A sound excavator writes down the scope, rock pricing, hauling and restoration, files a Miss Utility ticket before digging, and meets Maryland's home improvement rules. Use these checks on every bidder, us included.
How do I find a reliable excavating contractor in Baltimore?
To find a reliable contractor, read recent local reviews, check the Maryland Home Improvement Commission license for home improvement work, ask for an insurance certificate and get a written quote after a site visit. A contractor who knows Baltimore will ask about the alley, the party walls, the rock and the water table.
Does an excavation contractor need a license and insurance in Maryland?
For home improvement work on a residence, Maryland requires an MHIC license, and the contract must carry the contractor's MHIC license number. Plumbing and electrical work need state-licensed plumbers and master electricians, and septic permits in Baltimore County must come through a licensed installer. Have the insurer send you certificates for liability and workers' compensation.
What questions should I ask before hiring an excavator in Baltimore?
Ask these questions:
- What is your MHIC license number?
- Who files the Miss Utility ticket, and how will you find private lines?
- How are boulders or rock priced?
- Is hauling included, and can trucks use my alley?
- Who pulls the permits?
- What sediment control will you use?
- How will you protect shared walls and the lawn?
How many quotes should I get in Baltimore?
Get at least three quotes, as HomeGuide recommends, and make sure each covers the same work so you can compare them line by line.
Under Maryland rules, what should the estimate include, and what should the contract say?
The estimate should list the work, the volume, rock pricing, hauling, fill and compaction, sediment control, permits and restoration. Maryland home improvement contracts must be written, legible and signed, describe the work and materials, list the contractor's name, address and MHIC license number, and give approximate start and completion dates. You get a signed copy before work starts.
Should compaction testing be in the quote in Baltimore?
For fill under a slab, footing or drive, compaction testing may be required by the engineer, and the quote should say who arranges and pays for it. Fill for a lawn needs no testing.
How much deposit can a contractor take in Maryland?
For home improvement work, a Maryland contractor cannot accept more than one-third of the contract price as a deposit, and no payment may be taken before the contract is signed. Later payments are set in the contract.
What are the red flags when hiring in Baltimore?
These are red flags:
- No MHIC license number on a home improvement job.
- Asking for more than a third of the price as a deposit.
- A quote given without anyone seeing the lot.
- No written contract.
- Saying Miss Utility or permits are not needed.
- No plan for sediment, water or shared walls.
My contractor left the site torn up and will not come back. What can I do?
Put your complaint in writing to the contractor, with photos, the contract and a date to fix it, and keep copies of everything. If that fails, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, which also runs a Guaranty Fund that may compensate homeowners for certain losses caused by licensed contractors, or file in District Court small claims. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do you give written quotes?
Yes. Call or text (410) 873-7935 to arrange a site visit, and we put the scope and price in writing. We serve Baltimore, Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Pikesville, Owings Mills, Parkville, Essex and Timonium.