How to Control Dirt Costs in the Construction Industry

As a construction manager, you know that dirt is one of the larger costs in the construction industry. Understanding the supply and demand in your region is critical in controlling these costs. One of the biggest nightmares for any construction manager is to bring excess soil to the landfill where the disposal cost can run in the hundreds or thousands of dollars per truckload. In contrast, dumping the excess soil to someone who needs it can be extremely cost-effective. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to control dirt costs in the construction industry.

Finding Soil Exchange Platforms:

With the advent of technology, finding soil exchange platforms like DirtMatch.com has never been easier. Soil exchange platforms are online marketplaces that allow construction sites to connect with local soil recyclers or other construction projects that are in need of dirt. These platforms also allow you to compare the cost of transporting excess dirt from your construction site to other sites that need it.

Soil Testing:

Soil testing helps construction managers to understand the quality of the soil on their construction site. By conducting soil tests, you will know whether the soil is clean or contaminated. If the soil is clean, it can sometimes be sold to nearby construction sites that need it. Soil testing may cost a little money upfront, but it is important to remember that it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Proper Storage of Dirt:

Managing the proper storage of dirt can also reduce the overall cost of dirt management on a construction site. Implementing a proper soil storage plan helps to reduce the amount of dirt that is exposed to the elements, reduces the amount of dirt that is contaminated, and minimizes the amount of dirt that needs to be hauled away. Proper management of dirt during construction cutbacks can also reduce the amount of soil that is discarded.

Planning Ahead:

Planning ahead is an important aspect of cost control in the construction industry. Considering the amount of dirt that will be excavated during a construction project is essential. A construction manager should take into account the size of the excavation, the location of the site, and the type of soil that is being excavated. By doing this, a construction manager can reduce excess dirt and reduce the overall cost of dirt management.

Re-use of Dirt:

One of the most effective ways to control dirt costs during construction is through the re-use of dirt. Often, dirt that is excavated during one phase of construction can be used in another phase of the same project or on another construction site. This helps to minimize the amount of dirt that needs to be hauled away, thus reducing the cost of dirt management.

Conclusion:

Dirt management is a significant cost for construction managers. By understanding the supply and demand in your region, finding soil exchange platforms, conducting soil tests, properly storing dirt, planning ahead and re-using dirt, you can effectively control the cost of dirt management in your construction project. These cost-saving measures are not only environmentally friendly but also help to increase the profitability of the project. Hopefully, this blog post has been informative and you can implement these strategies for your future construction projects.