If you are thinking of building your dream pool, you’ve probably thought about the best time to build it. While there is no wrong time to excavate a swimming pool, there are several factors that you need to consider when deciding the best time to plan and build your pool.

Each season has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to pool construction. You need to weigh each option before making a final decision carefully. This article explores each option and concludes the best time of the year to excavate a pool.

Spring

Spring is one of the busiest months concerning pool construction. This is probably because most homeowners target the warm summer months to enjoy their pool.

On the downside, homeowners will not get to enjoy off-season sales. The reason for this is that suppliers and pool builders have great demand. Also, the high heat and humidity can delay the entire process.

Summer

An advantage of digging your pool during summer is that the ground is dry, making it easier for contractors to get the job done with ease. Like spring, summer is also a busy season for suppliers and pool builders as they complete projects that begin during the spring months.

If you still want to build during these months, consider scheduling the excavation process at the end of the season when it’s not that busy. However, this means that you will only get to enjoy your pool in the warm summer months.

Autumn

The most preferred time for excavating a pool is during Autumn, but before the rain starts. This is because months in the Autumn season have steady weather, making the pool installation process easy and less overwhelming. With the perfect temperature in fall, the contractors are capable of starting the project and completing it even quicker.

Furthermore, prices for pool excavation are cost-effective in Autumn months compared to those in summer or spring. Autumn months offer seasonal sales of the low cost of materials, shipping, transportation, and easier workdays. It is also easier to start and complete the project in the Autumn. The other benefit of excavating your swimming pool in the Autumn is that you will get to plant trees and vegetation for your backyard. You can plant and grow the plants before winter hits. This means that you will have a luxurious backyard by the time your pool is ready for use. Your swimming pool will probably be ready to use by summer when you start work in the fall or winter months.

Winter months

Besides fall, winter can also be a good time to excavate your pool. This is especially true if you have a low budget. Winter months also offer seasonal sales where prices of building materials are on the lower side. Besides, it is also a good time to negotiate the best deals with pool builders.

However, a downside of the winter months is the cold weather. It can be difficult and risky to dig a pool with frequent …

Whether your driveway is made of gravel, limestone, asphalt, or concrete, potholes are likely to be a nuisance. Since potholes will not fix themselves, you will need to find a way around them or risk damaging your car. Don’t wait a long time before setting this issue. The longer you wait, the worse the situation may become.

This is the job for wet hire companies, including a reputable one from Perth, Dobson Excavations. You can rest their equipment and staff to improve your driveway with potholes by doing the following:

The preparation phase

Since gravel and dirt potholes result from trapped water beneath the surface, you should work on improving the underground drainage quality to avoid future recurrence.

At Dobson Excavations we will rip the surface, scarify and roll the surface, if more product is required then they will lay more material over the areas.

Gravel and Limestone driveway pothole filling

All areas of where the potholes are would be ripped, the area scarifies with a bobcat, if gravel or limestone is required then this would be laid over the areas and a vibrating drum roller would complete the job to smooth out the area.

Asphalt and concrete driveway pothole filling

For potholes in Asphalt and concrete driveways, would be done completely different to Gravel or Limestone. With Asphalt you can use an asphalt filler, clean the area of all debris and dirt if the area in the pothole is dry soil you may want to dampen the area. Then fill in the potholes with either crushed limestone/rock or concrete to about 2 inches below the pothole, then fill with asphalt filler. Compact with small areas with a plate compactor, and then let the sun dry it, if rain is expected you will need to cover the area.

As for concrete, you will still need to remove any debris and dirt from the pothole. You will need a concrete mix to fill in the hole, you can buy ready made products where you just add water and mix. You fill the hole level with the concrete driveway, scrap off any excess concrete and allow to dry.…

You may be already used to seeing sand at the beach and may think that it has no important part in people’s lives. But did you know that the houses you live in and the streets you walk on are built using sand?

When talking about sand in building, it usually refers to the material that’s much firmer than the sand grains you’d find on the shoreline. It should also be clear of stone blocks and other contaminants.

Understanding the sand pad can be tricky for a first-time homeowner. Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the sand pad.

Why is a sand pad required before constructing a shed or house?

You need the help of specialists, such as the Dobson Excavations in Perth, to make a proper sand pad. We work with reliable sand suppliers and certify the sand pad before putting up any structure. This is important since it will lay the foundation or groundwork for the project. You need something solid and durable for this purpose.

Different types of sand for sand Pad

Numerous varieties of sand can be utilised in construction, each for a distinct purpose. Therefore, it’s critical to understand that not all sand is the same.

