Garden Excavation Service Guide
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01/10/25, 16:19
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Garden Excavation Service Guide
Scope of Works
• Site survey & utility checks (CAT‑scan, service drawings) to mark drains, cables and gas runs. • Mobilise plant—mini‑digger, tracked barrow or skip loader delivered on plant trailer. • Excavate to required depth/shape for patios, ponds, foundations or level changes; stockpile or load spoil. • Load & remove spoil to licensed tip (muck‑away) or redistribute on site as agreed. • Backfill & compact sub‑base materials (MOT Type 1, hardcore) if hard‑landscape is next stage. • Leave site tidy—rake edges, spray dust control and issue waste‑transfer note.
Typical Cost (inc. VAT)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call‑out / minimum | 80 | 150 | Includes first hour & plant unload |
Labour per hour (machine + operator) | 55 | 90 | Mini‑digger with driver 2025 UK average |
Materials (plant fuel, sub‑base) | 100 | 400 | Diesel & 3 tonnes MOT Type 1 |
Disposal (spoil tip fees) | 50 | 250 | Green soil £50/t, mixed spoil £110–£130/t |
Extras (root grinders, surveyor levels, grab‑lorry muck‑away) | 0 | 500 | Tree stumps, laser set‑out, >8 m³ spoil |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | £600 | £2 000 | Small patio dig‑out → full 60 m² garden re‑grade |
Time on Site
• 1 day for a 20 m² patio footing to 200 mm depth.
• 2–3 days for full‑garden re‑grade or pond up to 25 m³.Extra time for restricted access (micro‑digger only), hard clay, unexpected concrete, or rain‑soft ground that needs plywood tracking.
Questions to Ask Your Trade
Do you carry upper‑tier waste‑carrier registration and provide a waste‑transfer note?
What plant size will you bring and will it fit through my side gate/access?
Is the quote fixed (includes muck‑away, fuel and reinstatement) or day‑rate plus tipping?
How will you locate underground services—CAT scan, trial pits, utility maps?
Will you supply compaction certificates if I intend to build on the excavated area?
What is your policy for inclement weather delays—stand‑down fee or reschedule?
Can you arrange topsoil import & final grading after excavation, and at what cost?
How to Avoid Surprises
• Mark utilities in advance; obtain free Dial‑Before‑You‑Dig maps and show operator. • Measure access widths & height clearances—remove fence panels or shed doors if needed. • Reserve parking & skip space on road/drive for grab lorry or 8‑yard skip. • Notify neighbours about noise and possible mud on shared driveway; place timber boards to protect paving. • Confirm spoil destination—stockpile on site, level low spots, or pay grab‑lorry haul‑off fees.
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