Foundation Excavation & Site Preparation
A solid foundation starts with properly prepared ground. R&H Tractor Services provides basement excavation, crawl space digging, building pad preparation and foundation-related earthwork for new construction.
Request a Foundation Excavation Estimate
Tell us what you're building, where it's located and what sitework needs to be completed.
Before the Foundation Goes In, the Excavation Has to Be Right.
Foundation excavation is one of the first major steps in a new construction project. Before concrete crews can begin their work, the building footprint needs to be excavated and prepared according to the plans.
That means accounting for the foundation dimensions, excavation depth, soil conditions, equipment access, material handling and surrounding site elevations.
R&H Tractor Services works with homeowners and builders throughout the Hastings area and West Michigan to prepare sites for new homes, additions, lodges, barndominiums, garages and other structures.
And because excavation rarely ends with the foundation itself, our crew can also handle the surrounding grading, driveway preparation, drainage work and other sitework needed as construction moves forward.
Excavation for the Way You're Building.
Different foundations call for different excavation approaches. We help prepare the site for the foundation specified in your construction plans.
ACTUAL R&H PROJECT
Basement Excavation
Excavating for full basements and below-grade foundations requires careful attention to depth, building dimensions, access and the material being removed.
Our crew handles the earthmoving needed to open the foundation area and prepare for the next stage of construction.
ACTUAL R&H PROJECT
Crawl Space Excavation
Crawl space foundations need excavation suited to the building footprint and foundation design, even when a full basement isn't required.
R&H excavated the crawl space for a new lodge at Camp Michawana, demonstrating this part of our new construction capabilities.
Slab & Building Pad Preparation
Preparing a site for a slab-on-grade foundation may involve stripping unsuitable surface material, cutting and filling elevations, grading and preparing the building area to the project specifications.
Foundation Backfilling & Grading
After foundation construction and required inspections, excavation work may continue with approved backfill, material placement and grading around the structure.
Preparing the Crawl Space for a New Lodge at Camp Michawana.
A New Lodge Starts Below Ground Level.
At Camp Michawana, R&H Tractor Services excavated the crawl space for a new lodge. The work created the excavation needed for the building's planned foundation.
Projects like this show why foundation excavation needs to be considered early in the construction schedule. The excavation must be completed before foundation construction can proceed.
Experienced Earthmoving for Foundation Projects.
Excavating a foundation involves more than removing soil from the building footprint. The surrounding property, working room, access routes and excavated material all influence how the work is approached.
Some sites provide plenty of open space for equipment. Others require more careful planning around existing structures, trees, roads or utilities.
R&H brings the equipment and earthmoving experience needed to tackle foundation excavation as part of a larger construction project.
Discuss Your Foundation Project
Why Hire Separate Excavation Contractors for Every Stage of Your New Build?
The foundation is only one part of preparing a property for construction. Before and after the foundation work, there may be trees to clear, a driveway to build, drainage to address, a septic system to install and final grading to complete.
R&H Tractor Services offers complete new build excavation packages, giving homeowners and builders one company to coordinate these related stages of sitework.
Lot Clearing
Remove trees, brush and stumps before construction.
Land ClearingRough Grading
Prepare the site and establish construction elevations.
GradingFoundation Excavation
Excavate for the building's planned foundation.
YOU ARE HEREConstruction Access
Prepare driveways and access for construction vehicles.
DrivewaysSeptic & Drainage
Complete required septic and drainage sitework.
Septic SystemsFinal Grading
Finish surrounding earthwork as construction progresses.
Final GradingFewer contractor handoffs, more consistent coordination and a crew familiar with your property from the beginning.
Major Site Preparation for a New Barndominium.
Before foundation work can begin on many properties, the entire building site needs to be reshaped.
At this Middleville barndominium project, R&H moved thousands of tons of earth to prepare the property for construction.
The crew resloped the front yard, completed rough grading, constructed the building pad and installed a driveway for construction access.
