Shop, Addition & Building Excavation

Introduction

Thinking about adding a shop, garage, or extension to your home?

The part you don’t see — the digging, grading, and foundation prep — is just as important as the structure that sits on top of it. At PMD Excavation, we help homeowners and builders across St. Thomas and London get a clean, stable, and properly graded site before a single piece of rebar goes in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes shop and addition excavation different, what you should expect from the process, and why starting strong means fewer surprises down the line.

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Why Proper Excavation Sets the Stage for a Successful Build

Whether it’s a detached garage, a laneway suite, or a full addition, your structure is only as solid as the ground it sits on. Improper excavation leads to water pooling, foundation cracks, uneven slabs, and delays you can’t afford.

We dig to spec, prep the base, and manage slope — so when your builder shows up, the site is ready to go

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What’s Different About Additions & Outbuildings

Digging for an addition or detached building isn’t the same as excavating a brand-new home site. You’re working within tighter access, existing elevations, and often close to structures that need to be protected.

Here’s how we handle it:

• Tight access solutions – We use the right-sized equipment to dig where big machines can’t.
• Foundation matching – We align the dig to your current foundation height and drainage slope.
• Structure safety – We work carefully around existing walls, footings, landscaping, and fencing.

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The Excavation Process

1. On-Site Planning

We meet with you or your builder to confirm layout, access points, soil conditions, and slope. We’ll also check drainage patterns to prevent future issues.

2. Site Clearing

We remove vegetation, topsoil, debris, or old concrete to expose a clean work area. If you're building on an old footprint, we’ll also remove existing slabs or footings as needed.

3. Digging to Spec

We excavate to the proper depth and size for your slab, footings, or foundation walls. Every project is different, and we tailor the dig accordingly.

4. Base Prep & Compaction

A stable base is critical. We compact and level the area, ensuring it’s ready for concrete forms or construction framing without delays.

5. Cleanup & Ready for Trades

We don’t leave piles behind. We make sure the site is clear, clean, and ready for whatever’s next.

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Projects We Commonly Dig For

• Detached garages and backyard shops
• Home additions and room extensions
• Laneway housing or garden suites
• Pole barns and agricultural outbuildings
• Foundation expansions or basement walkouts

Whether it’s a full-scale shop or a small bump-out, we bring the same level of care and precision to every job.

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Why Builders Trust PMD Excavation

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FAQs

How deep do you dig for shops or additions?
That depends on your foundation type. Slabs are shallower than basements, and additions often need to match existing footing depth. We’ll assess on site and dig to meet code and structural specs.

Can you help remove an old slab or structure?
Yes. We often handle removal and disposal of old pads, footings, and even partial demolition if needed before excavation begins.

Do I need permits before excavation starts?
You’ll need permits for most builds, but we’re happy to coordinate with your contractor or guide you through what’s required.

Can you work around tight fences or landscaping?
We do it all the time. We’ve got compact equipment that can access tight city lots and backyards without destroying what’s around it.

How soon can you start?
We’re typically booked a few weeks out, but we do our best to work with your build schedule. The earlier you reach out, the better.

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Let’s Get You Digging in the Right Direction

If you’re planning a shop, garage, or addition, excavation is the first step — and it needs to be done right. We’ll visit the site, build a plan, and give you a clear quote so your project stays on track from day one.

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