Hiring an Excavating Contractor in London, Ontario: What to Know Before You Dig

London, Ontario is one of the fastest-growing cities in southwestern Ontario — and with that growth comes a lot of digging. New builds, additions, drainage fixes, laneway installs, and hardscape projects are keeping excavating contractors busy across the city and into the surrounding townships. If you're planning a project and need a machine on your property, here's what you should know before you hire.

Know What You Actually Need

Not every job is the same. A drainage correction in a London backyard is a very different scope than a full foundation excavation or a gravel laneway install on a rural lot east of the city. Before you call anyone, have a clear picture of what you're trying to accomplish — even a rough one. A good contractor will help you refine it, but walking in with zero context slows everything down.

Common residential excavating jobs in the London area include: drainage installs and grading corrections, laneway and driveway base prep, culvert replacements on rural properties, land clearing for new builds or additions, and hauling away excess fill, topsoil, or demolition debris.

Understand London's Soil and Drainage Conditions

London sits on a mix of clay-heavy soils and sandy loam depending on the neighbourhood and proximity to the Thames River. Clay soil drains poorly and can shift seasonally — which is why drainage problems are so common in older London neighbourhoods like Byron, Lambeth, and South London. A contractor who knows the local soil conditions will spec the right solution the first time, rather than guessing.

Get a Written, Itemized Quote

This sounds obvious, but it's worth saying: never start a project based on a verbal estimate. A proper quote should break down the scope of work, equipment involved, estimated hours or days, material costs (gravel, pipe, etc.), and disposal or hauling fees. If a contractor can't or won't put it in writing, that's a red flag.

Ask About Equipment and Crew Size

The right equipment matters. A compact excavator is ideal for tight residential lots in London's older neighbourhoods where access is limited. A tri-axle dump truck is the efficient choice for hauling large volumes of material. A skid steer handles finish grading and cleanup. EVG Excavating runs all of this in-house — no subcontracting, no waiting on a third-party hauler.

Permits and Locate Requests

In London, any excavation near utilities requires a locate request through Ontario One Call (dial 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca). This is the contractor's responsibility, but it's worth confirming they've done it before any digging starts. For larger projects or work near the road allowance, a City of London permit may also be required. A reputable contractor will handle this as part of the job.

Why London Homeowners Call EVG

EVG Excavating is based in Thames Centre, right on London's eastern doorstep. We serve London and the surrounding area regularly — from Lambeth and Byron in the west to Dorchester and Belmont in the east. Owner-operated, fully equipped, and straight-talking on quotes. If you've got a project in London, we'd be glad to come take a look.

Book Your Free Site Visit

We offer free on-site quotes across London and Middlesex County. Tell us what you're working on and we'll get out to your property — usually within 48 hours — and give you a written quote you can actually plan around.