Black Swan Excavating Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not see your question here, call us directly so we can promptly answer it.
General and Company
What areas do you serve
Edmonton and surrounding communities, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, and Parkland County.
Are you insured for commercial construction job sites?
Yes. We maintain full insurance and WCB clearance is available on request.
Do you provide fixed pricing or hourly rates?
Both, we can provide fixed pricing for select scopes or hourly rates for each piece of equipment.
Do you handle emergency work
Yes. Call 780.298.4922. We will confirm availability and response time.
Safety and Compliance
How do you handle safety on site
We follow all safety rules & practices as per Alberta OHS regulations or the expectations on site, whichever is greater.
Do you manage utility locates
No, this is typically done and confirmed by others prior to our arrival to site.
How do you protect the public and other trades
Communication is key. We discuss communication, hand signals and safe approach methods with our construction partners on site prior to beginning work.
What trench protection do you use
Any excavation or trench deeper than 1.2m (4ft) is sloped/cutback or benched at a 1:1 ratio unless the soil class requires safer measures.
Scheduling
How quickly can you start
Start dates & times depend on weather and equipment availability. Its best to call or email in advance to confirm these details.
How long will my excavation project take?
Every job is different, but most projects range from a couple days to a few weeks. We provide weekly reports for hourly priced projects lasting 3 weeks or longer.
Do you work in winter?
Yes, we operate all year round except when freezing temperatures dip below -20ºC (-4ºF). Sometimes there exceptions depending on site conditions.
Can you work in bad weather conditions?
Yes but some tasks like trenching in wet/saturated ground may need to be delayed for safety & quality. We’ll keep you updated and adjust schedules when needed.
Pricing and Quotes
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
How do you keep the earthworks portion of the project within budget?
We start with a detailed site evaluation, provide a transparent estimate and update you if/when unexpected conditions arise. Our goal is to work with you & minimize surprises.
How do you price mechanical and electrical trenching scopes?
This type of work is done hourly due to many variables but we can offer rough estimates based on information provided to ballpark it.
Why is excavation so expensive?
Some factors influencing the cost of excavation are machinery, skilled operators, site conditions, scope and scale, logistics, regulations and safety. These things (and more) are considered when preparing a quote and explains the hourly rates.
What causes a change order?
Change orders are issued when site conditions vary from tender documents/drawings or scope expands. This is dealt with promptly to minimize delays on site.
Tight Access and Equipment
What is your smallest excavator?
Our smallest mini excavator is the Kubota U17 (also equipped with a Steelwrist tilt-rotator). The tracks can be retracted to fit a 0.99m (39″) wide doorway/access route, canopy is removable for 1.8m (6 ft) of height clearance and can dig to 2.6m (8′ 6″).
What is your largest excavator?
Currently our largest excavator is the Kubota U55, 1.95m (77″) wide and max digging depth of 4.2m (13′ 11″).
What if I have a specialty task on my job site?
Let us know! We have over 30 buckets and attachments to select from for almost any task or width of trench.
Why should I care if you have a tilt-rotator or not?
Tilt-rotators offer unmatched manoeuvrability with the bucket or attachment which saves you time, improves accuracy and precision. So much more can be done from one place without having to reposition the excavator.
Working With Us
Can you work with my crew on site?
Absolutely! We regularly work with superintendents, foremen and other leaders on the job site to maintain progress on your project.
Why should I choose Black Swan Excavating over competitors?
Being a small business we can offer a more effective service with the agility to adapt and pivot easier than larger companies with more procedures and moving parts. We combine reliable equipment, skilled operators and a reputation for doing the job right the first time. Our focus is on safety, transparency and giving you peace of mind.
How do I get started?
Just give us a call. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions and schedule a site visit. From there, we handle the heavy lifting so your project can move forward with confidence.
Can you work in tight access behind occupied buildings
Yes. Tiltrotators and compact machines allow controlled removal with minimal disturbance.
Are you insured and compliant in Alberta
Yes. We follow Alberta OHS and CSA standards and maintain full insurance and COR
