It is important to know what type of excavation is needed for each individual job. Building a shed will most likely be less involved than adding an addition to you house, but it is always important to make sure you are following the right steps. Try and inform yourself as much as possible about the type of excavation and construction you are doing so that you can do it properly on your own or make sure that those doing it for hire are also doing it the proper way. If, after your research, you cannot determine what the best choice is in your situation or if you simply don't understand all that is required, seek the assistance of a professional. You will have to pay them of course, but this may far outweigh the costs you could incur from doing a job improperly or illegally on your own. Know your limits and when you are out of your realm of understanding and expertise and ask for aid from others when this happens. In the case of excavation and not knowing what to do in a particular situation, it may be a good idea to hire a surveyor to determine what would be necessary.

When you are building a home or adding on make sure that you know where the exact boundaries of your property are so that you don't build on someone else's land. They are legally entitled to take down anything that is on their land, regardless of who put it there. This could end up being very costly if not considered in advance. It is also important to consider the easements that are placed on a property by utility companies so that they can access and service any infrastructure belonging to them. They have the legal right to use these easements and to go on your property for maintenance issues. If something has been built in their way, they can and will tear it down to accomplish what they need to and are not required to rebuild or reimburse the costs of doing this.

If you are going to be digging, especially to any significant depth, it is essential that you check for underground networks such as sewer, power or cable lines, sprinkler system, septic tanks, etc. Digging into one of these could constitute a very serious problem and could cost a great deal to repair or replace.

It is also important to have the right tools to stay safe and spend the time as efficiently as possible. If you are going to be digging a very large hole, it is probably to rent something made for doing such a task. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run and you won't have nearly as many blisters on your hands that if you were to try and do it by hand.