Clean Fill Sand

Sand for House pads has to be certified to build the house on and must be free of any debris, Fill sand is straight of the face, which means it is Natural with small granules, and just the right amount of clay for compaction for sand pads for houses, sheds, water tanks etc.

Plaster sand

Also known as rendering sand used for exterior wall rendering, once combined with the ratio of water and cement has great adhering characteristics, it can also be used to set paving.

Brickies sand

This sand has a content of clay and fines for a more workable sand, it is used in mortar for brick laying and also can be used in Limestone Block construction.

Paving sand

Used in shaping, screeding and sculpting, compromise between both Plaster and Brickie sand. Has strong compaction and setting strength, without even using little or no cement or bonding products.

Compacting the sand pad

In a construction project, sand compaction involves using mechanical force to densify a soil by minimising the space between sand grains. The key objective of the procedure is to create a solid working foundation, so experts must complete it with the appropriate skills and equipment.

Soil compaction equipment comes in a variety of styles and combinations, such as the number of drums and vibratory system. All types result in increased soil density, which boosts the supporting power of the soil.

These machines have rubber tyres that are separated and have varying air pressure. They usually have ballast mechanisms that adjust weight as needed to achieve compaction requirements.

Compactor

Used to compact sand pads, it has a metal compactor plate, which in combination with the vibration of the plate compacts the sand. Used on each layer of sand to …

Many accidents have been witnessed during excavation due to the earth caving in or sliding away. In some accidents, workers are buried, and there is a loss of life due to suffocation. On the other hand, when excavating next to existing structures, they can come tumbling down if you are not careful.

Excavation is the first work that is done on any site. You do not want accidents to be the first occurrence in your project. This is why you must know about the safety precautions necessary for any excavation project.

Here are some safety precautions to remember when doing an excavation project:

Proper planning

Proper planning is essential to implement the right worker safety precautions. Several things need to be addressed by a professional in advance.

The first step is to evaluate soil conditions for the right preventive systems to be determined and implemented. Other planning activities include planning for the excavation site’s traffic control and establishing the proximity of any nearby structures.

It is also vital to ensure that the workers have the right protective gear.

Plan for a safe entrance and exit

The entry and exit into the excavation should be included in the protective system to keep workers safe. You could provide ladders, ramps, stairways, or any other safe means for exiting from the excavation. Sometimes, when dangerous conditions happen at the excavation site, survival depends on how fast the workers can get out.

Undertake potholing and Underground Service Locator

Since using diggers is considered a risky activity, it is advisable that you first take the time to do potholing before you commence the actual excavation. Potholing involves digging small test holes to check for underground obstructions like pipes or lines. It is a reliable way to locate underground utilities so that the excavation operators can bypass them.

Another option is to hire an Underground Service Locator, they use Ground Penetrator Radar equipment. They will also obtain all the Dial as You Dig information. This is most efficient and time saving way to locate underground services.

Surface safety

An excavation site should be properly protected. This can be done by placing barriers around the excavation site. All spoils and excavation equipment should be placed a far distance from the edge of the excavation dig site.

Spoils refer to the excavated material, and it can be dangerous if it is placed too close to the edge of the site. The weight of the spoils or excavation equipment can easily cause a cave-in. They can also roll back into the excavation site causing life-threatening injuries or even death to the workers.

Routine inspection

A trained professional should inspect the excavation every day. The inspector should look for any possibilities of collapse or cave-in before work begins in the morning. Inspection work should also be undertaken immediately after a natural event such as a rainstorm. It is also advisable after impactful works such as blasting of rocks at the excavation site.

Have proper safety signs

The importance of …

Excavators are commonly used in construction projects due to their ability to dig trenches, pits, and foundations. Also, they are available in different types and sizes, offering you more alternatives for using an excavator that is ideal for your needs.

In most cases, the topographical condition of the project will often define the type of excavator you will need to use. Nevertheless, you don’t always get to operate on flat, smooth terrain; sometimes you have to deal with hills or even sharp angles.

Working with any type of machinery on some steep terrain will surely demand specific abilities and perhaps additional tools. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about working with an excavator on a slope.

Critical factors while operating an excavator on a slope

Gravity is the most crucial thing to consider in this scenario. As we all know, the machine’s centre of gravity alters as it turns from side to side. As a result, the risk of overturning and rolling increases on a higher incline.

Obviously, you would want to avoid the danger of toppling large machinery down a steep hill. This is why you must ensure that the operator thoroughly understands how to maintain the machinery’s centre of gravity and proceed with caution throughout the procedure.

Lubrication is the second most significant component. Oil, fuel, and lubrication keep the excavator engine going while it shifts and moves around on a hillside. Unfortunately, if the inclination is too great, the engine may fail to consume the liquids, potentially resulting in malfunction or damage.

