Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about excavation, site preparation, asphalt paving, or commercial paving projects? Our FAQ provides answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our services, project timelines, materials, and more. Whether you’re planning a new construction project, driveway, parking lot, road, or site development, our experienced team is here to help you understand the process and make informed decisions. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us today—we’re happy to help.
General
What areas do you serve?
Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Merritt, Cache Creek, Ashcroft, Clearwater, Logan Lake, Chase, Barriere, the Shuswap and surrounding communities throughout the BC Interior. Remote and resource-road locations are available by arrangement.
Do you take on both residential and commercial work?
Yes — every service we offer is available to both. We work for homeowners and acreage owners, strata councils and property managers, builders and general contractors, commercial and industrial property owners, and municipalities. A residential driveway receives the same crews and standards as a multi-acre commercial site.
Are you bonded, licensed and insured?
Yes. Blackstone Excavation is bonded, fully licensed and insured, and WorkSafeBC compliant. We are also an Allan Block Certified Contractor.
Do you build to code?
Always. We work to current building codes and to municipal, MoTI and engineer-specified standards, and we can work directly from your engineer’s drawings on commercial and infrastructure projects.
Are estimates free?
Estimates are free within Kamloops City limits. We quote on site and itemize the work — including preparation and base work — so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
How far ahead should I book?
For paving, concrete and larger excavation work, book as early as you can. The Interior construction season is short and the calendar fills from spring onward. Snow removal contracts are best arranged before mid-September. Urgent repairs are accommodated as promptly as possible.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit cards, debit, cheque, bank draft and e-transfer.
Do you handle permits and utility locates?
Yes. We arrange utility locates before any excavation and advise which permits your project requires, coordinating with the relevant authorities on municipal and commercial work.
Excavation, Demolition & Hauling
What kinds of excavation do you handle?
Site preparation, basement and foundation excavation, lot and land clearing, grading and levelling, trenching, footings, drainage excavation, backfill and compaction, and general ground work for residential and commercial construction.
Do you do demolition?
Yes — residential and commercial demolition including outbuildings, garages, structures, and old concrete and asphalt, with removal and disposal of all material.
Can you haul material to and from my site?
Yes. We provide heavy hauling, dump truck services, equipment moves, and supply and delivery of gravel, topsoil, sand and fill.
What condition is the site left in?
Site restoration is included as part of the job. We leave the property better than before we started.
Water, Sewer & Drainage
What water and sewer work do you perform?
Water line installation and replacement, sewer line installation and repair, service connections, septic system excavation, utility trenching and full restoration afterward — for homes, commercial buildings and multi-unit properties.
Water pools in my yard or against the house. Can you fix it?
Usually, yes. Most drainage issues are grade issues. We assess where the water originates and where it needs to go, then correct it with regrading, French drains, catch basins, swales, weeping tile or culverts as appropriate.
Do you repair broken or frozen water lines?
Yes, including urgent repairs. We also advise online depth and insulation, so the same issue stays resolved.
Bridge Deck Repair
How do I know if my bridge deck needs attention?
Look for cracking or crumbling in the driving surface, exposed or rust-stained rebar, potholes and soft spots, water staining or dripping underneath, rough or dropped approaches, damaged expansion joints, and water that pools rather than drains. Any of these is worth an assessment.
Can a deteriorated deck be repaired rather than replaced?
In most cases, yes. Decks can usually be rehabilitated before replacement, when the deterioration is confined to the surface layers and the structure below is sound. We assess first and give you a straight answer, since repair is considerably more economical when it is the right call.
How long does bridge work take?
For targeted deck patching, joint work or full rehabilitation takes from a few days to weeks or months and possibly on bigger projects a year or so. Access, structure size, weather and traffic staging all factor in, and we provide a realistic window with the quote.
Do you work on Ministry, private, ranch and forestry bridges?
Yes, we work on a wide variety on all of them.
What time of year can bridge work be done?
Structural repairs, timber work and joint replacement run through much of the year. Concrete pours, membrane installation and asphalt overlays are temperature-dependent and are generally scheduled spring through fall.
Do you provide condition assessments?
Yes. We inspect, document the findings and provide a prioritized repair recommendation with pricing — useful for this year’s budget or a multi-year maintenance plan.
Paving Services
How much does it cost to pave a driveway or parking lot?
It depends on size, access, existing conditions and how much excavation and base work is required. We quote on site with base work itemized separately, so the pricing is clear.
When is paving season in the BC Interior?
Generally April through October, with shoulder-season work possible depending on temperature.
How soon can I drive on new asphalt?
Usually 24 to 48 hours, and a little longer in hot weather. For the first several weeks, park in varied spots, turn the wheel while rolling rather than stationary, and keep heavy static loads off the surface.
How long should asphalt last?
Properly built, 20 to 30 years with routine crack filling and periodic sealcoating. The base beneath makes the difference, which is why we build our own.
Should I repair, resurface or replace?
