Fancy Shovels primarily serves the North Olympic Peninsula including Port Angeles, Sequim, from time to time, Port Townsend.

Please email or call to go over the details of your project and to discuss next steps.

• Project Location Provide the address or location of the excavation site. This helps determine accessibility, proximity to resources, and any logistical considerations.

• Type of Excavation Work Describe the type of excavation you need (e.g., site preparation, trenching, land clearing, foundation digging, utility installation, grading, etc.). Different types of projects can have different cost structures.

• Site Size Provide the size of the area to be excavated (in square feet, square yards, or acres). This gives the company an idea of the scale of the project.

• Depth of Excavation Specify how deep the excavation needs to go. This can significantly affect the amount of work and equipment required.

• Soil and Ground Conditions Describe the soil conditions (e.g., sandy, rocky, clay-heavy, or hard-packed). If you're unsure, mention if any geological surveys have been done or if there's noticeable difficulty on-site.

• Equipment Access Indicate if there are any access restrictions on the site. For example, are there narrow driveways, low overhangs, or other obstacles that could make it difficult to bring in large machinery?

• Existing Structures or Obstacles Let the company know if there are any existing structures (such as buildings, trees, fences) that will need to be moved or avoided during excavation.

• Timeline or Project Deadline If there's a specific timeline or deadline, provide that information. Some projects may require expedited work, which could influence the cost.

• Disposal of Excavated Materials Clarify if the excavated materials need to be hauled away, or if you have a plan for disposal. This can influence the overall quote depending on the distance to disposal sites and the type of material.

• Permits or Regulations Let the company know if there are any permits required for the project or if there are local regulations that the excavation crew needs to follow. Some projects may involve additional costs related to permits or compliance.

• Additional Services If you need other services like backfilling, grading, or compaction after the excavation, mention these as they could affect the quote.

First and foremost, our company will take the time to truly understand your vision, carefully assessing the natural elements of your property—whether it’s unique topography, mature trees, or other distinctive landscape features.

The use of modern, specialized equipment ensures that every project is completed with precision, minimizing disruption to your existing environment. Expect meticulous attention to detail and a focus on preserving the integrity of your landscape while enhancing its functionality and beauty. Our processes are designed to be efficient, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience, while also being mindful of sustainability and low-impact techniques.

As a result, you'll receive a hardscape that not only looks stunning and fits seamlessly with your outdoor space but also stands the test of time with minimal upkeep. The finished product will be a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and functionality—built to suit both your lifestyle and the natural character of your property. Expect an elevated experience, from the initial consultation to the final walk-through, with open communication and a focus on quality at every step.

• Scope and Complexity of the Design: A more intricate design—such as custom stonework, intricate patios, or multi-level landscaping—will naturally take longer to execute. Projects that involve detailed features or unique, artful elements often require more time for planning, preparation, and installation.

• Weather Conditions: Weather plays a huge role in the progress of outdoor projects. Rain, extreme heat, or even unseasonably cold temperatures can delay construction, especially when materials need to set or dry. Contractors may need to pause work to avoid compromising the quality of the installation.

• Site Preparation and Terrain: The existing topography of the land significantly impacts how long a project will take. If there’s uneven ground, large boulders, or other natural features that require special handling or excavation, this will take additional time. Site prep like grading, soil removal, or working around trees and shrubs can also extend the timeline.

• Material Availability and Sourcing: Some high-end hardscape materials—such as custom stone, premium pavers, or rare aggregates—may need to be sourced from specific suppliers, which could delay delivery. Shortages or supply chain issues can further impact the timeline, especially if the materials are specialized or imported.

• Permitting and Approvals: Certain hardscape projects may require permits or approvals from local government or zoning boards. Delays in obtaining these permits, or changes in local regulations, can push back the timeline. It’s important to account for this process early on.

• Labor and Crew Availability: A shortage of skilled labor or scheduling conflicts with the crew can affect how quickly a project is completed. Complex or high-end projects often require specialized skills, so depending on crew availability, this could either speed up or slow down progress.

• Customization and Detailing: Highly customized elements, like water features, outdoor kitchens, custom lighting, or intricate design details, require more planning and installation time. Each added detail can extend the timeline, but the final result will be a unique, tailored outdoor space.

• Unforeseen Obstacles: Every project comes with a possibility of surprises, such as discovering underground utilities, unexpected rocks or debris during excavation, or hidden issues with drainage. These can result in additional work that extends the project timeline.

• Client Changes or Additions: Mid-project changes or last-minute additions can also affect how long the project takes. If you decide to add extra features or alter the design after work has already started, the team may need to rework schedules, orders, or plans to accommodate these changes.

• Quality Control and Final Touches: High-end hardscape projects often involve an emphasis on detail, craftsmanship, and quality control. Ensuring everything is perfectly aligned, and that the finishing touches (such as sealing, landscaping integration, and clean-up) are completed to the highest standards, can take extra time, but it ensures a lasting, beautiful outcome.

We understand that maintaining and enhancing your landscape is just as important as the excavation process itself. While we specialize in excavation services, we have built strong relationships with a trusted network of professional landscapers who can assist with ongoing upkeep and maintenance.

Properly preparing the land before excavation is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Clearing the area around the worksite of any obstacles—such as trees, debris, or structures—will allow heavy equipment and materials to access the site without delay, minimizing any potential disruptions. Additionally, if the excavation is near or through a roadway, planning routes for trips to and from the site helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures the homeowner’s daily activities aren’t interrupted by construction.

To further safeguard the project, we typically utilize a private utility locate service to identify any underground hazards, such as electrical lines, fiber optics, water, sewer, and drainage systems. Taking the time to locate these utilities before starting excavation is a small investment compared to the cost of potential damages or service repairs. By addressing these concerns upfront, we can help prevent costly disruptions and ensure that the project moves forward without unexpected setbacks