Starting a small excavating business

I am wanting to start my own small excavating business have some experience but not a whole lot any information on doing this would be helpful thank ya

ther are afew things to remeber do not go and dump everything you have into it all at once grow rationally and try not to do buddy buddy work and get contracts that are signed it helps with getting payed

Looking for informational hints on starting a small excavating business

tough times in michigan now

If I could offer some advice: I would say start really small, maybe even rent the equipment at first and do ponds or basements. This ensures if your company doesnt pick up then you arent going to loose your shirt. Once you decide you want to bid bigger jobs make sure you get a estimator that knows what the heck they are doing! I cant stress that enough, i have worked for several companies that have went belly up all do to the fact they hire their best friends that know nothing about the business and they cant land the jobs. Keep personal life out of a business venture and always check references and work history of anyone you are going to employ! Everything can look wonderful on paper but reality is a whole nother beast. I currently have been a H.E.O for over 12 years and have worked as both a foreman and a supervisor on mutli million dollar jobs. I wish you all the success in your new venture.

i also am thinking about my own company. it runs in the family, well many years ago. do u need an operators license or just a cdl. i do want to start small. do u guy's there is enough work out there to make a decent living?

renting equipment is a great idea.but if u can find a good backhoe that is the best first piece of equipment-it does everything a person starting off would need and if u dont have a dumptruck u can drive if down the road.I have been a owner for 8 years and it is a good trade but now is a bad time to get in to it.start small buy old untill you get going.leach feilds are a great way to get started on job traning is good

I'am an equipment operator. I've been looking into my own business. probably a backhoe or mini ex and rent if need other equipment which I have done in the past. I've found a few books on excavation through google try a few searches. try to take a course if possible maybe septic install or something. My way of thinking is keep costs low. start by renting machines. advertise free online and cheap local paper. Put the word out to as many people as possible even other excavation companies. They may need guys on call to run their machines if your not to busy or need your services to help finish a job. It happens everyday where I live. these guys pool resources and work together.

Are you certified? British Columbia I think is headed in the same direction as Quebec: Requiring certification from an accredited school.

If you want to start your own business, contact Community Futures in your area. It is a government-run funding body. They are a good resource for business planning, too.

Adam said: I am wanting to start my own small excavating business have some experience but not a whole lot any information on doing this would be helpful thank ya

I,M LOOKING FOR WORK ABOUT TO LOSE EVERY THING. I have 28YR. EXP. I;LLbe glad to help for a job. O.S.H.A. CET. J.E.A. CERT.

Hello:

Most employers have the equipment, but they lack the trained personnel to run the equipment. The easiest and most cost efficient way to make money as a contractor is to offer competent, experienced skills to clients. Don't worry so much about renting equipment (which can run into the tens to hundreds of dollars per year).

Road construction is a great industry to start, as the governments in both Canada and the USA are likely to initiated infrastructure projects as a way of stimulating the economy.

Hello,
I started my small excavating company in 2000. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have on starting your own company based on my experiences. Feel free to contact me should you wish to do so.
www.qualityexcavating.com

i am 18 and looking to start a small excavating company and run the machines my self any advise would be helpful. i have ran my dads case 580c for 5 yrs and i am currently workin for a small excavation company now as a laberor

Adam said: I am wanting to start my own small excavating business have some experience but not a whole lot any information on doing this would be helpful thank ya

My name is Alan I have 20 or so YRS. exp. I,m just a family man trying to make a living to suport my family.I,m O.S.H.A. cert. jea cert. and plenty of on the job training.For a job I would be glad to help you ??

cool
i dont know much about the business end of things but i can run a machine good.
i would love the help

Eric Draven in Hopkins, Michigan said: Hi Guys,
I am kind of on the same path. I would love to start my own excavation company so that my kids when they get older have a job during summer. Plus for me I love being in the outdoors and enjoying God's green earth. I guess what I am after is any information pertaining to starting an excavation company. Anything from the first piece of equipment to buy to the simple little things. Any information would be greatly apperiated. Thanks guys for all your help.

I would start off with amini excavator and skidsteer.These machine are easy to haul and can handle a variety of jobs. I owned a Kubota mini excavtor and a New Holland skidsteer, great machines. If you have a strong back and enjoy working outside you can make good money at it. You have to be able to get the jobs to, this can be difucult at fist but when you get use to meeting customers it gets fun.

I have twenty years in utility contracting and I would give this advice: (1) Keep it simple - more doesn't mean better and do what really works. (2) Keep it honest - word of mouth will build or end your business. (3) Hire good CO-WORKERS and treat them as you would like to be treated. (4) and last (and very important) get it or put it in writing - trust can be earned - but greed and money has destroyed everything from families to ... well you get the point, Good Luck.

hi i have been operating equipment for about 9 years now, i want to start my owne buiseness but am woried about getting work. I would like to work in alberta because of the money but have no contacts on where to start! I am looking for some kind of contract to buy, if anyone can help please contact me! thanks

849

Adam said: I am wanting to start my own small excavating business have some experience but not a whole lot any information on doing this would be helpful thank ya

