Get matched with top excavation pros in Beresford, SD

Your contractor should handle dust control during the project. It's best to speak with your contractor beforehand to check if they plan to cover your furniture, protect your vents, or use fans to redirect dust. Eliminating drywall dust is a particularly large challenge during construction, so always take this into account during your planning phase.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even if the project only involves grading or yard leveling. Excavation permits help protect the topography in your area and can avoid issues with poor drainage. In most cases, your excavation company will know whether or not permits are required and will even pull them and close them out for you before and after the job. You can also verify whether permits are necessary by calling your local building department and explaining the proposed project.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history.