Excavation Contractor Montreal - Complete Service Area Coverage

From Terrebonne to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, our team serves all of Greater Montreal and surrounding areas. The map below showcases our wide service radius — no matter where you’re located in the metropolitan region, we’re here to handle all your demolition and excavation needs.

excavation contractor montreal

Looking for a reliable excavation contractor in Montreal? Excavation Chanthier serves homeowners and businesses across an 89km radius covering Greater Montreal, Laval, North Shore, South Shore, and Laurentides. As Montreal’s specialized excavation contractor since 2011, we handle residential and commercial projects including pool removal, French drain installation, sewer line replacement, and structure demolition. Our compact equipment accesses properties standard excavators can’t reach, and we manage all municipal permits across 50+ municipalities. RBQ licensed #5644-4649-01 with $2M liability insurance.

📞 Call Now: (450) 821-2876

📧 Email: info@excavationchanthier.com


Professional Excavation & Demolition Services Across Greater Montreal

From our Terrebonne headquarters, Excavation Chanthier serves homeowners and businesses throughout an 89km radius covering Greater Montreal, North Shore, South Shore, Laval, and Laurentides regions.

Service Coverage at a Glance

Operating Radius:

  • 89km from Terrebonne headquarters
  • 50+ municipalities across Greater Montreal
  • Complete municipal permit management included
  • Average 24-48 hour mobilization for residential projects
  • Same expert team and equipment across all service zones
  • Residential and commercial services available

Primary Service Regions:

  • Montreal – All boroughs and surrounding municipalities
  • Laval – Complete coverage across all sectors
  • North Shore – Terrebonne, Blainville, Saint-Jérôme, Mascouche, Repentigny
  • South Shore – Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Hubert, Boucherville, Chambly
  • Laurentides – Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle

What Makes Us Different as a Montreal Excavation Company

36″ Compact Equipment Width – Fits Through Gates
50+ Municipalities – Permits Managed
14+ Years Montreal Expertise
89km Service Radius from Terrebonne

Three key advantages separate professional Montreal excavation contractors from the rest:

  1. Compact Equipment – Our mini-excavators fit through 36-inch gates, accessing properties standard equipment cannot reach
  2. Complete Permit Management – 14 years navigating Greater Montreal’s 50+ municipal permit processes means you never visit City Hall
  3. Local Soil Expertise – Montreal clay soils, South Shore marine clay, and Laurentides bedrock all require specialized knowledge

Operating since 2011 • RBQ License #5644-4649-01 • $2M Liability Insurance • CNESST Coverage


Residential & Commercial Excavation Services [Montreal Region]

Every service backed by 14+ years of experience and available across our complete 89km service area. Municipal permits handled completely by our team.

1. Inground Swimming Pool Removal

Complete demolition of concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools. Our comprehensive service includes feasibility assessment, complete removal, engineered backfill, compaction, and debris transport. Our compact excavation equipment accesses backyards through standard residential gates.

⚠️ Why choose professional pool removal over DIY: Improper pool removal creates long-term property damage, inadequate drainage, and future foundation issues. Our BNQ-certified process ensures proper backfill compaction and drainage protection that DIY approaches cannot achieve.

Permits handled: We manage all demolition permits, municipal inspections, and compliance requirements across Greater Montreal.

Typical project duration: 2-3 days depending on pool size and access.

Complete Pool Removal Guide →

2. French Drain Installation & Replacement

Perimeter drainage systems with 20-year warranty. We use exclusively BNQ-certified materials, Delta-MS and Valco waterproofing membranes. Specialized expertise in Montreal’s challenging clay soils and freeze-thaw cycle requirements.

🚫 DIY french drain warning: Improper french drain installation leads directly to basement flooding, progressive foundation damage, and repairs costing 3-5x more than professional installation. Professional installation ensures correct slope gradient, proper backfill layering, and long-term performance in Quebec’s harsh climate.

Permits managed: French drain excavation often requires municipal permits – we handle all applications, engineering approvals, inspections, and municipal sign-offs.

Quebec-specific considerations: Frost line depth requirements, clay soil drainage rates, and seasonal installation timing all factor into proper french drain design.

French Drain Complete Guide →

3. Sewer & Water Main Line Services

Complete underground plumbing installation and replacement for residential and commercial properties. We handle all municipal permits and inspections – from initial application to final approval across all Greater Montreal municipalities. Fast response times.

Municipal coordination included: Sewer and water main work requires complex permit applications, utility location coordination (Info-Excavation), and multiple inspection stages. We manage the entire bureaucratic process so you don’t spend weeks navigating municipal requirements.