Do your biz plan find out how much it cost you to even open your door's then find out realisticly how much you need to make to break even. Then think about starting your own biz correctly this means biz lic.contractor lic,bonding there are diff type's dependent of the tye of work you go after Insurance Auto , Insurance general Liability , this is just to start every one will pop out of the wood work when you do open do you have a vendor list for materials ? client list or marketing plan ? ( do your biz plan ) if you can't this may not be for you ! now that you have started can you do the work ( many city's will not let you do work unless you certified to tap into there water line's or lic to pull a permit.
I am assuming you are going into service connection hook ups as this is the lowest start up cost work.The worst you can do is start your biz and the find out you will not be allowed to do the work while still paying your overhead !
I recomend work out of your pick up to wet your feet then jump in with your eye's open this is not the best time to be in construction in any fields related to the housing market private works.
DO A BIZ PLAN !

I already have a small back hoe. I have been unemployed for almost 9 months as a design engineer. I am trying to get a business started using my back hoe. I have been posting ads at local stores but the stores clean the boards twice a week. Can anyone give me some ideas of how to get the word out more permanently. I don't want to spent all of my time putting flyers out, I cant do the jobs if I am out posting flyers. Looking at starting a website, anyone have luck with that?

Thanks

I am 22 and am in the Army Reserves, my job with the reserves in heavy equipment operating. I have been unable to even find any related feild that's hiring in my area and wanted to get some advice on starting my own excavating gig. Thanks for any given advice!

alan mesmer in leetonia, Ohio said: Hello,
I started my small excavating company in 2000. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have on starting your own company based on my experiences. Feel free to contact me should you wish to do so.
www.qualityexcavating.com

Hi there I am from Calgary Alberta I have 4 years of experience in residential construction as a supervisor and I want to start my own excavation business I don't know much bout excavation can you please tell me what do I need to start with...............

rusekhon in Calgary, Alberta said: Hi there I am from Calgary Alberta I have 4 years of experience in residential construction as a supervisor and I want to start my own excavation business I don't know much bout excavation can you please tell me what do I need to start with...............

it is easy to get in excavating, i ran one for 35 years. the mistakes will kill you, if you need help let me know. roger

349 in New Carlisle, Indiana said: it is easy to get in excavating, i ran one for 35 years. the mistakes will kill you, if you need help let me know. roger

Can you please tell me what equipment I need to start with...and can you please tell me specific names and models of the machinery I need........

My best advice is to go work for some one that is in the same type of business that you want to start. This helps you in many diffrent ways. if you know what it takes to do a job then you can estimate your own jobs with a competitive price. Always get a signed contract, i learned the hard way cost me 5k. Not a whole lot but enough to hurt a small company. One other thing is dont grow too fast. Your company can become a monster, and if you dont have enough work to feed it, it will eat you and you will fail. Good luck to all.

alan mesmer in leetonia, Ohio said: Hello,
I started my small excavating company in 2000. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have on starting your own company based on my experiences. Feel free to contact me should you wish to do so.
www.qualityexcavating.com

Thank you for the outreach on advice. I was wondering if I might pick your brain about the business? I realize your time is valuable and anything you have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

349 in New Carlisle, Indiana said: it is easy to get in excavating, i ran one for 35 years. the mistakes will kill you, if you need help let me know. roger

It isn't as easy today as it probably was 30 plus years ago !

Look, I have seen people here say to go into debt right away by purchasing equipment. That isn't smart unless you have a few hundred thousand to blow starting out. I recommend finding a good local rental house,(United,Hertz,Sunbelt,or a local Deere or Car dealer), and set up a rental account. You will have little overhead and the equipment can be RPO'ed when you see that you will need it for a longer period of time. If you don't need it then you just turn it in when you are done. Everybody and their brother has a backhoe around here don't buy a backhoe!! You need to have a good understanding of the everyday prucedures of the type of construction processes you are interested in getting into.

Need advice e-mail me at jenyart@enyartsllc.com

If you need to betold what equipment to get you need more experience!!

Kevin in Reading, Pennsylvania said: I am 22 and am in the Army Reserves, my job with the reserves in heavy equipment operating. I have been unable to even find any related feild that's hiring in my area and wanted to get some advice on starting my own excavating gig. Thanks for any given advice!

I started in 2001 full time
it can be and has beed a little slow stay deversified,, I became involved in advanced septic systems the best thing i ever did

DuH ! the market is really slow right now ! Your safest route is to use your veteran status and apply for federal employment and still proceed with your small biz start up I have been doing this for 12 years and can advise this is not the best time to test the waters ! plus you get pref status as a veteran !

rusekhon in Calgary, Alberta said: Hi there I am from Calgary Alberta I have 4 years of experience in residential construction as a supervisor and I want to start my own excavation business I don't know much bout excavation can you please tell me what do I need to start with...............

