees, pull stumps, strip topsoil, and leave a rocked access and a graded site.

Yes, on rural lots, to designs approved by the health department. We also dig test pits for the soil evaluation.

Yes. Builders, remodelers, septic installers, plumbers and electricians hire us for the excavation on their projects, and we work to their plans and schedules.

Often, especially near streams, wetlands or slopes, or for larger areas. We check with the city or county.

They will try. Pulling root crowns rather than just mowing makes a big difference, and follow-up mowing keeps them down.

Yes. Mulch helps hold soil and suppress weeds. It is removed from building areas.

Late spring through early fall, when ground is firmer and erosion risk is lower.

Yes. Only the house site, the drive and the utility corridors have to be cleared; anything else can stay wooded.

On gravelly flood soils, usually. On clay hills, often not. We test before recommending one.

Usually roof water, grading toward the house or a high seasonal water table. Each has a different fix.

Some do, particularly drywells and connections to public storm systems. We check.

Late summer or fall is ideal, before the rainy season starts.

Only where the city or county allows it. Many areas require on-site infiltration or an approved connection.

No. Licensed designers or engineers design them. We dig test pits and excavate to the approved plan.

Soils that drain too fast or too slowly, or seasonal wetness close to the surface, can rule out a conventional system.

We avoid it in saturated soil because it can damage absorption. Tanks and repairs are more flexible.

Yes, by excavating and installing risers, which makes pumping easier.

Test pits take an hour or two. Tank and drainfield excavation is usually one to three days, plus inspection timing.

Some sites do, especially on slopes or clay. The permit office will say.

Light rain, yes, but footings are cleaned and poured quickly. Heavy rain can delay work.

Crawl spaces are most common here. Basements depend on soil, groundwater and budget.

Yes, footings, utility trenches and site grading.

Some is reused for backfill and grading; the rest is hauled. HomeBlue puts Vancouver hauling at $400 to $600 per truckload.

Deep enough for frost protection and code; your water purveyor and plumber set the minimum.

Yes, keeping setbacks from septic components.

Not if it is compacted in lifts. We compact as we backfill.

Yes, for your electrician.

We saw-cut and patch a strip, or the trade can bore under it where that is practical.

Usually water sitting on the surface and a thin base. Restoring the crown, ditches and rock depth fixes most of it.

On clay or wet ground, it helps a lot. On firm gravel it may not be needed.

Yes, with an itemized estimate neighbors can split.

Late spring or summer, when the base is dry enough to compact.

HomeGuide suggests 8 to 12 inches of total gravel for trucks and RVs, more over soft ground.