Excavation and Land Services FAQ – Mountain Excavating LLC
Common Questions About Our Services
We know excavation, grading, and land prep services come with lots of questions — especially for first-time property owners, builders, or homeowners starting new projects. Below are the answers to the most common questions we receive about how our services work in Pisgah Forest and the surrounding Western North Carolina area.
General Excavation FAQs
What services do you offer?
We provide excavation, grading, land clearing, trenching, utility prep, demolition, road and driveway installation, boulder wall construction, and custom waterfalls.
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Pisgah Forest, NC, and serve surrounding towns and rural areas throughout Western North Carolina.
Do you work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes. Most of our work is residential and rural, but we also handle light commercial site prep and excavation.
How do I schedule an estimate?
Call (828) 553-9830 or email plandreth08@gmail.com. We’ll schedule an on-site visit and provide a written quote.
Site Preparation and Grading
What is site preparation?
Site prep includes clearing, grading, and preparing land for construction. This can involve vegetation removal, excavation for footings, and leveling the ground.
Do I need grading even if my site looks flat?
Yes. Grading ensures water flows away from foundations, prevents pooling, and prepares soil for stable construction or driveways.
Can you work on sloped lots?
Absolutely. We specialize in mountain terrain and can safely grade or excavate sloped properties.
Will you handle the rough grading only, or also the final grade?
We can do both, depending on your builder’s schedule and project needs. Most clients hire us for full grading services.
Land Clearing and Management
What do you do with the trees, brush, and debris?
We can mulch, pile, haul off, or leave cleared material based on the site plan and client preference.
Do you clear land for pastures or fencing?
Yes. We often clear and prep land for agricultural use, fencing, and property line access.
Can you help with erosion control after clearing?
Yes. We offer drainage grading, water diversion, and other erosion control measures after clearing or site work.
Utility Excavation and Trenching
What types of utilities can you trench for?
We trench for water lines, power conduit, septic systems, drainage, and communication cables.
Do you coordinate with utility marking services?
Yes. We always call NC 811 and confirm safe digging conditions before any trenching begins.
How deep are utility trenches?
It depends on the type of utility. Power and water lines typically require 18–36 inches of depth. We follow code requirements for each job.
Driveways, Roads, and Boulder Walls
Can you build long gravel driveways?
Yes. We install long rural driveways, access roads, and shared private roads with full drainage and grading.
How do you prevent washouts on gravel roads?
We crown the surface, install culverts or ditches, and use compacted base materials to shed water properly.
What are boulder retaining walls used for?
Boulder walls retain soil on steep slopes, prevent erosion, and improve aesthetics. They're ideal for the terrain in Pisgah Forest.
Can you match boulders to my property’s natural look?
Yes. We source natural stone that fits the terrain and can often use boulders from the site if available.
Permits, Scheduling, and Payment
Will I need a permit for excavation or demolition?
Some services require permits depending on your county and project type. We’ll advise you and can help navigate the process.
How far in advance should I schedule?
We recommend calling 2–3 weeks ahead of your desired start date, though turnaround can be faster in some cases.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks and major electronic payment methods. Full payment terms are discussed during quoting.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are fully insured for excavation, demolition, and all land services we provide.