Repair suits isolated potholes and cracks in an otherwise sound surface. Resurfacing suits a worn surface over a stable base. Replacement is the right choice once the base itself needs rebuilding. We assess and recommend the option that genuinely fits your surface.
Can you work around our business or residents?
Yes. Commercial and strata lots are regularly phased, completed after hours or scheduled over weekends so parking and access remain available during the day.
Do you do line painting and stall marking?
Yes, including accessible stall layout to code, directional arrows, fire lanes and numbered stalls.
Concrete & Asphalt Works
Should I choose concrete or asphalt?
Asphalt costs less up front, flexes with freeze-thaw movement and is economical to repair — well suited to driveways, lots and large areas. Concrete lasts longer, handles heavy static loads and heat well, and gives a more finished appearance — well suited to slabs, aprons, sidewalks and foundations. Most properties use both. We install both, so our recommendation follows your site.
Why does concrete crack, and when does it matter?
Fine hairline cracking as concrete cures is normal and is exactly what control joints are designed to manage. Wider structural cracking usually points to base preparation, reinforcement, joint spacing, drainage or ground movement. We can tell you which has occurred in your property and what it needs.
Can concrete be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes — crack repair, resurfacing, trip hazard grinding and section replacement all work well when the slab and base below are sound.
How long before I can use new concrete?
Foot traffic typically after 24 to 48 hours, vehicles after about seven days, and full design strength at 28 days. We provide specific guidance for your pour.
How often should asphalt be sealcoated?
Generally every three to five years depending on traffic and sun exposure. It is inexpensive maintenance that meaningfully extends pavement life.
Do you do concrete cutting and removal on its own?
Yes — saw cutting, core drilling, breaking, removal and disposal, including as standalone work when another contractor is handling the replacement.
Can you do both the concrete and the asphalt on one project?
Yes, and that is the advantage of this division. Aprons and driveways, curbs and lots, pads and yards — sequenced properly, with one contractor and one invoice.
Seasonal Service
What seasonal services does Blackstone Excavation offer?
Blackstone Excavation provides complete year-round property maintenance and site preparation across Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola region. Our seasonal lineup includes Spring Cleaning Services (site clearing and debris cleanup), Summer Xeriscaping (drought-tolerant landscaping and hardscaping), Fall Winterization Services (drainage checks, erosion control, and freeze prep), and Winter Snow Removal (plowing, snow hauling, and site clearing).
Why is Xeriscaping ideal for summer projects in Interior BC?
Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants, rock gardens, retaining walls, and engineered hardscaping to create low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in dry climates. It drastically reduces irrigation needs, lowers utility bills, and prevents soil erosion during dry summer months.
What does Blackstone’s Fall Winterization service include?
Our fall service prepares your land and structures for severe freezing temperatures. We perform final site grading, culvert clearing, perimeter drainage inspections, brush clearing, and soil fortification to prevent water pooling, ice buildup, and severe frost-heave damage over the winter.
Does Blackstone Excavation offer commercial and residential snow removal?
Yes. We offer prompt, dependable winter snow plowing, site clearing, snow hauling, and de-icing for commercial parking lots, private roadways, industrial sites, stratas, and residential properties to keep access routes safe and operational.
How far in advance should I schedule seasonal site services?
We recommend booking 4 to 8 weeks prior to the seasonal transition to secure your spot on our schedule—especially for high-demand services like fall winterization ahead of the first freeze and winter snow clearing contracts.
When do your seasons start?
Spring: April 1st to June 30th
Summer: June 15th to September 15th
Fall: September 1st to October 31st
Winter: November 1st to March 31st
Summer: June 15th to September 15th
Fall: September 1st to October 31st
Winter: November 1st to March 31st
Contact Us!
Mailing Address
PO BOX 1266 Station Main
Kamloops, BC V2C 6H3
Hours of Operation
Summer Hours:
1st April to 31st October
Monday to Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm
Winter Hours:
1st November to 31st March
24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Accepted Methods of Payment
Credit Cards, Cash, Cheque, Bank draft, e-transfers, and debit cards
Request a Quote
Mark Grimm
I wanted to circle back and provide some feedback on the snow removal service so far this year. Was quite a snowy winter so far, and the service has been bang on excellent! All requests were complied with = thank you! My wife chooses to take taxis to work on extreme days and she reported the taxi driver commented he is in a lot of condo parking lots, and ours is the best he has seen. Thanks for taking good care of us!
Strata Council River View Village
Tony, the Strata Council at River View Village wants to say thank you for all that you do for us. We really appreciate all your hard work. Looking forward to working with you in the Fall/Winter.
Melody & Dave Swanson
Just wanted to thank you for the great job your guys did on our driveway! They were all VERY Professional! We are very happy. When we do the other side of the driveway we'll be calling you. Thanks again.
Strata Council KAS 1255, Orchard Village
As our council term comes to an end, we'd like to thank you for all your hard work. Your crew was professional, courteous and very helpful whenever a challenge presented itself. We appreciated your efforts.