Whether you’re building a detached garage, workshop, barn, backyard suite or home addition, proper excavation and foundation preparation are essential for a structure that lasts. FTF Excavation works with homeowners and builders throughout HRM to prepare solid, well-drained building sites ready every foundation excavation project.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Concrete doesn’t fail on its own, it usually reflects problems below it. Soft or organic ground, poor drainage, and inadequate compaction lead to settling, cracked concrete slabs, and frost heave. Soil conditions vary by site, and building on loose dirt without removing it is one of the most common causes of failure, along with DIY pads that fail prematurely or builders delayed by incomplete site work.
OUR APPROACH
Every construction project starts with a site assessment — we strip topsoil, dig out unsuitable material, excavate to competent bearing soil, and install drainage where required. From there, we prepare foundation excavations for garage pads, shed foundations, shed floors, pole barns, and timber frame foundations of every size — from a small shed on a concrete pad, concrete blocks, or bricks, to a larger build that needs extra support and larger equipment.
See how FTF Excavation builds a solid foundation
FOUNDATION TYPES
As an ICF-trained contractor, we understand what is required before foundation forms arrive. Whether your project uses an ICF foundation, conventional frost wall, thickened-edge slab or precast piers, we prepare the excavation, drainage and backfill so the next trade can work efficiently and with confidence.
THE BUILD
We understand that excavation is only one part of a construction schedule. Delays affect every trade that follows. We work from engineered plans, communicate with site supervisors, coordinate with surveyors and concrete contractors, and leave every site, including the surrounding yard and grass, ready for the next phase of construction. Our goal is simple: keep your project moving.
Why Choose FTF
FTF Excavation is owned and operated by Taco Zandstra, a military veteran with over 15 years of hands-on experience running heavy equipment, including 5 years focused specifically on excavation and deep local knowledge of Nova Scotia soils. We build foundations meant to stand the test of time — protecting your structure, saving you from costly repairs, and needing very little upkeep to stay stable for decades.
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EXPLORE MORE
From driveways to land clearing, we handle the full site — not just the foundation.
Driveways
Drainage
Land Clearing
Septic Systems
Dump Truck Deliveries
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about gravel driveway construction.
Depth can vary depending on soil conditions, but most garage pads need about 8 inches of compacted engineered gravel — not loose pea gravel, since it needs to lock together under load — once we reach competent bearing soil below the frost line. If unsuitable material is found, we excavate and replace it with fill and engineered materials to provide a stable, long-lasting base.
Yes — proper drainage helps protect the structure and prevent water damage and frost issues; full foundations usually need perimeter drainage pipe installed around the footings. Our specialty is excavation and foundation preparation, not pouring concrete — we coordinate with trusted local concrete subcontractors to keep the process simple for homeowners and builders.
Yes. Whether it’s an ICF foundation, a backyard suite, or a shed sitting on a concrete pad, concrete blocks, bricks, or a full foundation wall, we prepare the excavation, elevations, and drainage so the foundation walls and next trade are ready to go.
Yes — we regularly work with builders and general contractors, preparing garage pads and building sites to engineered specifications for each construction project. We coordinate with surveyors and concrete contractors, then fine-grade the site to create a base that’s ready for the next trade and will stand up to the elements.
Most residential garage pads and excavation work are completed within a few days to two weeks, depending on site conditions. We serve HRM and surrounding city and rural communities, including Bedford, Sackville, and Fall River, and bring in the right heavy equipment for everything from small sheds to pole barns and larger builds.
Many projects — especially garages, additions, and larger structures — require engineered drawings and permits as part of the building process; we’ll prepare the site to those plans once approvals are in place. We also provide foundation backfilling using proper materials, drainage, and compaction to help protect and stabilize the foundation.
Proper compaction reduces settlement, prevents soil erosion, and provides a stable, quality base for the concrete slab. To get a quote, contact us or call 902-812-8189 — we’ll assess soil conditions and provide a detailed cost estimate covering excavation, materials, and gravel delivery, helping you save on repairs and maintain a stable foundation for years to come.
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Every property is different. That’s why we offer on-site consultations to assess access, grade, and scope—so you know exactly what you need before any work begins.
