Foundations & Trenches

Introduction

Digging a hole might seem simple.

But when it’s a foundation for your home or a trench near your utility lines, “simple” can quickly become expensive if it’s done wrong. At PMD Excavation, we’ve seen what happens when things aren’t measured, compacted, or cleared properly — and it’s never good. In this guide, we’ll break down how foundation and trench excavation works, why precision matters, and how we help homeowners and builders across St. Thomas and London get it done right the first time.

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Why Foundations & Trenches Are Not Just Holes in the Ground

Foundations support everything built on top of them. Trenches often carry essential services like gas, water, or drainage. That means mistakes don’t just cause delays — they risk safety, drainage issues, structural cracks, or long-term damage to your investment.

This is not the part of your project to rush, guess, or hand off to someone who doesn’t specialize in it.

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What’s Involved in Foundation Excavation

1. Marking & Measurements

Every job starts with precision. We work from your site plans and walk the site to confirm elevations, setback lines, and footing dimensions.

2. Excavating to Spec

Using the right-sized equipment, we dig carefully to the required depth and shape. Whether it’s a full basement, crawl space, or slab, we create a clean, stable foundation hole that matches your builder’s layout.

3. Shoring & Slope Safety

If the walls are steep or the soil is loose, we take extra care with sloping and stabilization. No shortcuts. No collapses. No surprises.

4. Backfilling & Compaction

Once forms and concrete work are complete, we return to backfill around the structure. That includes proper compaction to prevent future settling or foundation stress.

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What’s Involved in Trenching

1. Planning Utility Paths

Trenching for water, gas, electrical, or drainage starts with planning. We confirm depths, clearances, and safe routing — especially around existing services.

2. Clean, Safe Cuts

We dig clean trenches with smooth walls and correct slope to ensure water flows properly, pipes sit flat, and the trench can be safely accessed during install.

3. Proper Backfill

Trenches are compacted and refilled with care. This prevents sinking, protects piping, and keeps your lawn or driveway from turning into a problem zone next spring.

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Common Foundation & Trenching Jobs We Handle

• Home foundations and additions
• Garage pads and shop bases
• Septic line trenches
• Drainage and utility runs
• Electrical conduit trenches
• Concrete form excavation

Whether we’re working in an open field or squeezing between structures, we dig with care, attention, and the right-sized equipment for the job.

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Why Local Experience Matters

Soil conditions, water tables, and weather patterns all affect how a dig should be done — especially here in Southwestern Ontario. We know when to compact more. We know when frost depth matters. And we know how to dig around existing structures, fences, and landscapes without tearing everything apart.

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FAQs

Can you dig close to my house or structure?
Yes. That’s actually one of our specialties. We’re known for tight-access trenching and foundation prep where accuracy and care matter most.

Do I need permits for trench or foundation work?
Most likely, yes — especially for new builds or utility installs. We’ll help point you in the right direction or work with your contractor.

How deep should my trench or footing be?
It depends on your location and project. We'll follow local codes and ensure everything meets depth, clearance, and safety standards.

Do you coordinate with other trades?
Absolutely. We work with your builder, concrete team, or utility provider to make sure everything lines up.

What happens if weather delays the dig?
We keep you informed, adjust safely, and reschedule quickly. Communication is part of the job.

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Let’s Lay the Groundwork for Your Project

Precision digging isn’t just nice to have. It’s the difference between a strong start and a costly redo.Whether you're building a home, running utilities, or trenching for drainage, we’ll help you get it done right.

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Call us today at [226-559-2112] for a free foundation or trench consultation!