FAQ

We provide assistance with pre-construction planning, permitting, soils testing, and engineering. We specialize in all aspects of factory built and site built housing, including demolition, tree and shrub removal, driveways and culverts, excavation, foundations, septic systems, water lines, electric services, steps, sidewalks, grading, and lawn installation. We also provide full service site preparation for commercial and agricultural projects. 

We service Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Yates, Wayne, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties. 

Yes, we provide soils testing to make sure the correct system is installed, as well as engineering and permitting. We install many different types of septic systems for residential and commercial applications, whether for new construction or to replace a failed system.  

Each project is unique, varies in complexity,  and has many moving parts from start to finish.  Once we become familiar with the scope of your project, we can typically predict an estimated completion date.  

If you are building a manufactured or modular home, we will first install your driveway and your foundation.  After your home is delivered, we will complete the septic, water, and electric, grading, and lawn.  

Tri-County Excavating, Inc has been in business since 2004. Our leadership and team members have been working together for many years to overcome challenges and deliver high quality excavation services to our clients. We are known for our professionalism, attention to safety, clear communications, problem solving abilities, and organization.  Let our experienced team go to work for you.

We are fully and properly insured for your project.  We will not accept work from you unless we hold any necessary licenses. 

Unless you are building on a very small lot, there is rarely any extra dirt. We will need it all to complete your project.  If your project generates excess soil, we will haul it out for you.  

A rough grade is done to establish the general shape and drainage of your property. It is usually done with a bulldozer or other piece of equipment.  There is no soil conditioning, rock picking, or seed and straw. A rough grade will not be ready to plant grass. 

A finish grade includes rock picking, soil conditioning, and prepares your property for seed. 

Topsoil is very expensive and it is typically unknown at the beginning of a project whether you will need it. It is usually an optional, additional cost if your soil is too poor to restore without topsoil. 

You may need topsoil to properly restore your lawn.

Bedrock is an unforeseen obstacle. If we are unable to dig in the traditional manner, we may need to obtain a hammer to complete your project, which will generate additional cost. 

Wintertime construction presents many challenges for excavating contractors, as most of our work is outside.  Conditions which make our work more difficult are cold temperatures, excessive mud, frozen ground, slippery and unsafe roads, to name a few.  Wintertime construction is evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure that your job is done properly. The quality of your job is often dependent on the quality of the conditions at installation.  

It is typically not good practice to pour concrete in the wintertime.  The ground beneath the concrete must not be frozen, and temperatures  after a pour should be above freezing, or else the concrete should be protected.  Concrete work in the wintertime is evaluated on a case by case basis. 

Excavation is unpredictable, as we are often working with things unseen.  We may encounter very large rocks, bedrock, a high water table, unstable soil, or a spring.  These conditions will sometimes trigger extra work in order to complete your project.  A change order may be required. 

We are responsible for calling for a utility locate on your property.  Only public utilities will be located.  Private utilities such as electric lines, propane lines, water lines, dog fences, cable lines, underground sprinklers, private drainage will not be located.  If you have a private, vital utility, a private locator may be needed at extra cost.  We cannot be responsible for hitting an unmarked, private utility.  

No. In most cases we will be able to do all of the things that you need to complete your new, single family factory built home.  We will work directly with your retailer to get your project completed properly and on time.  

Yes. We will work with your builder to complete your project on time and in budget.  

Yes we do. We will meet with you on your site to determine your scope of work , become acquainted with the characteristics of your unique property and then we will contact all of the Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction over your project, and then we can provide you with an accurate price.