I have dug several basements in the past 10 years or so and while digging one out the other day I thought I wonder if my method is the same as others or do they do it different . The end result being the same , I know to some it don't really matter how you do it as long as its on grade. My method: I strip all topsoil in the area plus the 3' over dig. Basically I put the topsoil in one pile to be used for septic backfill or yard. Then I start cutting one side to the other , first cut along the side all the way to the other opposing wall , then cut a half bucket wide till you reach across to the opposing wall until you get to the wall being perpendicular with the one you started on. Take that medium type soil into another pile , start another cut , cutting about 12 to 15 inches per basically like digging it out in layers. When you get to the hard pan clay put it in yet another pile. If this makes any sense to anybody. Usually it takes me about 16 hours with a 953 to dig a 8'10" deep basement about 1800 square feet. I have had some complaints about it taking too long , but I think its necessary to separate the soil types to prepare for backfill and finish grade. I see a lot of them basically ram out a hole not saving topsoil , doing it in 10 to 12 hours. My thoughts are save what topsoil is there , its cheaper than buying it and hauling it in. I'm not gonna change my way or procedure unless someone replies with a better method , I am open to anything. I wonder if I'd be better off not giving a crap and just ram out a hole like some others. I do know when I backfill , I have pre-planned by putting dirt where I need it while digging the hole , its faster then. Pay me now or pay me later type thing.
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