Excavation and Site Work in Kootenai County, Stage by Stage
CDA Excavation covers seven kinds of excavation and site work in Kootenai County, Idaho. Pick a service for what it involves, how to prepare, what affects the cost and the local rules.
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The seven services
Clearing
Clearing removes brush, trees and stumps so ground can be built on or used. In Kootenai County, settle whether stumps and root balls are included, where the debris goes, and whether the price is per acre, per hour or per job.
Building Pads
A building pad is a leveled, compacted place to build. In Kootenai County, settle who sets and checks grade, what happens to extra soil, and whether an engineer's drawing is needed.
Driveways and Access
A driveway job shapes an access route, sets a base and adds rock. In Kootenai County, settle the base depth and rock size, and who handles any approach permit where the driveway meets a public road.
Foundations
Foundation excavation is the dig for a footing, crawlspace or basement. In Kootenai County, settle whether hauling the dirt away is included and who arranges the inspection before concrete.
Utility Trenches
A utility trench is a narrow trench for a water, power or sewer line. In Idaho the excavator gives 811 notice two to ten business days before digging, and who calls 811, the depth, the bedding and who restores the surface should all be settled in writing.
Drainage
Drainage work moves water away from a building or road. In Kootenai County, settle how water will be handled in a storm and who is responsible if it still collects, and ask about storm drainage permits.
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall holds back soil. In Kootenai County, settle who designs the wall, especially above a certain height, and who inspects it.
What every job has in common
Every dig in Kootenai County comes back to the same few points. Under Idaho Code 55-2205, the excavator marks the dig area in white paint and gives notice two to ten business days before digging. Once utilities mark their lines, the excavator is responsible for keeping the markings visible, and they stay valid for no more than four consecutive weeks. If digging hasn't started within three weeks of the notice, notice must be given again. Wait until every utility on the ticket has responded before you dig. Kootenai County says permits are required before site disturbance such as grading, excavating and storm drainage or run-off control, and building permits cover structures. Inside a city, start with the city's building or planning office. Outside city limits, start with Kootenai County's Building Division (208-446-1040). Excavation is commonly priced by the hour for operator and machine, or as a set price for a defined scope.
Common questions
Which excavation services does CDA Excavation cover?
CDA Excavation covers clearing, building pads, driveways and access, foundations, utility trenches, drainage and retaining walls in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Each has its own page explaining what the job involves, how to prepare, what affects the cost, and which Idaho and county rules apply before work starts.
Where do I start on a Kootenai County lot?
On most lots the order is clearing, then the building pad, then utility trenches, then the foundation dig, with drainage and retaining walls at the finish. Start by asking the county or your city which permits apply, then settle who is requesting 811 and get the scope and price in writing.