Shuswap Excavation Services
Professional excavation throughout the Shuswap region
Complete Excavation Services for Residential and Commercial Projects
We handle all kinds of excavation work—from small residential projects to larger commercial jobs. Based in Tappen and working throughout the Shuswap region, we've got the equipment and experience to tackle whatever your project needs.
Foundation excavation, utility trenching, site preparation, land clearing, drainage solutions—we handle the full range of excavation services. Our equipment runs from walk-behind mini excavators for tight backyard access to full-size machines for large sites, and most of it comes in both a large and small size, so we match the machine to the job.
Soil and terrain conditions across this region change quickly. A 5 to 10 minute drive can take you from silty lakeshore deposits to heavy clay, and what's under your property shapes everything from equipment choices to drainage requirements. A few things we run into regularly:
- Rocky terrain north of Sicamous — Boulder-heavy ground left behind by glaciers. Slows excavation and adds cost if rock breaking is needed.
- Silty soils near Shuswap Lake — Fine-grained and prone to high water tables in spring. Drainage planning is part of the job from the start.
- Heavy clay around Enderby and the Spallumcheen valley — Dense clay that holds water and shifts when wet. Poor drainage here doesn't fix itself.
Knowing what's under your property before a machine touches the ground is the difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that surprises you halfway through.
How We Work
Every property in the Shuswap is different. Rocky terrain near Sicamous requires different techniques than the clay soils around Salmon Arm. Waterfront properties come with their own challenges. Hillside lots need specific approaches to excavation and stabilization.
We've worked on hundreds of properties throughout the region, and that experience shows up in how we approach your project. We spot potential issues early, adjust techniques to match conditions, and get the work done efficiently.
What's Included
Foundation & Site Work
New home foundations, basement additions, crawl spaces, site preparation, rough grading, and land clearing for any type of construction project.
Utility Trenching
Water lines, sewer, electrical, fiber optic—we dig clean trenches that meet code requirements and make installation straightforward.
Drainage Solutions
French drains, surface water management, and proper drainage systems to keep water away from structures and prevent property issues.
Demolition & Removal
Old structures, concrete slabs, unwanted features—we demo, remove, and haul away so you're starting with a clean slate.
Excavation Around Salmon Arm
A lot of our work is on the acreages, farmland and rural properties around Salmon Arm. Most of those jobs fall into a few categories:
- Site preparation — clearing, grading and getting a lot ready to build, including new driveways and access roads. See site preparation and road & driveway construction.
- Basement excavation — digging for new homes and additions, then backfilling and grading once the foundation is in. See foundation work.
- Septic installation — installing systems designed by a licensed engineer. See septic systems.
Not sure what's under your property? Our Shuswap soil guide covers what we run into around the region and what it means for your project.
Common Excavation Questions
Here's what most people want to know before they call us:
Why Locals Trust Us
Based in Tappen Since 2014
We know Shuswap properties, soil conditions, terrain challenges, and local regulations. That local knowledge shows up in how we handle your project.
COR and Forest Safe Certified
Professional certifications that demonstrate our commitment to safety and proper procedures on every job site.
Equipment Sized to the Job
From walk-behind mini excavators for tight access to full-size excavators, skid steers, loaders and dump trucks. Most of our equipment comes in both a large and small size, so we bring the right machine instead of making do.
Residential and Commercial
We work directly with homeowners and support contractors and builders throughout the region. Whatever the scale of your project, we have the capacity.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“We needed major drainage work that insurance refused to cover. Dan worked closely with me to control the budget but in the end delivered a great finished product, on time & on budget. … They were able to start immediately and finished within 2 weeks. Overall, 10 out of 10, customer service, cost & workmanship.”
“Daniel quickly identified the problem and clearly defined the scope of work. He provided timely updates on both progress and costs, demonstrating a high level of professionalism.”
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you're planning foundation work, need utility trenching, or have a site that needs clearing, we'd be happy to assess your property and provide a detailed quote.