Any homeowner who’s taken a few renovation projects over the years knows that the parts you don’t see are often the ones that matter the most.
The same is true for excavation, because while picking materials and layouts is fun, forgetting the preparation can cost you down the line.
Without proper site preparation, issues with patios and outdoor kitchens can show up months or years later. They can show up as cracks or drainage problems once everything settles. So here’s what you need to know before you start digging.
What Site Preparation Really Involves
Your backyard already has a layout with existing structures, so it’s not just that you need to dig. You may be dealing with old concrete, buried footings, utility lines, or soil that has been disturbed before. Every yard has its quirks.
To prepare the site properly, you have to make sure the ground is solid, level, and able to support whatever it is that you’re building. If you’re putting in an outdoor kitchen or heavy stonework, the foundation has to be right. The type of soil, ease of access, and depth also affect the pricing, with preparations costing between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the conditions.
Common Safety Risks During Backyard Excavation
As we’ve mentioned, it’s quite common to run into unstable soil, utility lines, or areas where removing dirt can affect nearby structures. There’s not much room for error. For example, hitting a utility line is a common mistake that can cost several thousand dollars to repair. If you strike a gas line, you risk not only paying for repairs, but you may need emergency cutoffs, and you run a safety risk.
Also, residential projects can be more dangerous than commercial sites.
On a commercial building site, there are clear rules, safety plans, and trained crews. At home, the excavation process is more informal, there are people coming in and out of the house, and there is usually other work going on.
In case of tight spaces and older infrastructure, backyard projects can be just as challenging as commercial jobs, if not more. Other issues include undocumented changes, inconsistent soil conditions, and older utility installations.
The Role of Professional Contractors
Finally, there’s the problem of heavy machinery in tight backyard spaces. Skid steers, mini-excavators, bobcats, back hoes, and compact loaders are commonly used, and they can all cause serious injuries without proper precautions. Bobcat, skid steer, or back hoe accident injuries happen when people get caught between machinery and structures, equipment tips over, and operators and helpers get struck by moving parts.
Even an experienced operator can misjudge footing or clearance, and the risk rises with overconfidence, fatigue, or improperly inspected or maintained machines. This is why we recommend hiring a professional: a split-second accident is not worth the stress, pain, the medical bills or liability costs.
Safety Checklist Before Starting Your Outdoor Kitchen Build
So before you start digging, consult a professional and satisfy the following conditions to prevent accidents:
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Clearly identify and mark utility lines.
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Assess soil conditions and stability.
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Plan drainage to prevent water damage issues in the future.
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Make sure the foundation is designed to support the weight and use of your outdoor kitchen.
Build Your Outdoor Kitchen Without Additional Stress
An excavation error can cost you in more ways than one. It’s not only the added stress, work, and time, but consequences range from the most concerning ones like accidents and injuries, to property damage and liability costs. And re-excavating your patio, which is a less stressful risk compared to those above, might add another $3,000 to $10,000 to a project, depending on size and materials.
All of the expenses often exceed what a professional excavation would have cost in the first place. And in the end, your patio or kitchen are not just about added home value or looks. You’re also building for relaxation, enjoyment, and a place to create memories.
