[LUXScape]

I am relatively new to the industry and currently bidding my first patio install using concrete pavers. I have most of my numbers worked out, but I'm not sure what to charge for the excavation and hauling away of the existing materials- sod and soil. I am removing 120 sq ft to a depth of 7".

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Bill Schwab]

What are you using to remove the spoils, where are you trucking it to, and what does that cost?

How much time do you estimate that will take you, is there a machine involved with excavation, and how much does your labor cost you?

No one can give you an answer without those questions answered forst.

[LUXScape]

Thanks for response Bill.

Since this is a small job and my first, I am going to perform the work with one helper. Fortunately this is a small project, but is located in a somewhat confined area. We will be excavating the old fashioned way - shovel and wheel barrow - and then hauling off with a paneled trailer. I guess the better question would be: is there a formula for determining the aggregate weight of the removed soil? I am limited to roughly a 1 ton load. The soil content is mostly sand, so water retention should not be a major issue in determining the weight.

I am allowing for a 4 hour window to complete the excavation, but I am concerned about the number of loads I will need to make to haul away the spoils.

-Chris

[Nebraska]

You have 2.7 yards to excavate. Which is about 3.7 Tons.

[Stonehenge]

Are you limited to a 1 ton load? Depends on what that trailer can hold. You trailer should have something on it indicating it's gross and net cargo weights (or at least the gross).

As for the weight of the spoils - Nebraska's got the estimate pretty dead-on - it might vary depending on wetness of soil and if you happen to over-excavate, but not enough to make too much difference from his number.

Is your trailer a dumping trailer? If not, and it has a small capacity, you might need to bump up that labor estimate, because you'll be shoveling twice for every load - once to get it in the trailer, once to get it out.

[LUXScape]

Thanks for all the info guys. From here, I am going to get a few quotes to job out the excavation and hauling of spoils. Like I had said, I am fairly new to the business and still limited by my equipment choices. I'm hoping at this point that it will be more cost beneficial to sub out the work.

-Chris

[Bill Schwab]

The only thing I might add is that soil when excavated will grow 12-20% in mass. Said that, you might need to make an extra trip to get all you have taken out into your trailer, the weight would not change because regardless of how big the object is you pull out of the soil, it is still going to weigh the same. This may not be as big of a deal on this job, but you should keep it in mind for what you are doing in the future.

[LandArts]

I'm thinking strip and haul the sod and use the rest of the spoils on site. Houston is flaaat so even a modest grade change in an area could be dramatic. For not much more than what it would cost to haul you could create a nice raised garden of some kind that would get you noticed.

[dan deutekom]

You might also consider checking out getting a small container from a roll off disposal company to get rid of the spoils, cutoffs and other waste

[HardDaysKnight]

Originally posted by LandArts
I'm thinking strip and haul the sod and use the rest of the spoils on site. Houston is flaaat so even a modest grade change in an area could be dramatic. For not much more than what it would cost to haul you could create a nice raised garden of some kind that would get you noticed.

Good advice. That's what I was going to say.
We do that often and of course it adds more revenue
when you add plant mats,etc.

[LUXScape]

This has all been great advise. I appreciate it and will definitely be hitting you guys up for more info in the future.

I've decided to just throw the xtra cost of excavation and hauling into the estimate and see if the customer bites.

I did try to upsell the idea of a new flower bed at the time of the survey, but the customer was not interested.

-Chris

[Fine Edge]

If I had to haul any soil away, I would really try to give the customer a good price on making a raised bed somewhere in the yard. In addition, i would price the haul away to a point where they will really have to consider just keeping the soil on site. To remove soil with your method, Oh Boy, I don't like to think about that, it makes my back hurt.

[LUXScape]

Okay, I have another quick question.

I am going to offer a warranty on my work, but I'm not sure what the terms should be. Thoughts?

[Fine Edge]

We give a 4 year warranty on all patios against flaws in workmanship. Haven't had to go back yet.