How to successfully operate an excavator on a slope

Working with an excavator on an inclining ground is a dangerous task, as illustrated above. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid any possible risk or even a life-threatening circumstance.

Using the right excavator

A long reach excavator is the best choice for the job. The machine’s long arms allow it to stay steady on flat ground, while the extra-long digging arm allows it to reach awkward spots on the slope. This makes it possible for the machine to successfully dig on slopes and at an angle.

Examine the hill’s condition

The solidity of a slope is affected by a variety of factors, including loose gravel, dirt, and also rain. When operating on unstable ground, a heavy engine like an excavator may slide or slip because of its own weight.

If there is a risk of falling material, consider clearing the area first before proceeding with the job. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast and wait a day or two for things to improve.

Most importantly, keep in mind that excavators are not designed to be used on slopes steeper than a 35-degree angle. If you are uncertain, consult the project team’s surveyor to determine the slope’s inclination.

Carefully plan the working direction

Finally, instead of working sideways, it would be best to plan your working direction up and down. This is because you want additional weight behind to balance …

Can you operate a bobcat without experience?

Are you wondering if you can operate a bobcat even if you don’t have any experience? The quick answer is yes. You can definitely operate it without any experience. However, these are the reasons why you shouldn’t:

Damage to properties

Bobcat machines, also known as skid steer loaders, are commonly used for excavation, demolition, and debris removal. All of these tasks require a precision operation to ensure safety and efficiency. However, a person with a lack of experience is bound to make mistakes. In these cases, the mistakes can cause serious damage to property.

For example, the inexperienced operator might be able to control the machine into the right dig site, causing damage to the concrete or land. They might also steer the machine incorrectly or damage the fence.

All in all, operating a bobcat is not as simple as driving a car. It requires precision which is only possible with the right skills and experience.

Injuries

People with no experience in operating a bobcat might cause it to overturn, injuring themselves as a result. Worse, they could run over other people causing death or injury due to having no experience.

Another reason why you should not attempt operating a bobcat when you have no experience is that you might cause an accident. There are tons of things that might go wrong, like not manoeuvring the attachments properly or not being able to drive the vehicle safely.

The solution

If you think that operating a bobcat on your own is risky due to your lack of experience, then what are your alternatives? Well, the best solution is for you to get in touch with a wet hire company such as Dobson Excavation.

A wet hire company is a service provider that allows you to hire heavy equipment along with a qualified operator. Here are the top benefits of hiring a wet hire company instead of operating a bobcat on your own without experience:

Experience bobcat operator

The main benefit of a wet hire company is that they will connect you with a qualified operator for the machine that you will be renting. These operators are trained and have years of experience operating various construction types of machinery under their belt. From large excavators to mini bobcats and mini excavators.

Safety and efficiency

If you don’t have experience in operating a bobcat, chances are you will spend a significant amount of time figuring out how to make it work. If you are renting the machine, that amount of time you are learning how to operate it is not only consuming your time but is also literally causing you money every minute. On the contrary, if you opt for a wet hire company, the machine, and the operator can go straight to work to speed up your tasks.

At the same time, since the operators are trained and experienced with the machine, there are fewer chances of them getting into an accident, making …

If you have an upcoming project, you may have already come across an Auger machine. But what exactly is it, and do you need it for your project?

What are auger holes?

An Auger hole is a hole drilled by a rotating column or metal shaft with blades that circles the edge. It is commonly used for drilling holes and works by rotating into whatever material you want to drill a hole into. Its outer edge blades can cut through tough materials and pull them up so that the hole is clear and empty.

The main components of an Auger hole equipment are:

• Tang: This refers to the topmost part of the Auger that attaches to the machine that powers it.
• Shank: This is the part in between the blades and tang.
• Twist: This part of the Auger refers to the series of twisting blades that cut and pull up the material you are drilling a hole into.
• Spur: This is located at the bottom of the Auger holes.
• Cutting Tip: This part is most commonly found on smaller Augers holes.
• Feed Screw: Same with the spur and cutting tip; this is located at the bottom of the Auger hole and is more common on smaller Auger holes.

Auger holes are commonly used for the following projects:

• Planting trees
• Building foundations
• Installing telephone Poles
• Fence Posts
• Test Holes

It is also commonly used for projects that require bigger holes to be excavated. However, take note that the drilling power of the Auger hole is not its blade but rather on the machine which powers it. So, you can consider it more of an attachment than a stand-alone machine. The more powerful the machine is, the less effort for the Auger hole to pull up the soil.

