When it comes to hiring an excavation contractor, most homeowners or builders don’t know what they should be asking. That’s why we sat down with Jesus Vasquez, owner of Zeus Excavating, the most affordable excavation company in Colorado Springs, to create this essential list.
Below are 10 questions you should be asking when hiring an excavator—plus 10 smart questions Jesus recommends you ask to ensure you’re hiring the right company for your job.
💬 10 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Excavation Contractor
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Are you licensed and insured in Colorado?
✔ Always ask for proof to protect yourself and your property. -
How long have you been in business?
✔ Experience matters—Zeus Excavating has years of trusted local service. -
Can you provide recent references or reviews?
✔ Google reviews for Zeus Excavating speak for themselves—clients love them. -
What type of equipment do you use?
✔ Make sure they have the right gear for your specific project. -
Will you handle the necessary permits or help me with them?
✔ Some projects require city or county approval—don’t skip this step. -
Do you offer fixed pricing or time-and-materials billing?
✔ Jesus provides clear, written estimates upfront—no surprises. -
What’s your timeline for starting and finishing the job?
✔ Get this in writing, especially for projects tied to home sales or construction. -
Do you specialize in residential or commercial excavation—or both?
✔ Zeus Excavating handles both, with special attention to site drainage, basements, grading, and cistern installs. -
How do you handle site cleanup after the job?
✔ This is often overlooked—Zeus leaves your site cleaner than they found it. -
What safety protocols do you follow?
✔ A responsible contractor always puts safety first.
👷♂️ 10 Smart Questions Jesus Vasquez Suggests You Ask
“Clients often don’t know what they should ask, so I like to help guide them. These questions help make sure you’re hiring someone who really knows what they’re doing—and won’t leave you with a mess.” — Jesus Vasquez, Owner, Zeus Excavating
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How will you address drainage and water flow on the site?
→ Poor drainage = future headaches. Ask how they grade and slope. -
Do you compact the soil before and after excavation?
→ Soil compaction prevents future settling and foundation issues. -
Can you help me plan for a basement or cistern install later on?
→ Thinking ahead can save you thousands if you prep now. -
What happens if you hit rock or discover bad soil?
→ A seasoned pro like Jesus will have a plan in place. -
Do you take photos or measurements before and after?
→ Zeus documents everything for transparency and your records. -
Can I stay on site while the work is happening?
→ Not every company welcomes this—Jesus encourages it. -
What do you recommend for erosion control or runoff management?
→ This separates real pros from guys with just a backhoe. -
Do you offer a warranty or service guarantee?
→ Jesus stands behind every job—ask what that looks like. -
What’s the most common mistake homeowners make before excavation?
→ Not calling before digging, not budgeting for drainage, or failing to check elevations. -
What’s one thing you’d do differently if this were your property?
→ This question gets you honest, expert insight that most contractors won’t offer.
🛠 Ready to Start Your Project with Zeus Excavating?
From simple grading jobs to full basement digs, Zeus Excavating offers the best mix of affordable pricing, expert-level service, and trusted local experience in Colorado Springs. 👉 Ask smart questions. Get even smarter service.
📞 Call Jesus today at (719) 210-3219
