Estimating Excavation

Use the Demolition card to enter earth moving and trenching into the BidMagic construction estimating software.

Excavation Estimating

The Excavation card in BidMagic estimating software covers the cost of any trenching or earth-moving work. To get to this card, click on the Site Preparation button in the Specs Directory, then choose Excavation from the pop-up menu.

NOTE: If you subcontract excavation for a flat fee, you can enter the actual bid directly instead of itemizing costs (see page 255).

Excavation & Grading includes earth-moving of all kinds.

NOTE: Finished Grading is a separate category under Landscaping. If that work is done by the excavation subcontractor instead of the landscaper, include it here.

Trenching handles utility trenches, foundation trenches, and other backhoe work.

Fill & Haulage includes the cost of bringing in earth, rock or gravel fill, and removing earth or rock from the jobsite. It also includes the cost of backfilling foundations and trenches.

Drainage covers subterranean drain lines, whether trenched or plowed in. It can also include sump pumps and in-house drainage lines, if you don 't want them included as part of the Plumbing category.

Other Excavation includes septic tank installation, post hole digging, and other excavation work not already covered by another category.

NOTE: There may be some overlap between this category and Project Utilities (under Site Prep) or Plumbing Utilities (under Rough Plumbing), depending on who is responsible for the installation of utility service.