EXCAVATION & GRADING
Your professional excavation and grading contractor in Norfolk County, Haldimand County, Brant County & Brantford, Ontario GET A FREE ESTIMATESEE OUR WORKEXCAVATION SERVICES | LAND GRADING | SITE PREPARATION | TRENCHING | UTILITY INSTALLATION
Full Bucket Contracting provides expert excavating and land grading services for properties across Simcoe, Delhi, Waterford, Port Dover, Long Point, Turkey Point, Port Rowan, Hagersville, Cayuga, Caledonia, Jarvis, Selkirk, Dunnville, Paris, St. George, Burford, Brantford and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in site preparation, foundation work, and land development, we deliver professional excavation solutions tailored to your project’s specific requirements and local soil conditions.
Our Excavating & Grading Services
Foundation Excavation & Preparation
Professional foundation excavation is essential for any new construction project, ensuring a solid, level base that meets building code requirements and protects your property’s structural integrity. Full Bucket Contracting excavates and prepares foundations for homes, additions, commercial buildings, and agricultural structures, including:
- New home foundation excavation and preparation
- Foundation work for home additions and renovations
- Commercial building site preparation
- Basement and crawlspace excavation
- Grade adjustments for proper drainage around structures
Our professional foundation excavation incorporates:
- Proper slope and grading for drainage
- Code-compliant depth and dimensions
- Assessment of soil conditions
- Protection from water damage
- Accurate elevation setting
- Professional equipment and expertise
Trenching & Utility Installation
Professional trenching services are critical for installing underground utilities including water lines, gas lines, electrical conduits, and drainage systems. Full Bucket Contracting digs trenches to the correct depth and grade while protecting existing utilities and complying with local regulations:
- Water line trenching and installation
- Natural gas line trenching (with proper locating services)
- Electrical conduit trenching
- Drainage and storm water pipe installation
- Proper depth, slope, and compaction for code compliance
- Coordination with utility locating services (ex. Ontario One Call)
SAFETY FIRST: We always coordinate with utility locating services before any trenching to protect existing underground lines and ensure your project meets all safety and building code requirements.
Our professional utility trenching incorporates:
- Proper depth for frost protection
- Correct slope for drainage systems
- Code compliance and inspections
- Existing utility protection
- Efficient project timeline
- Professional compaction and restoration
Land Grading & Site Preparation
Expert land grading transforms raw or uneven property into a properly prepared site ready for construction, landscaping, or development. Proper grading ensures drainage, prevents erosion, and creates the foundation for any outdoor project. Full Bucket Contracting offers comprehensive grading services for:
- Residential property grading and site preparation
- Agricultural land leveling and access road creation
- Commercial site preparation and pad grading
- Drainage design and slope correction
- Fill material delivery and compaction
- Final grade establishment and finish grading
Our professional grading service incorporates:
- Proper surface drainage
- Prevents water pooling
- Foundation protection
- Level construction pads
- Professional equipment operation
- Erosion prevention
Driveway & Access Road Excavation
Professional excavation and grading for residential driveways and agricultural access roads ensures a solid, well-draining foundation that will last for years. We prepare the base course with proper compaction, slope, and substrate conditions for optimal performance:
- Residential driveway base preparation
- Agricultural access road excavation and grading
- Gravel driveway installation and maintenance
- Asphalt and concrete driveway base preparation
- Proper slope for water drainage
- Subbase compaction and material delivery
Excavation for Outdoor Living & Landscaping
Whether you’re creating a level area for an outdoor patio, retaining wall, landscape feature, or garden space, professional excavation ensures a proper foundation. Full Bucket Contracting prepares sites for:
- Patio and deck base preparation
- Retaining wall excavation and backfill
- Landscape feature excavation (ponds, berms, etc.)
- Pool site preparation
- Level pad creation for outdoor structures
- Topsoil removal and replacement
Absolutely great job. Would definitely recommend. Gary was very professional, he always answered his calls and answered any questions we had. Reasonable price for a job well done.
Their attention to detail was simply amazing. We would highly recommend this company to anyone.
Our Excavation & Grading Projects
NORFOLK COUNTY | HALDIMAND COUNTY | BRANT COUNTY | BRANTFORD
Our experience with Full Bucket Contracting was excellent. We were quoted one week for this job that included tearing down the old retaining wall and rebuild new from the ground up. Their dedication to adhere to the schedule was unbelievable regardless the inclement weather they had to endure.
Their attention to detail was simply amazing. We would highly recommend this company to anyone.
Excavation in Norfolk, Haldimand & Brantford: Important To Know
Do I need a permit for excavation?
In many Ontario municipalities, a permit is required if excavation or grading changes land elevation, affects drainage, involves fill movement, or supports a structure. This may include a Site Alteration Permit, a building permit, or approvals from a conservation authority depending on location.
What is a Site Alteration Permit and when is it required?
A Site Alteration Permit regulates soil removal, fill placement, and grading changes. It is commonly required when moving large volumes of soil or altering drainage patterns. Permit thresholds vary by municipality, but exceeding them without approval can result in fines or stop-work orders.
What happens if excavation is done without a permit?
Excavating without required permits can lead to stop-work orders, fines, legal enforcement, forced restoration of the site, and project delays. In some cases, municipalities may require engineered reports or removal of unauthorized fill at the owner’s expense.
How deep can excavation go before shoring or engineering is required?
As a general rule, excavations deeper than 4 feet (1.2 m) require sloping, benching, shoring, or engineered support to prevent cave-ins. Deeper excavations near foundations or property lines often require professional design.
How do I prevent excavation from affecting my neighbour’s property or drainage?
Ontario regulations require excavation and grading to avoid negative impacts on neighbouring properties, including drainage changes, erosion, or soil instability. Before any project, our professional excavation team plans grading to ensure water is directed safely and slopes remain stable.
Is excavation allowed near wetlands, creeks, or conservation land?
Excavation near environmentally sensitive areas often requires approval from a conservation authority. Unauthorized work in regulated areas can result in significant fines, restoration orders, and long-term legal consequences.
