A foundation dig is the first trade on site and everyone after depends on it being right: over-dig and you're paying for extra concrete or engineered fill; under-dig and the forming crew is standing around while corrections happen. We dig to the engineered drawings, check grade continuously, and hand off a hole that's square, to depth, with a stable base.
For additions, the challenge is digging beside a live foundation — staying out of the existing footing's zone of influence, or benching properly where new meets old. That's experience, not horsepower.
One to three days for most residential digs, weather and haul distance depending. Booking the bin/truck cycle right is what keeps it at one.
We work to the engineered drawings and verify with laser/GPS grade checks. Your builder's layout and the municipal inspection are the final word — we're on grade when they arrive.
Shallow limestone happens in parts of Guelph. Small amounts get hoe-rammed; serious rock changes the conversation. We flag the risk zones from local experience before quoting, not after hitting them.
Yes — backfill and rough grading are usually phase two of the same contract, with proper lift compaction so your patio doesn't sink in three years.