Septic system installation is planned as another phase of the project, making this a strong example of the advantages of coordinating multiple stages of sitework through one contractor.
Learn About Our Excavation Services
From Building Plans to a Prepared Foundation Site.
Every site is different, but successful excavation starts with understanding what needs to be built and the conditions on the property.
Review the Project
Discuss the building type, foundation plans, property location, excavation requirements and anticipated construction schedule.
Evaluate the Site
Consider access, existing grades, soil conditions, obstacles, utility locations and how excavated material will be handled.
Prepare the Work Area
Complete required clearing, access preparation or rough grading before foundation excavation begins.
Excavate for the Foundation
Perform excavation to the applicable plans, elevations and site requirements, with appropriate working access and material handling.
Continue with Sitework
Where included in the scope, return for approved backfilling, drainage work, grading and other excavation needs as construction progresses.
How Much Does Foundation Excavation Cost in West Michigan?
There isn't one reliable price for digging a basement or preparing a foundation site. The excavation required for a straightforward crawl space is very different from a deep basement excavation or a building site that first needs major earthmoving.
The most useful estimate starts with the building plans, site location and an understanding of the existing property.
If you're planning a complete new build, we can also discuss the other excavation services needed so the overall sitework scope is considered together.
Request a Project EstimateAdditional Services for Your Construction Site.
Foundation excavation often connects with other site preparation work. R&H can help with the surrounding excavation and earthmoving.
What Our Customers Say.
Feedback from property owners who have worked with R&H Tractor Services.
Serving Hastings & Surrounding West Michigan Communities.
R&H Tractor Services is based in Hastings, Michigan, providing foundation excavation and site preparation throughout the surrounding region.
Whether you're planning a new home, barndominium, pole barn or other structure, contact us to discuss the location, construction plans and excavation requirements.
Foundation Excavation FAQs.
Does R&H excavate full basements?
Yes. R&H provides basement excavation for new construction, including projects in the Hastings area. Excavation requirements depend on the foundation plans and site conditions.
Can you excavate for a crawl space foundation?
Yes. R&H performs crawl space excavation, including the crawl space for a new lodge at Camp Michawana.
Do you pour concrete foundations?
Our focus is excavation and site preparation. We prepare the ground for foundation construction; concrete and structural foundation work are separate trades.
Can you prepare a foundation site for a barndominium?
Yes. We provide earthmoving, building pad preparation and grading for barndominiums and similar structures. Our Middleville project involved major earthmoving, rough grading and pad construction.
Do you excavate for pole barns, garages and shops?
Yes. R&H can prepare building sites, perform excavation and complete grading for pole barns, garages, workshops and other outbuildings.
Can you clear my lot before foundation excavation?
Yes. Land clearing, tree removal, stump removal and site preparation can be included in the excavation scope for a new construction project.
Do you backfill around foundations?
Foundation backfilling and surrounding grading can be included where appropriate, after foundation construction, waterproofing and any required inspections or approvals.
What if my building site needs significant grading first?
R&H can perform major earthmoving, rough grading and building pad preparation. Our Middleville barndominium project required moving thousands of tons of soil before the site was ready for construction.
Can one contractor handle my foundation excavation and septic installation?
Yes. R&H offers complete new build excavation packages that can include clearing, grading, foundation excavation, driveways, septic installation and final sitework, depending on project requirements.
How much does basement excavation cost?
Pricing depends on foundation dimensions, depth, soil conditions, groundwater, access, material handling and required site preparation. Contact R&H with your plans and property information to discuss an estimate.
When should I contact an excavation contractor?
Ideally, contact an excavation contractor during the planning stage, when building location, foundation design, access, grading and drainage requirements can be reviewed before work begins.
Where do you provide foundation excavation services?
R&H is based in Hastings and works throughout surrounding West Michigan communities, including Middleville, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Contact us to discuss your location.
Ready to Break Ground?
Whether you're digging a basement, preparing a crawl space or planning the entire excavation package for a new home, R&H Tractor Services is ready to discuss your project.