To be blunt more than 4 year's of experience being a project manager or supervisor is much different that being the owner , estimator or biz owner there are very many skills needed to to become successful but you have a good start ! In this market mistakes will cost you learn more then test the waters when you can ! Biz plan is # ! priority !

alan mesmer in leetonia, Ohio said: Hello,
I started my small excavating company in 2000. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have on starting your own company based on my experiences. Feel free to contact me should you wish to do so.
www.qualityexcavating.com

hey there Alan. I'm from Calgary Alberta, Canada and I'm planning to buy a bobcat right away. I've been operating for 7 years and i finally decided to do it for myself. I just don't know where to start! do i phone the developers to try and do back fills or just random jobs by the hour?? I know how to do the work i just don't know how to get it. any advice would be helpful.

scott in Calgary, Alberta said: hey there Alan. I'm from Calgary Alberta, Canada and I'm planning to buy a bobcat right away. I've been operating for 7 years and i finally decided to do it for myself. I just don't know where to start! do i phone the developers to try and do back fills or just random jobs by the hour?? I know how to do the work i just don't know how to get it. any advice would be helpful.

Get the work then, get the equipment. Rent it till you have enough work to sustain a purchase. To figure out what to go after, ask yourself what do you do best and try to go after work that you KNOW you can do without help or guidance. Get an accountant to help out getting you on the right path financially if you can afford it. Spend the money in the right places. Do not go out and buy a piece without any work for it!!

Drew in Cortland, Ohio said: I'm currently 21 years old, and I do plan on becoming a heavy equipment operator, but I do want to have something on the side. But the thing is, I know NOTHING about excavation. I am going to a trades school to get my cdl, and heavy equipment operations. But my question is how do I start my own business? can anyone give me information? Thanks

I am 35 years old. I signed up in an apprentice ship with the international union of operating engineers when I was 22. You get on the job training with pay. When your done with classes you will make around 30.00 hr and incredible benefits. I you ever want to learn a new machine they will teach you and its FREE. Union contractors also get all the big jobs so If you want to run the big stuff IE 200 ton cranes and 200,000 pound excavators this is a great option.

Kevin in Reading, Pennsylvania said: I am 22 and am in the Army Reserves, my job with the reserves in heavy equipment operating. I have been unable to even find any related feild that's hiring in my area and wanted to get some advice on starting my own excavating gig. Thanks for any given advice!

hi i run my own excavating . been in out here for 23 yrs. started out with lawn care and made a name . that took 10 yrs. its a long road . the last two years have been bad . not a good time to invest. if you have a job now hang on . at least one more year. sorry not better news 4 you

yes where are you starting your bussiness? i have a lot of experence and wil relocate,chris

pete in Westfield, Massachusetts said: I am 35 years old. I signed up in an apprentice ship with the international union of operating engineers when I was 22. You get on the job training with pay. When your done with classes you will make around 30.00 hr and incredible benefits. I you ever want to learn a new machine they will teach you and its FREE. Union contractors also get all the big jobs so If you want to run the big stuff IE 200 ton cranes and 200,000 pound excavators this is a great option.

how long usually is it before your all done your training?, how much do you make when your training? i know the training centers for new england r in mass, is that where most of the jobs during training are?

349 in New Carlisle, Indiana said: it is easy to get in excavating, i ran one for 35 years. the mistakes will kill you, if you need help let me know. roger

Hi, Roger

I own a dump truck biz in Evansville, IN. I have been wanting to get into excavating for a while now. My question is who do I approach first for business and how do I market it, through word of mouth and biz cards or is there other ways. What equipment should I purchase or rent to get started. What are the mistakes I should avoid? I really appreciate your wisdom and experience Sir on this matter! Hope I hear from you soon!

Drew in Cortland, Ohio said: I'm currently 21 years old, and I do plan on becoming a heavy equipment operator, but I do want to have something on the side. But the thing is, I know NOTHING about excavation. I am going to a trades school to get my cdl, and heavy equipment operations. But my question is how do I start my own business? can anyone give me information? Thanks[/QUOT

learn to run equipment really good then go from there you might not like it you never know lots of people got into then lost intrest in it now there stuck with everything due to tuff times

I have a Kenworth T800 with only 190k miles, Bobcat T300 with only 600 hrs attachments, (construction bucket, finish bucket, loegering earth leveling and breakup rake and a heavyduty forks.It also has the Gold Package with air conditioning and heat. Hand controls and many extras.) & Zieman 2600 Trailer. I WILL CONSIDER PARTIAL TRADES. I own this package and paid in full and I have all the titles and papers. So we don't have to go through bank loans or anything else that might slow this sale. Can arrange delivery. Pictures on request

Please send me pictures and what the asking price on these items?

Will be glad to send you pictures if you like. you may contact me at anbocat@hotmail.com and send me a email address I can send pics too.

Keith in indiana. What is your phone number? apparently you can't send pictures through this blog or an email address. Mine is anbocat at hotmail.

Keith, Do you have any trade?

Starting a excavating co.,what liscence and insurance do i need to get started in state of Pa.

349 in New Carlisle, Indiana said: it is easy to get in excavating, i ran one for 35 years. the mistakes will kill you, if you need help let me know. roger

is this a good time to start a excavting company

alan mesmer in leetonia, Ohio said: Hello,
I started my small excavating company in 2000. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have on starting your own company based on my experiences. Feel free to contact me should you wish to do so.
www.qualityexcavating.com

is this a good time to start a excavating company?