After a demolition, or before a new build, extension, shed slab or driveway, most Ballarat blocks need some digging: a site cut to level the pad, trenches for services, footing holes, or removal of old fill and rubble. Ballarat's reactive clays, rock in some areas and old gold-mining ground mean the conditions under the surface matter as much as the size of the job.
Ballarat Demolition Service is a referral service. We do not do excavation work and we do not set prices. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to an independent local business with suitable machinery and operators. This page is general information, not engineering or professional advice.
Common excavation jobs in Ballarat
- Site cuts and levelling for a new house or knockdown-rebuild
- Footing and pier holes, and strip footings for extensions
- Trenching for stormwater, sewer, water, power and NBN connections
- Driveway and crossover preparation
- Shed and garage slab preparation
- Removing old slabs, rubble and fill after demolition (see site clearing)
- Pool removal and backfill, and retaining-wall cuts
Before anyone digs
- Locate underground services. Lodge a free enquiry with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) so asset owners can send plans. Private lines on your property may still need a locator.
- Read your soil report and plans. A geotechnical (soil) report and engineering drawings usually set the depth of footings and the size of the site cut.
- Check approvals. Building work and some earthworks need a building permit from a registered building surveyor, and the City of Ballarat may need to approve works near easements, trees or in overlay areas. Our demolition permits guide explains how the building permit system works.
- Trenches deeper than 1.5 metres are high-risk construction work under Victorian rules, requiring a safe work method statement and appropriate support or battering.
- Old mine workings. Parts of Ballarat sit over historic gold-mining ground. If records or the soil report flag shafts or fill, tell the contractor before quoting.
After a demolition
Once the house is gone, excavation is often the next step: removing footings and stumps, digging out contaminated or soft fill, and leaving a level pad ready for the builder. Asking for both quotes together can reduce double handling. See house demolition for the order of works.
What affects the price
- Volume of soil and rock to be moved, and whether it can stay on site
- Machine size and access (narrow side paths may need smaller machines)
- Soil type, rock and groundwater
- Spoil disposal and tipping fees, especially for fill that needs testing
- Compaction and engineer inspections
Contractors often price by the hour per machine plus disposal, or as a fixed quote for a defined scope. Ask for disposal to be shown separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to excavate in Ballarat?
It depends on the work. Excavation that is part of building work is normally covered by the building permit. Large cuts, retaining walls, works near trees, easements or in overlay areas may need extra approvals. Check with your building surveyor and the City of Ballarat.
Can the demolition contractor do the excavation too?
Many demolition businesses also offer excavation and site preparation. Mention it in your enquiry and we will look for a contractor who can quote both.
What happens to the excavated soil?
Clean soil may be reused on site or taken to a facility that accepts it. Soil with rubble, asbestos or contamination must go to a facility licensed to accept it, which costs more.
How long does a site cut take?
A typical residential site cut is often done in one to a few days, depending on size, rock and weather. Wet Ballarat winters can cause delays on clay sites.
Next step
Send your suburb, what needs digging, rough dimensions, any soil report and photos. With your consent, we will pass it to an independent excavation contractor in the Ballarat region.