When I started my home project in King George, VA, I kept running into one question: “Do I need an excavating contractor or a general contractor?” At first, I didn’t know the difference. A general contractor said they could handle everything, but when I asked about grading and drainage, they admitted they’d subcontract it. That’s when I learned the real value of working with a dedicated excavating company in King George, VA like Marshall’s Excavating Inc.
What Does an Excavating Contractor Do?
An excavating contractor is a specialist. They focus on moving earth — digging foundations, clearing land, grading, trenching, and preparing sites for construction. They operate heavy equipment like backhoes, bulldozers, and trenchers to shape the land properly.
For example, when I needed land clearing in Southern Maryland, Marshall’s handled it from start to finish. They removed trees, hauled away stumps, graded the property, and even planned drainage so I wouldn’t have flooding later. That level of detail is something a general contractor can’t provide on their own.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor oversees the big picture. They manage multiple trades — carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and yes, excavators. Think of them as the project manager. They’re great if you’re building a full home or commercial property because they coordinate all the moving parts. But they usually don’t do the digging themselves — they bring in a local excavating contractor in Southern Maryland or King George, VA to handle that work.
So if your project is only excavation-related — like installing a septic tank, grading a driveway, or clearing land — it makes sense to go directly to the specialists.
Why I Choose Marshall’s Excavating Inc. Over General Contractors
For my project, I realized hiring Marshall’s Excavating directly saved me time and money. Instead of paying a general contractor’s markup, I got the crew who actually did the work. They explained the difference between grading and excavation, helped with permits, and ensured drainage was done correctly.
When you search “excavating contractor near me,” you want a team that doesn’t just dig holes but plans ahead for safety, compliance, and long-term results. That’s what Marshall’s does. General contractors play an important role in big projects, but when it comes to site preparation, you can’t beat a dedicated excavation expert.
Conclusion: The difference comes down to specialization. General contractors manage projects. Excavating contractors do the earthwork that makes construction possible. In King George, VA and Southern Maryland, I always choose Marshall’s Excavating Inc. for excavation because they’re the specialists I can trust. Learn more about Do I Need a Permit for Excavation in King George, VA?