Benefits of auger holes

The Auger hole is not just a fancy attachment because it does come with plenty of benefits. These include the following:

Speed

Manually drilling holes can be time-consuming and punishment for your whole body. It can also take days to dig the depth and width you desire. But, Auger holes allow you to get a deep hole in a matter of just a few minutes.

In addition, other drilling machines require you to get your hands dirty because you have to remove the dirt inside the hole manually. Again, this can be a time-consuming and tedious task. But, with an Auger hole, the dirt is pulled up, allowing you to get a clear hole.

Quiet operation

The problem with other drilling machines is that they can be quite noisy. As a result, your construction project can inconvenience neighbors and other nearby establishments because of the noise pollution that it creates. Compared to other drills, an Auger hole is relatively quieter because it does not use a pounding action to drill holes.

Cost-effective

Auger holes can be economical because they cut back working hours, allowing you to keep deadlines. Aside from that, less manpower is required, so you don’t have …

Wondering if it is possible to dig your own pool? The truth is, it is very possible. It only means you are trying to see if you can cut on some expenses. However, the fact that it is possible to do it yourself does not mean it is going to be easier and cheaper, there will be a time when you will need an expert’s opinion about a thing or two. Excavating an inground pool requires a lot, and it can even be extremely challenging to do it all by yourself. That is why we at Dobson Excavations offer excellent pool digging services Perth, we are well equipped to handle all challenges that come with the responsibility of digging an inground pool. Show us the venue and the designs of your choice and the rest will be up to Dobson Excavations. Easy and cost effective!

What to Consider Before Digging an Inground Pool

Something to keep in mind before excavating an area is possible destabilization of the ground. How would you know if digging a pool will affect the surrounding houses or buildings if you do it by yourself? This is only possible if an expert is
hired to examine the geographical area. At Dobson Excavations you will have access to our team of experts to ensure that your project is done well and without any long-term negative consequences to your ground or surrounding buildings.

Disposing of the excess soil

When you decide to dig your own swimming pool it is also wise to think about disposing the excess soil that will be as a result of the ground digging. When you work with Dobson Excavations, we will take care of the excess soil for you following to the guidelines of the Western Australia state policy.

Taking safety measures

Digging a pool means excavating a large chunk of land.  This brings risk of injury while working on the project, hence making the work area a danger zone. Taking the proper safety measure is important to prevent unnecessary harm.  This is especially important if you have children that live and play close by the construction site. At Dobson Excavations we know what to look out for and how to protect yourself and your family from the risks of an open construction site.

Available time and resources

When you are trying to save money, it can seem appealing to excavate the pool dig yourself. However, the time and energy it costs to do this, let alone the risks of making costly mistakes or getting injured, might not be worth it. It can be more economical than you think to hire a team of professionals to do the job properly and timely. Our team of experts knows how to handle a pool dig and will deliver outstanding results while being cost effective.

 …

If you are a property developer or home-owner in Perth, you will know that one of the first steps in any construction project is clearing the site. This involves removing all trees, shrubs, and other vegetation from the area. It can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is essential if you want to start building your new home or development. This blog post covers the steps involved in clearing a construction site in the Perth region.

1) Planning

The first step in clearing a construction site is to plan the work that needs to be done. You will need to decide which trees and vegetation need to be removed, and you will also need to come up with a plan for dealing with the waste materials. Developing a clear plan is necessary before you start anything, as this will help ensure that the work is done efficiently and safely.

2) Ensuring Safety

Safety should always be your top priority when clearing a construction site. There is a lot of heavy machinery involved in this process, and if it is not used correctly, it can cause serious injuries. Ensure that everyone working on the site understands the hazards involved and take all necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

3) Contacting Your Local Council for a Permit

The third step in clearing a construction site is to contact your local council and ask for a permit or regulations, you will need this permit or regulations to dispose of any waste materials from the site.
Contacting your local council may seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s important to ensure that you’re adhering to all local regulations. Failing to do so may lead to huge fines.

4) Hiring a Team of Professionals

If you are not familiar with clearing construction sites, hiring a professional to help you out is a good idea. At Dobson Excavations we are able to advise you on the best way to proceed, and they will also be able to provide any necessary machinery and safety equipment.
We will also take responsibility for safely removing all waste materials from the site. It’s important to hire a qualified and reputable team of professionals. We have the experience and know-how to handle your projects successfully

5) Landscaping The Area and Preparing for Construction

The final step in clearing a construction site is to landscape the area and prepare it for construction. This may include manually removing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that will be in the way of the heavier lifting.
It’s important to take your time when preparing the site for construction. Failing to do so could result in delays and additional costs.…