You’ve got big plans for your property, a new garage, a basement addition, maybe even a custom-built dream home. Before anything goes vertical, you’ve got to go down. And that means excavation.
For most homeowners, excavation sounds simple. Just dig a hole and start building, right?
Wrong.
Excavation is one of the most misunderstood, underestimated, and potentially dangerous stages of any construction project. From surprise underground utilities to unstable soil and incorrect grading, one wrong move can delay your entire build, damage your land, or rack up serious fines.
At BIG JOHN Earthworks and Septic, we’re not just guys with machines. We’re Alberta’s trusted team for precision excavation, land clearing, septic installation, trenching, culvert placement, and more. As a certified, family-owned business proudly serving rural communities, we’ve seen what happens when people dig first and ask questions later.
Before you break ground, here’s what every smart homeowner should know.
1. Know What’s Underground Before You Dig
This is the number one rule, and it's one that gets ignored far too often. Just because your yard looks empty doesn’t mean it's safe to dig.
Hidden below the surface, you could be dealing with:
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Gas lines
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Electrical cables
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Water mains
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Internet or fiber optic lines
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Old septic systems or abandoned tanks
Digging without locating these utilities is not only dangerous, it’s illegal.
Call Before You Dig: In Alberta, you are required to request utility locates before starting any excavation. We handle all pre-dig planning, including safety checks and coordination with utility providers, so you don’t have to guess what’s underfoot.
2. Soil Isn’t Just Dirt, It’s a Foundation
The soil on your property plays a massive role in the success of your build. Alberta soil can vary dramatically, from soft clay and sandy loam to dense gravel or expansive soils that shift when wet.
Excavating without testing or analyzing soil conditions can lead to:
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Foundation cracks
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Poor drainage
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Erosion or collapse
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Unexpected sinking or shifting
Our team performs thorough assessments to determine the right excavation depth, support, and grading plan for your soil type. That way, what you build on top will stand the test of time.
3. Drainage is Everything
Even the most beautiful foundation is worthless if water collects around it. Water damage is a silent killer, and poor excavation can turn your future basement into a year-round swamp.
A proper excavation plan includes:
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Strategic slope and elevation
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Swale or ditch placement
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Grading that directs water away from structures
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Drain tile systems if needed
At BIG JOHN, we build drainage right into every excavation job. Whether you’re digging for a barn pad, a shop, or a new home, we make sure water goes where it should, not into your building.
4. Beware of DIY Digging Disasters
Renting a mini-excavator and giving it a go might sound like a cost-saving idea. But amateur excavation often leads to:
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Uneven grades
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Collapsing trenches
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Broken equipment
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Hitting utilities
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Drainage nightmares
Even minor excavation requires planning, skill, and professional oversight. Mistakes here don’t just affect the ground, they affect everything you try to build on top of it.
If you think hiring pros is expensive, wait until you price out repairs for a botched foundation or utility strike.
5. Permits Matter More Than You Think
In many parts of Alberta, permits are required for:
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Major excavation
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Grade changes
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Septic installs
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Culvert installations
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New builds
Skipping permits or inspections can lead to major setbacks, including stop-work orders, fines, and future resale issues. Some homeowners learn the hard way that unpermitted excavation can void insurance or prevent financing.
As a certified contractor, BIG JOHN handles permitting, inspections, and all compliance-related tasks. That means less paperwork for you, and more peace of mind knowing your project is legal and safe.
6. Size, Access, and Scope All Matter
Not every piece of land is the same. Some jobs need narrow machines to get through tight access points. Others require heavy-duty equipment to move rock, tree stumps, or large volumes of earth.
Before starting, we evaluate:
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Lot size and shape
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Proximity to other structures
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Slope and elevation
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Tree and root systems
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Road and equipment access
With our fleet of specialized equipment and seasoned operators, no job is too big or too tight for BIG JOHN. From driveway cuts to deep utility trenches, we plan for your property’s real-world conditions.
7. Excavation is Not Just for New Homes
Think excavation is only for building foundations? Think again.
Our excavation services also cover:
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Septic tank and field installation
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Trenching for water, gas, or electrical lines
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Driveway and road base prep
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Culvert and drainage upgrades
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Concrete slab and shop pad preparation
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Land clearing and brush removal
If your project starts with dirt, it starts with us.
Why BIG JOHN is Alberta’s First Choice for Earthworks
At BIG JOHN Earthworks and Septic, we believe every successful project begins with strong groundwork, literally. With decades of combined experience, high-end machinery, and a deep understanding of Alberta terrain, we make tough jobs look easy.
We offer:
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Foundation excavation
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Trenching and utility prep
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Septic system installation and repair
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Culvert and ditch solutions
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Gravel pads, road prep, and land clearing
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Flexible timelines, clear pricing, and zero shortcuts
Whether it’s your forever home, your dream shop, or your new rural development, BIG JOHN is here to get you started the right way.
Ready to Dig? Let’s Do It Right the First Time
Don’t gamble with your land, your budget, or your timeline. Trust the experts to dig deep and build strong.
📞 Call BIG JOHN at 780-484-1924
📬 Or reach out online: https://www.bigjohnearthworksandseptic.ca/contact
From road to home, BIG JOHN has you covered. Whether you're planning your first dig or fixing someone else's mistake, we’ll make sure the job is done safely, legally, and perfectly. Every time.
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