Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free estimates?
Absolutely! We offer free evaluations and estimates for all our services. Contact us to schedule a visit.
Do you operate year-round?
Yes, we operate seasonally. Excavation from spring to fall, snow removal in winter, and several services available year-round.
Do you take on small projects?
Of course! No project is too small for us. We tailor our approach to the scope of your needs.
Do you handle the necessary permits?
Yes, we can take care of obtaining the required permits based on the nature of your project and local regulations. Our team will guide you through all administrative procedures to ensure your project is compliant from the start. Feel free to contact us for more details on the permits specific to your situation.
What should I do in an emergency?
Contact us directly. We have emergency procedures in place, particularly for snow removal and critical situations.
Frequently Questions
What exactly is excavation?
Excavation refers to all work involved in digging, moving, or leveling the ground to prepare a site for construction, infrastructure, or landscaping. This includes digging foundations, trenching, grading, backfilling, and much more.
What types of projects require excavation?
Virtually any outdoor project: building a house or garage, installing a septic system, French drains, a driveway, an in-ground pool, a retaining wall, laying pavers, underground electrical connections, landscaping, creating a beach—the list goes on.
What’s the difference between excavation and earthwork?
Excavation involves digging and removing soil. Earthwork encompasses excavation, but also backfilling, grading, and the final shaping of the land. At Groupe Caron, we do both.
Do you handle small jobs as well?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a single truckload of soil, a small trench for an electrical cable, or a full-scale construction project, no job is too small for us.
How do I know if my lot is suitable for construction?
The type of soil (clay, sand, rock, topsoil) directly affects the feasibility and cost of the work. Some soils require additional compaction, while others may need blasting or specific backfill. We assess your lot on-site before providing you with a clear overview. code...
My lot is on a slope—is that a problem?
No, it’s common in our region. A sloped lot requires more detailed planning for drainage and stabilization, but it’s entirely manageable. This is often where retaining walls or more extensive grading work come into play.
What happens if we hit bedrock during excavation?
This happens regularly in the region. Depending on the amount and hardness of the rock, we may use a hydraulic rock breaker or adjust our approach. We’ll let you know right away if the situation changes the initial plan.
Could the excavation damage my property or my neighbor’s?
With proper planning, no. We protect sensitive areas, maintain the required distances from property lines, and manage water flow to avoid causing problems for neighbors. This is one of our top priorities.
What is a French drain, and why would I need one?
A French drain is a perforated pipe installed around your home’s foundation to collect groundwater and divert it away from the building. It prevents water infiltration in the basement, mold, and structural damage to the foundation. Its lifespan is generally 25 to 40 years.
How do I know if my French drain needs to be replaced?
Common signs include: moisture or water stains in the basement, musty odors, cracks in the foundation, or a drain that is over 30 years old. If you’re unsure, we can come assess the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Septic Systems
What exactly is a septic system?
A septic system treats your home’s wastewater when you are not connected to the municipal sewer system. It consists of two main components: a septic tank that receives and settles the wastewater, and a treatment component (drainage field, filter, or advanced system) that completes the treatment before the water is safely returned to the ground.
What is the difference between a septic tank and a drainage field?
The septic tank is the tank that first receives the wastewater. Solid matter settles at the bottom and grease floats to the surface. The partially treated water then flows to the leach field (or treatment component), which is the area of the property where the water is filtered through the soil to complete the treatment.
What is an advanced secondary treatment system?
It is a system that provides a higher level of treatment than a conventional leach field. It is required when soil conditions do not allow for conventional treatment—for example, if the soil is too impermeable, if the water table is too high, or if the lot is too small. In Quebec, there are four technologies available to meet this need: Système 0, Bionest, HydroKinetic, and Ecoflo. We are certified to install all of them.
How long does a septic system last?
A properly installed and well-maintained septic system can last between 20 and 30 years, sometimes longer. Its lifespan depends on the quality of the installation, the type of system, regular maintenance (pumping), and the volume of use.
How often should a septic tank be pumped out?
As a general rule, every two years for a year-round residence. For a seasonal cottage, every four years. The exact frequency depends on the number of occupants and the tank’s capacity. Regular maintenance significantly extends the system’s lifespan.
What is a soil characterization study?
It is an analysis conducted by a certified technologist that involves digging observation holes on your property to analyze the soil layers, their permeability, and the groundwater level. The results determine which type of septic system is compatible with your property.
Who performs the soil study?
The study must be conducted by a specialized, accredited technician. You can hire one yourself, or, if you prefer, we can coordinate this step for you as part of our turnkey service.
How much does a soil study cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the site and the number of test holes required. Generally, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000. This is an essential investment—without a soil study, no installation permit will be issued.
What happens if my soil isn’t suitable for a conventional septic system?
The technician will recommend an advanced secondary treatment system suited to your soil conditions. These systems are designed to operate under challenging conditions (clay soil, high water table, limited space). They are more expensive to purchase, but they are the solution when a conventional system is not feasible.
Can I choose my type of septic system?
The choice is primarily dictated by the results of the soil study and the technician’s recommendations. However, when there are several compatible options, we can advise you on the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of each so that you can make an informed decision.
