Frequently asked
Port Alberni Excavation FAQ
Port Alberni Excavating answers common questions from property owners in Port Alberni, Sproat Lake and Beaver Creek. We explain permits, costs, drainage and driveways in plain language. We reply to your quote request within 24 hours.
Before hiring an excavator, homeowners usually ask about machine types, how dirt will be handled, and how water will drain off their land. You might wonder if a heavy machine will tear up your lawn, how deep we need to dig to hit solid ground, or where the extra soil and rock will go once it comes out of the hole. Other common questions cover how the job proceeds, what kind of gravel base is best for your soil, and how we keep water away from new foundations or driveways. We welcome all of these questions and love answering them right on your lot during our initial visit. Standing on your dirt together makes it much easier to explain how the machines operate, show you where the spoil piles will sit, and lay out a clear step by step plan. Walking the site allows us to point out natural slopes, soil conditions, and potential hurdles so you know exactly what to expect before any machinery starts work. Asking questions early helps you make smart choices for your property, avoids surprises, and gives you complete confidence in the whole process.
- Do you need a permit for excavation in Port Alberni?
- Yes, for most structural work. Inside Port Alberni, we pull your building permit through the City under Building Bylaw No. 5077 before digging. We pull the permit as part of your job. Check our permits guide to see what needs one.
- What does it cost to hire an excavator in the Alberni Valley?
- Our rates run from $142 to $169 an hour for a mini excavator up to $257 to $398 an hour for Class 9 to 12 machines, operator included. We quote each job on site based on machine class and hours. Read our cost guide for the full rate table.
- Who issues permits for Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek?
- The Regional District issues building permits for rural property in its electoral areas. The City of Port Alberni does not issue those permits. We confirm which authority applies before we start your project.
- What is the City's Soil Removal and Deposit Regulation Bylaw?
- Bylaw No. 3947 regulates the removal or deposit of soil, sand, gravel, rock or other material from or onto land inside Port Alberni. We check this bylaw before we move material off your lot.
- What happens to the soil and waste from a job?
- We haul material to the Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre. Waste disposal is billed by material weight, such as construction and demolition waste at $185 a tonne. We price haul-off and disposal for your property as a separate line on your quote.
- Do you call before you dig?
- Yes, every time. We submit a locate request to BC 1 Call before any excavation. A BC 1 Call locate stays valid for 30 days. Work has to start within 14 days of the request.
- What's the difference between excavation and site preparation?
- We dig foundations, basements and trenches for your property. We clear brush, strip soil and grade your lot so the next trade can start work. You usually need both services.
- Do you handle drainage problems?
- Yes. Drainage is one of our core services. We install and repair French drains, perimeter drains and surface grading to carry water away from your foundation or yard.
- What local areas do we serve?
- We serve Port Alberni, Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek across the Alberni Valley.
- Are you insured?
- Yes. We carry $2M liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage. We also pull required permits and arrange inspections.
- What size of machine do you use for a job?
- It depends on the job. We bring mini excavators for tight residential lots and Class 4 to 12 machines for larger site work. Check our cost guide for hourly rates by class.
- Does a new driveway need a permit?
- Inside Port Alberni, City inspectors check driveway and grading work during your final Engineering inspection to confirm it meets regulations. We grade every driveway to pass that inspection.
Ready for a quote on excavation in Port Alberni?
We do free on-site quotes across the Alberni Valley.