Choosing the Right Post Hole Digging Company: Tips for Your Next Project
Hello, DIY enthusiasts and property owners! Whether you’re planning to build a new fence, deck, or even a mailbox, choosing the right post hole digging company can make a huge difference in the success of your project.
We understand that finding the right team for the job can be daunting, so we’re here to help you make an informed and decision. Here are some key things to consider when selecting a post hole digging company.
Experience and Expertise
One of the first things to look for is the company’s experience. Someone with a proven track record in post hole digging will have the knowledge and skills to handle any challenges that might arise. A big factor you’ll want to consider is how many years the company has been in business for, because a company with a good solid portfolio and history will have more experience and knowledge when it comes to post hole digging. The more you work with people the more you know about how to make them happy!
Another thing to consider is if they specialize in post hole digging, or if they offer it as a secondary service. A company might have a great gardening/ landscaping business for example, but also do post hole digging on the side. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have a bad experience, but wouldn’t you rather work with people that have your post hole needs as their primary focus? The more you practice, the better you are, and if someone’s only doing digging on the side then they might have less knowledge in the field.
PICTURES!!! Sorry for the scare, but proper photo evidence of past projects is absolutely essential for choosing the right team to work with. A company that has a good website gallery and/or updated social media page that showcases their past projects shows that they have pride and confidence in their work, and with those, you can even start to imagine what your project might look like too! It’s a great way to know for sure if their work is up to your standards or not.
Reputation and Reviews
A company’s reputation speaks volumes about the quality of its work and customer service. Here’s how to assess their reputation, a quick and easy thing you can do is to check out their Google reviews! Most businesses these days are on Google, and either on your browser or on Google maps, you can enter the company name and you can scroll through the images and reviews for yourself.
I know that when I’m looking online for something on a shopping website, the image-based reviews are the first thing I look at to know if I can trust the product or not, it’s the same with contractors too! However, be wary that many companies experience fake negative reviews and also negative reviews meant for other businesses that might have a similar name, it’s more common than you think! You can also check out Yelp or Homestars, or any other review sites.
Either way, it’s a great help to hear what other people have to say about their experience with the company. How/if the company responds to the reviews can also be telling for if they really value their work and what their clients feel about their finished project!
Equipment and Technology
The right tools and technology can significantly impact the efficiency and quality of the job. When evaluating a post hole digging company, you’ve got to be sure that they not only have the right tools, but the determination and knowledge of what to do when curveballs such as big rocks and other unforeseen circumstances disrupt the project, and if/how well that equipment can handle it!
Up to date and well-maintained equipment is necessary for a job well done. If you can see that images of their equipment such as skid-steers look rusty and like they’re falling apart, they very well might be. The last thing you’d want is for their equipment to be broken halfway through, it could set things back way more than you’d like and it could be a disaster.
Remember, it never hurts to ask! After all you are the customer, and a quick “Hey, how long have you been using your ‘____’?” might sometimes give you all you need to know. Obviously, the age of the equipment isn’t the only factor, if it’s been given a lot of love and maintenance, it could be much more reliable than a badly maintained newer buy.
Safety gear! Most well-known post hole companies have good safety gear and operations, you don’t get very far if you don’t follow the law. But if you’re ever unsure about if a company is following precautions, it’s always best to ask before you get into a bad situation.
Last but by all means not the least, the soil type and potential blocks like rocks or tree stumps where the intended project is taking place can prove challenging for some equipment. You can ask if the company you’re looking at has the right tools to handle those conditions, which can include rocky and clay-heavy soils.
Licensing and Insurance
Hiring a licensed and insured company protects you from potential liabilities and ensures the work is up to code. Usually, the paperwork or emails that will be sent to you will include these within, but if a company hasn’t mentioned that they’re fully licensed and you’re not sure, it’s always best to ask. Sometimes a company may be licensed, but not in your area.
Again, it’s rare for post hole digging companies to not have these things, but insurance, like liability insurance is important to protect you and their workers in case of an accident. It’s best to avoid trouble if you can, and these simple checks will help your project go more smoothly.
Pricing and Quotes
While cost shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s essential to get value for your money. You should approach this by looking for a company that provides clear and detailed quotes without any hidden fees.
We’ve seen our fair share of this around the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, there’s always a company that looks like they have better prices but ends up charging tax on top, and a whole load of other things that they never mentioned in their “quote”. It’s good to understand the payment terms and schedule too to avoid surprises.
It’s always better to ask if they are including HST and other things in the price they’re quoting you, and if they aren’t upfront about it first and foremost, then they might not be the trustworthy and dependable people you think they are.
On the same topic, it’s the thing that most of us to anyway but no good guide would be complete without it! COMPARE! Get quotes and estimates from lots of different places, the more the better. You’ve got to ensure you’re getting a fair deal; it just makes sense!
Customer Service
Excellent customer service is a true tell of a reliable company. Pay attention to how they treat you from the first interaction, for example this could be how responsive they are. Are they quick to respond to inquiries and quotes, and provide information? If it takes weeks to get back to you then it’s probably not the best bet. A good post hole digging company checks their messages multiple times a day, and if they don’t have time for you, maybe you shouldn’t make time for them.
Another telling factor is how professional they are. Now, just because someone likes their exclamation marks and smiley faces, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily unprofessional. If they are clear and respectful of your needs, and will help you every step of the way, that’s a good sign that you’ll be taken care of. If it feels like you need to drag every little bit of information out of them and they’re making you feel unwelcome, stay on the side of your own intuition and get out!
Last of all is flexibility, if they’re willing to work with your schedule and accommodate your needs, then that’s perfect. Although some companies might not be able to book you the next day, it’s important that they work with you, and find the best time for the both of you.
Environmental Considerations
If environmental sustainability is important to you like it is to us, consider a company that practices eco-friendly methods. It might be interesting to know a company’s approach to minimizing environmental impact. For example, helical pile installation is a great alternative that we offer that means that we don’t have to use concrete when setting posts.
Some of the machinery in today’s world is made to be as fuel efficient as possible, which is important for keeping our air clean and clear, and a lot of companies are moving towards more eco friendly digging strategies. Waste management might also be something you’re concerned about, so you can ask how the company handles debris and waste disposal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right post hole digging company is crucial to the success of your project. By considering experience, reputation, equipment, licensing, pricing, customer service, and environmental practices, you can find a company that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
At The Post Hole Diggers, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch service, with all of these things into consideration, and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your project a success!
