What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring an Excavation Contractor?

Hiring an excavation contractor is a big step in any project — whether it’s acres of land clearing, foundation excavations, building pads, solving a drainage issue, or cutting in a new driveway/parking lot. But how do you know you’re picking the right crew?

We believe asking the right questions is key — not just for comparing prices, but for understanding how your contractor operates, communicates, and stands behind their work. Because the price isn’t the most important factor.

Here are 10 smart questions to ask before you hire an excavation contractor — whether it’s us or anyone else.

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1. Are you licensed and insured?

Any professional excavation contractor should carry general liability insurance and be registered to operate as a legitimate business. This protects you, your property, and the crew on site — and sets a solid foundation for the entire project. This conversation also shouldn’t be awkward or like pulling teeth. Whether it’s a residential client, commercial client,  or a GC, we provide our Certificate of Insurance and W9 to prove our legitimacy and coverage with every estimate.

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2. Do you have a portfolio of similar work I can review?

Photos of past jobs say a lot. Ask to see examples of work that’s similar in size and scope to your project — if its not already on display on the internet. These days, having a media presence is really non-negotiable. It gives clients a transparent view into the company’s operations, style, and track record — sort of like a digital jobsite walkthrough. Please get to know us and what you can expect on our website and social media platforms — investments we’ve made to give clients an intimate view behind the scenes.

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3. Are recent reviews or client references available?

Clients today do their homework — and they should. Ask to see reviews from recent projects or get connected with past clients willing to share how the process went. Don’t settle for cherry-picked references. Look at platforms like Google where contractors can’t hand-select only the best feedback. Of course, if someone you trust has worked with the company before, a personal referral can be one of the most helpful insights you’ll get — it adds a layer of confidence that no online review can fully replace. Visit our review page here.

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4. What equipment will you bring to the site?

Different jobs require different machines — from large excavators for deep cuts to compact loaders for finish grade. Reliable equipment operated by a skilled crew keeps things running smoothly. What really matters is whether the contractor invests in modern tools — like laser or GPS-based grading systems — that improve precision, reduce waste, and ultimately help deliver your project faster and more efficiently.

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5. Who will be working on my project?

One of the top frustrations people have with contractors is inconsistency — crews that change day to day, poor communication, or unclear roles on-site. You don’t have time for micromanagement. That’s why it’s important to ask: who’s actually showing up to do the work, and who’s making sure the vision is executed to your standards?

At Reiss Earthworks, our team is consistent, well-briefed, and trained to operate with the values of respect for your time, your investment, and your property. When the same professionals show up with a clear understanding of what success looks like, you can step back and stay focused on your life — not the logistics.

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6. How do you handle utility locating — public and private?

811 handles public utility locates, but private lines (irrigation, signage, pool plumbing, propane, electric and water downstream of the meter) must be identified by the property owner. A responsible contractor will explain this and help ensure no surprises underground. We even have a full client resource guide on this because it’s that important to get right. See our full blog post on this here.

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7. What happens if unexpected issues come up?

Excavation isn’t always predictable. Unless you can see underground, you are headed into the unknown as an excavation project starts. You might uncover soft soils, buried debris, or outdated utilities — and how a contractor responds says everything.

We pride ourselves on our values around being proactive, not reactive. That means spotting potential red flags early if possible, communicating clearly, and giving you straightforward options when conditions shift — not surprises, or inflated change orders.

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8. After I sign the contract, how do I know you’re actually coming — and when?

Ask how the contractor handles scheduling after the paperwork is signed. Will they confirm your spot in the schedule? Will you get a clear start window — or be left waiting for a call that never comes?

At Reiss Earthworks, we lock in your place on the calendar, walk through site access and utility coordination, and provide a projected start date up front. You’ll hear from us as we move toward mobilization, and if weather or jobsite conditions change that timeline, we’ll communicate early and often.

We don’t leave clients wondering. We show up when we say we will, and we keep the project moving.

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9. What does your estimate include — and how detailed is it?

A thorough estimate sets expectations. Look for line items on excavation depth, compaction, material staging or haul-off, seeding or stabilization, and any prep work. A good estimate should also list exclusions and or assumptions — not just what’s included — so there’s no guessing later. Outlining who does what and when, we don’t leave grey areas. Scribbled numbers on a business card can leave too much in question.

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10. How will you keep me informed throughout the job?

Communication is one of the biggest factors that makes or breaks a contractor/client relationship. Ask how they’ll keep you updated: Will you get texts? A project portal? Who do you call if you have a question? We use a modern client platform to send updates, approvals, notes, and invoices in one place. It keeps everyone on the same page and reduces miscommunication.

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✅ Final Thought  

You don’t need to be an expert to hire the right excavation contractor — you just need to ask good questions. Most clients we work with aren’t shopping for the cheapest price — they’re looking for professionalism, communication, and peace of mind.

If you’re in the Kansas City area and want a company that treats your project like its own, we’d be honored to earn your trust.