Hiring a professional excavation company is a critical step in any construction project. Excavation is the foundation of everything that follows — from structural stability to timelines and overall project safety. When excavation is done incorrectly, it can lead to costly delays, compliance issues, and structural risks.
In a city like Toronto, where soil conditions, regulations, and urban density create unique challenges, working with experienced excavation contractors is essential. This article explains what an excavation company does, how excavation works in construction, and why choosing a qualified contractor like Wallace Excavation & Demolition makes a difference for builders and developers across the GTA.
What Is an Excavation Company?
An excavation company specializes in earth removal and site preparation using heavy machinery. Excavation is not simply digging — it involves engineered planning, soil management, safety controls, and coordination with demolition and shoring processes.
Professional excavation services include:
- Site preparation
- Foundation and footing excavation
- Basement excavation
- Underground utility trenches
- Parking structures and large developments
In Toronto, excavation companies must follow strict municipal regulations, safety standards, and engineering requirements to ensure project compliance.
Excavation in Construction: Why It Matters
Excavation in construction is the first major physical step after demolition. It determines:
- Structural stability
- Load distribution
- Drainage performance
- Long-term safety of the building
Poor excavation can compromise an entire project. That is why experienced excavation contractors evaluate soil conditions, depth requirements, and surrounding structures before any machinery enters the site.
Wallace Excavation & Demolition approaches every excavation project with careful planning and execution to ensure a solid foundation for construction.
Demolition Comes First: The Importance of Proper Site Preparation
Before excavation can begin, demolition must be completed. Wallace performs full structural demolition to clear the site entirely, allowing excavation work to proceed efficiently.
Key points:
- Excavation is not performed on partially demolished sites
- The structure must be fully removed
- The site must be cleared and stabilized
This seamless transition from demolition to excavation reduces delays and minimizes coordination issues for builders.
Types of Excavation Services
1. Residential Excavation
Residential excavation is common for:
- Custom home builds
- Basement construction
- Foundation and footing work
Wallace provides residential excavation services using heavy machinery to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Manual excavation is not performed, as professional excavation requires proper equipment and safety controls.
2. Commercial Excavation
Commercial projects involve larger scopes and deeper excavations, often requiring coordination with engineers and shoring systems.
Commercial excavation may include:
- Multi-unit developments
- Commercial foundations
- Underground parking
- Infrastructure preparation
As one of the trusted excavation companies in Toronto, Wallace works closely with builders and developers to meet technical and regulatory demands.
3. Machine-Based Excavation Only
Wallace Excavation & Demolition performs excavation using heavy machinery only. This ensures:
- Faster execution
- Greater precision
- Improved safety
- Compliance with engineering requirements
Manual excavation is not part of their service offering, as professional excavation projects require mechanized solutions.
The Excavation Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning
Every excavation project begins with a detailed site evaluation:
- Soil conditions
- Required excavation depth
- Proximity to neighbouring structures
- Engineering and shoring needs
This assessment determines the safest and most effective excavation approach.
Step 2: Permits and Engineering Coordination
In Toronto, excavation projects often require:
- Municipal permits
- Engineering approvals
- Shoring design for deep excavations
Wallace coordinates with geo-environmental engineers when necessary to ensure compliance and safety.
Step 3: Heavy Equipment Excavation
Using modern excavation equipment, the team performs controlled soil removal according to the approved plan. Precision and sequencing are critical to avoid over-excavation or soil instability.
Step 4: Site Preparation for Construction
Once excavation is complete:
- The site is leveled and prepared
- Excavated material is managed properly
- The foundation area is ready for the next construction phase
Excavation Safety and Compliance
Excavation is considered high-risk construction work. Safety measures include:
- Trained operators
- Proper equipment maintenance
- Shoring systems for deep excavations
- Compliance with WSIB and Ministry of Labour standards
Wallace Excavation & Demolition is fully licensed and insured, prioritizing safety on every excavation site.
Why Hiring a Professional Excavation Company Matters
Searching for “excavation company near me” may show many options, but not all contractors offer the same level of expertise.
Professional excavation companies provide:
- Engineered excavation plans
- Compliance with local bylaws
- Risk management
- Efficient project timelines
In Toronto’s dense construction environment, professional execution is non-negotiable.
Excavation Challenges in Toronto
Excavation projects in Toronto face unique challenges:
- Variable soil conditions
- Limited access sites
- Deep excavation requirements
- Strict safety and engineering standards
This is why builders rely on experienced excavation companies in Toronto that understand the local landscape.
Excavation and Shoring: Working Together
Deep excavation often requires shoring systems to prevent soil collapse and protect surrounding structures. Wallace provides excavation services that integrate seamlessly with engineered shoring solutions.
Anything deeper than 8 feet in Toronto typically requires shoring, making coordination between excavation and shoring essential for compliance and safety.
Why Builders Choose Wallace Excavation & Demolition
Builders and developers trust Wallace because:
- They handle both demolition and excavation
- They use modern heavy machinery
- They work with engineering teams for complex projects
- They understand Toronto regulations
As a trusted excavation company, Wallace supports projects from site clearance through excavation and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excavation Services
Do you perform manual excavation?
No. Wallace performs excavation using heavy machinery only.
Is demolition required before excavation?
Yes. Full demolition is required to safely and efficiently perform excavation.
Do excavation projects require permits?
In most cases, yes. Permits and engineering approvals are often required in Toronto.
Conclusion
Choosing the right excavation company is essential to the success of any construction project. Excavation sets the foundation — literally — for everything that follows.
Wallace Excavation & Demolition delivers professional excavation services across Toronto and the GTA, supporting residential and commercial construction with precision, safety, and reliability.
If you are planning a construction project and need experienced excavation contractors, working with a licensed and knowledgeable team ensures your project starts on solid ground.
Planning a construction project?
Talk to our team and get professional guidance on demolition, excavation, and shoring services across the GTA.
Wallace Excavation & Demolition
📍 168 Clearbrooke Cir, Etobicoke, ON M9W 2G1, Canada
📞 (416) 755-3221 | (416) 989-6403
✉️ estimator@wallaceexcavation.com
