Residential Excavation

Excavation Services

Land Grading

Before you start a hardscaping or landscaping project, you may have to “grade” the area. But what is land grading, and why is it important?

Land grading is a leveling of the surface using excavating equipment. Dirt from higher levels of land is moved into the lower areas to create a level surface to serve as the foundation for your project. Sometimes land grading will require moving dirt from somewhere else to fill in the area to the desired level.

FireBrick Excavation Land Grading

Land does not always need to be graded flat, it can also be sloped, it just depends on the project. For example, if you want to build a stone walkway or a stone patio, you’ll probably want to start with a flat surface to lay the stone on. On the other hand, if you want to channel rainwater away from your house, you’ll want to grade the land on a slope that runs down and away from your home. Firebrick Masonry and Excavation can give your landscape the shape and level you want with grading and excavation services.

Septic Installation & Repair

Many Vermont residents rely on septic systems to manage their home’s waste. These underground wastewater treatment systems are completely self-contained. They allow homeowners that don’t have access to central or town sewer systems to dispose of the waste generated in their home in a safe, effective way.

Septic Tank Installation

If you’re building a new home or need to replace an existing septic system, you may have some questions: How much do new septic systems cost? Can I install my own tank, or do I need a professional to do it? Do Vermont state regulations allow me to install my own septic tank? What are the most common types of septic tanks? These are valid questions that can cause homeowners to feel overwhelmed when facing a new septic tank installation. We’re here to help reduce the stress and help you understand what you need to get a new septic system installed.

Septic System Repairs

Septic systems are usually self-sufficient and, except for the occasional pumping of the tank, they require little maintenance to keep them running smoothly. You may be having an issue with your septic system if you have strong odors, slow draining fixtures, gurgling sounds in your plumbing system, soft, wet patches it the yard, or bright green, lush grass over the septic tank or drain field, even during dry weather. If you experience any of these things, give us a call and we can diagnose and plan any septic repairs that need to be made.

Driveway Installation & Repair

Driveway Installation

Whether you’re installing a new driveway, replacing an old one, or making repairs to an existing one, it pays to take your time and hire the right driveway installation or repair service. The surface of a driveway is only a small part of the whole thing. Underneath the driveway, there may be several layers of crushed stone of varying sizes, as well as a sand base layer. In addition, grading must be done correctly to ensure proper ground water runoff. Many times, when we are called upon to repair a driveway, it is because these elements were not installed correctly in the first place. We do it right the first time, avoiding unnecessary costly repairs in the future.

A driveway that has been installed by Firebrick Masonry and Excavation with an excavator parked on it.

Driveway Repair

Driveways, like any other part of your home, don’t last forever. Over time, they wear down, crack, and settle. When that happens, homeowners are often afraid of how much it will cost to repair. That’s where we can help. Firebrick Masonry and Excavation can work with you to determine what can be done to stop further damage from water runoff and erosion, and repair existing damage while staying within your budget.

Land Clearing & Stump Removal

What is land clearing?

Land clearing is the process of clearing trees, plants, rocks, brush, stumps and other vegetation to prepare a site for construction. Unlike some building construction tasks, land clearing is not usually a do it yourself job. At the least, a small excavator is generally needed to remove boulders, heavy brush and tree roots. Firebrick Masonry and Excavation can help you create a comprehensive plan for land clearing your residential or small commercial site.

A small excavator removing a tree stump and its roots from the ground.

Stump Grinding Vs. Stump Removal

If you have tree stumps that need to be cleared from your land, you may wonder, should I consider tree stump grinding or stump removal? Stump grinding shreds the top of the stump until it is not visible from ground level. It does not remove the roots, though, so the underground portion of the land cannot be used. Tree stump removal, on the other hand, completely removes the trees roots from the ground, allowing you to plant a new tree, install a septic system, excavate for a foundation or use the land in any other way you desire.

Trenching

What is Trenching?

Trenching is the process of excavating a cavity in the ground that is usually deeper than it is wide. Trenches are used for installing pipelines, conduits and other utilities and for projects that require narrow holes. Trenching work is essential for a variety of construction and engineering work.

Trenching Dangers

Digging a trench may seem like simple work, but there are actually many dangers associated with it. Due to the differences in soil types and conditions, ground water levels, and other unknown properties, the sides of deep trenches can give out unexpectedly, potentially injuring nearby workers. In order to lessen the dangers or trenching, several strategies are recommended by OSHA. These include sloping trench walls, shoring trench walls with supports, or shielding trench walls with trench boxes. So, trenching is more complex and dangerous than it may sound. That’s why it’s important to have it done professionally by qualified experts. We’re happy to discuss your excavation and trenching plans for your residential or small commercial construction project. Give us a call today!

Small Site Work

In Vermont, few pieces of land are ready for a construction project without some preparation. In addition to digging to bury electrical and plumbing utilities, large stones, trees, and even soil may need to be moved in order to ready the site. Water erosion, soil quality and naturally occurring plant life need to be considered. And plans for foundations, septic systems, and any paved areas need to be factored into what excavation is needed.

A yellow excavator doing site work

In short, well planned and executed site work can help your entire construction project be a success. FireBrick Masonry and Excavation specializes in residential and small commercial site work. Are you ready to break ground on your construction project? Let’s talk about how we can make your idea a reality!