A good excavation contractor sees the site before pricing, explains how water and buried debris will be handled, puts the scope in writing and notifies Louisiana 811 before digging. Use these checks with every bidder, including us.
How do I find a good excavation contractor in New Orleans?
To find a good contractor, read recent local reviews, ask for proof of insurance, check any license the job needs, and get a written quote after a site visit. Someone who knows New Orleans ground will ask about groundwater, settlement, access and where the spoil goes.
Does an excavation contractor need a license and insurance in Louisiana?
It depends on the size and type of job. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors requires a commercial license for commercial projects of $50,000 or more, a residential license for residential construction over $50,000, and a home improvement license for work of $7,500 or more on an existing home, which includes demolition. Plumbers, electricians and septic installers have their own licenses. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance from the insurer.
What questions should I ask before hiring?
Ask every bidder these questions:
- Who notifies Louisiana 811, and how will private lines be found?
- How will you handle groundwater and soft trench walls?
- Does the price cover trucking the dirt away, and to where?
- What fill will you bring, and how will it be compacted?
- Where will the water drain when you finish?
- Who pulls the permits?
- Do you hold the Louisiana license this job needs?
How many quotes should I get?
Three quotes is the minimum HomeGuide suggests. For a small job, two written quotes for the same scope can be enough. The point is to compare the same work.
What should an estimate include, and what should the contract say?
An estimate should include the scope and size, volume, pumping and shoring, hauling, fill and compaction, drainage, erosion control, permits, cleanup and the schedule. The contract should repeat that, set the payment schedule and say who repairs damage. Ask for lien waivers as you pay, so suppliers cannot file a lien on your home later.
Should the quote include compaction testing?
For a building pad or fill under a slab, yes: on soft New Orleans soil, the engineer or builder usually requires compaction tests by a testing lab, and the quote should say who arranges and pays for them. For a lawn, testing is not needed.
How much of a deposit should I pay?
Settle the deposit amount in the written contract. A modest deposit to get on the schedule is normal; paying most of the price up front is risky. HomeGuide advises never paying the full amount before the work is done.
What are the red flags when hiring?
Watch for these red flags:
- A number quoted before anyone has seen the lot.
- No written contract.
- Cash only, or full payment before work.
- Telling you 811 or permits are not needed.
- No proof of insurance, or no license when the job size needs one.
- Door-to-door offers after a storm.
What can I do if the contractor won't come back to fix ruts and mud?
Write to the contractor, include photos and the contract, name a date to fix it, and keep copies of all of it. If that fails, you can file a dispute with the Louisiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section, report an unlicensed contractor to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, or bring a small claim in your local court. This is general information about Louisiana rules, not legal advice.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Call or text (504) 608-4795 for a free estimate, and we put the scope and price in a written quote. We work in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego, Chalmette, Belle Chasse, Slidell and Mandeville.