Sitework and Earthwork Estimating Services

Earthwork starts with two surfaces: the existing ground and the finished grade. We compare them from the grading plan, using cross sections and the average end area method on linear work such as roads, and grid or surface comparison on building pads and parking lots. The difference gives cut and fill volumes for each area of the site.

Volumes are then adjusted for how soil behaves. Soil swells when it is dug up and shrinks when it is compacted, so bank, loose and compacted cubic yards are not the same. We apply swell and shrink factors based on the soil type in the geotechnical report, which tells you whether the site balances or needs import or export, and how many truckloads that means.

• Clearing, grubbing and tree removal by area
• Topsoil stripping, stockpiling and respreading
• Demolition of existing pavement, curbs and structures
• Silt fence, inlet protection, construction entrances and sediment basins
• Undercut and replacement of unsuitable soil, when the geotechnical report calls for it
• Lime or cement stabilization of subgrade, when specified

Storm, sanitary sewer, water and fire lines are measured by pipe size, material and length from the utility plans and profiles. Trench depth matters as much as length, because deeper trenches need more excavation, shoring or trench boxes, bedding and backfill.

• Manholes, inlets, catch basins, junction boxes and headwalls counted by type and depth
• Valves, hydrants, fittings, thrust blocks and service connections
• Pipe bedding, select backfill and compaction
• Dewatering where groundwater is expected
• Testing, such as pressure tests, mandrel tests and camera inspection

Asphalt paving is measured by area and thickness for each pavement section, then converted to tons using the mix density, commonly around 110 pounds per square yard per inch of thickness. Aggregate base is measured in cubic yards or tons. Concrete paving, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and ramps are measured by area or linear foot, with joints and reinforcing.

We also take off striping, signage, wheel stops, bollards, fencing, retaining walls and landscaping when they are part of your scope.

Pavement sections often change across a site, with heavier sections in truck lanes and loading areas and lighter sections in car parking. We measure each section separately, so base and asphalt thicknesses match the civil details instead of one average.

Commercial pads and retail centers are driven by parking lot paving, curbs and storm drainage. Residential subdivisions are driven by streets, utilities to every lot and mass grading. Industrial sites often have large building pads, heavy-duty paving for trucks and detention ponds. Public road work adds traffic control, phasing and agency testing requirements.

• Does the geotechnical report call for undercut, stabilization or special fill?
• Will the site balance, or is import or export expected?
• Where does your scope end at the building, such as 5 feet outside the wall?
• Is groundwater expected, and is dewatering in your scope?
• Who carries testing, surveying and erosion control maintenance?

Open questions become written assumptions in the estimate, so your bid is clear.

Cut and fill by area helps you plan equipment and the order of work, and truck counts help you schedule hauling. Pipe quantities by size and structure counts become your utility material orders, and paving tons go straight to your asphalt supplier. The same breakdown supports a schedule of values and makes it easier to price changes when grades or layouts move.

Trenches deeper than 5 feet generally need protective systems under OSHA rules, such as sloping, benching, trench boxes or shoring, unless the excavation is in stable rock. Deep sewer and storm lines therefore cost more per foot than shallow ones, because they need wider excavation or protective systems and more backfill. We price utility trenches by depth range, so deep runs are not averaged in with shallow ones.

Bank cubic yard

Soil measured in its natural, undisturbed state in the ground.

Swell

The increase in soil volume after it is excavated and loosened.

Shrinkage

The decrease in soil volume after it is placed and compacted.

Average end area

A method that averages two cross sections and multiplies by the distance between them.

Balanced site

A site where cut material is enough to build the fill, with little import or export.

• Cut and fill volumes by area, with swell and shrink assumptions
• Utility quantities by pipe size, material and depth, with structures
• Paving, base, curb and site improvement quantities
• Labor, equipment and material costs, priced for your location
• Clarifications and exclusions, in Excel and PDF