When managing a commercial construction project, it’s tempting to keep as much work in-house as possible. After all, self-performing some tasks might seem like a way to control timelines and costs. But when it comes to commercial excavation, there are jobs that require more than just manpower—they require precision, expertise, and liability coverage.

At Thomas Excavation, we’ve supported hundreds of general contractors, facility managers, and commercial builders in Southeast Michigan with the type of site work that can’t be left to chance. Here are six key scenarios where bringing in a professional excavation contractor is not just smart—it’s essential.

1. Digging Near Utilities or Critical Infrastructure

Whether it’s electric, water, gas, or fiber lines, digging near active utilities is a high-risk job that demands:

• Utility location coordination (MISS DIG)
  
  
• OSHA trench safety compliance
  
  
• Precision digging around live infrastructure
  
  
• Emergency mitigation planning
  
  

Our operators are trained to handle these situations without damaging vital connections or triggering costly outages.

2. Commercial Drainage System Installation or Repairs

Commercial drainage isn’t as simple as sloping a few trenches. Cities and counties require strict drainage control to prevent flooding, erosion, and runoff problems. We work with:

• Civil engineers to grade for retention ponds and stormwater basins
  
  
• Surveyors and inspectors to ensure all drainage paths and culverts meet code
  
  
• Contractors to install or repair drain tile systems and catch basins
  
  

3. Site Balancing & Rough Grading for Pads or Large Lots

Got an uneven site or sloped terrain? That’s not something your crew should eyeball with a skid steer. We handle:

• Cut and fill plans using laser and GPS technology
  
  
• Soil import/export coordination
  
  
• Balancing for multi-acre commercial pads and parking lots
  
  
• Subgrade prep that sets the foundation for concrete or asphalt
  
  

4. Mass Excavation Under Tight Timelines

Need 100+ cubic yards moved in a matter of days? We have the equipment and crew capacity to move fast—without compromising safety or accuracy.

• Bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks ready for commercial-scale projects
  
  
• Tight coordination with concrete or pipe crews
  
  
• Efficient sequencing to avoid delays in other trades
  
  

5. Demolition and Concrete Slab Removal

Breaking up and hauling away old concrete slabs, sidewalks, or retaining walls is heavy-duty work. Our team:

• Uses saw cutting and mechanical breakers for clean demo
  
  
• Removes and disposes of debris in accordance with local regulations
  
  
• Preps the site for new slab installation or subgrade fill
  
  

6. Trench Work for Plumbing, Electrical, or Footings

Shallow trenches are one thing. Deep, code-compliant trenches for plumbing lines or footings are another. We provide:

• Safe trenching with slope control and shoring
  
  
• Precision depth work for utility installs
  
  
• Full backfill and compaction services post-installation
  
  

Let the Pros Handle It

We understand every commercial job has deadlines and budget constraints. But taking on excavation tasks without the right tools or experience can lead to injuries, delays, and inspection failures.

Thomas Excavation is fully licensed, insured, and experienced in commercial excavation, grading, and demolition across Michigan. We’ll work with your superintendent or site lead to ensure everything below the surface is built with the same precision as what goes above.