Why professional installation matters: Underground plumbing work involves high-pressure water mains and sewage systems. Improper installation causes property flooding, contamination risks, and municipal fines. Licensed contractors are mandatory for permit approval.

4. Residential Excavation

Foundation work, home extensions, basement lowering, and site preparation. Specialized experience with tight Montreal urban properties where access and proximity to neighboring structures require precision excavation techniques.

Services include:

  • Foundation excavation for new construction
  • Basement underpinning and lowering
  • Home addition site preparation
  • Foundation repair access excavation
  • Drainage system installation

Permits handled: Foundation excavation requires engineering approvals and municipal building permits – we coordinate everything from engineer consultations to final inspections.

Montreal-specific expertise: Clay soil excavation, existing utility protection, and working within Montreal’s typical 25′ x 100′ urban lots.

5. Structure Demolition

House, garage, shed, and building demolition services. Post-disaster intervention demolition available. Complete debris removal, site cleanup, and disposal coordination.

⚠️ Safety-first approach: Structure demolition requires proper utility disconnection (electrical, gas, water), asbestos testing and abatement if present, and comprehensive municipal permits. Never attempt DIY demolition on any structure with utility connections – the risks include electrocution, gas explosion, and structural collapse.

Permit management: Demolition permit requirements vary significantly across Greater Montreal municipalities. We handle all submissions, safety inspection coordination, and compliance documentation.

What’s included:

  • Pre-demolition utility disconnection coordination
  • Complete structural demolition
  • Debris sorting and removal
  • Site grading and cleanup
  • All municipal permits and inspections

Why Choose Our Montreal Excavation Company: Equipment Advantage

Greater Montreal’s urban density creates unique excavation challenges that most contractors cannot solve. Understanding why equipment matters helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes.

The Access Problem Most Montreal Properties Face

Most residential properties in Greater Montreal have:

  • Narrow side yards – 3 to 6 feet typical width
  • No rear alley access – common in row houses and older neighborhoods
  • Mature trees and landscaping – blocking traditional access routes
  • Underground utilities – running through primary access points
  • Neighboring structures – limiting equipment maneuverability space
  • Heritage property restrictions – preventing facade alterations for access

The reality: Standard excavation equipment physically cannot reach most Montreal residential backyards.

Our Specialized Compact Equipment Fleet

We invested specifically in solving Montreal’s unique access challenges:

Mini-Excavators (36-inch width):

  • Fit through standard residential side gates
  • Full excavation power in compact footprint (12,000+ lbs digging force)
  • Zero-turn radius for tight space maneuvering
  • Rubber tracks protect lawns and landscaping
  • Access properties other contractors must refuse

Case 145 & 235 Compact Excavators:

  • Narrow enough for single-driveway access (6-foot width)
  • Powerful enough for deep foundation excavation
  • Specifically engineered for Montreal clay soil excavation
  • Attachments for multiple job types (bucket, breaker, auger)

Compact Track Loaders:

  • Navigate 6-foot side yards fully loaded
  • Minimal ground pressure prevents lawn damage
  • Material hauling in restricted spaces
  • Backfill placement precision

Montreal Access Challenges We Solve Daily

Real scenarios from our 14 years serving Greater Montreal:

  • Backyard pools with no rear lane access (70% of our pool removals)
  • Row houses with 4-foot side yards as only entry point
  • Properties with mature maple tree roots blocking side access
  • Typical Montreal urban lots (25′ x 100′ standard dimensions)
  • Foundation work within 3 feet of neighboring properties
  • Underground utility corridors requiring precision excavation

DIY excavation equipment warning: Renting standard-size excavation equipment for Montreal residential properties typically results in three problems:

  1. Equipment won’t fit – Most rental excavators are 8+ feet wide
  2. Property damage – Forcing large equipment causes lawn destruction, fence damage, and landscaping loss
  3. Stuck equipment – Standard excavators bog down in Montreal clay soils in tight spaces

Compact excavation equipment requires specialized operator training. The tight quarters, precision requirements, and equipment capabilities differ completely from standard excavation.

If your neighbor successfully completed excavation work, we can reach your property too.


Why Montreal Properties Need Specialized Excavation Contractors

Montreal’s unique urban and geological challenges require specialized excavation expertise that out-of-region contractors and DIY approaches cannot provide.

Urban Density Issues

70% Montreal properties need compact equipment
3-6 ft Average side yard width
8-10 ft Standard excavator width
25′ x 100′ Typical Montreal urban lot

Soil Challenges Unique to Greater Montreal

RegionSoil TypeChallengeSpecialized Approach
MontrealLeda ClayHigh plasticity, poor drainageSpecific compaction techniques
South ShoreMarine ClayHigh water content, settlement risksSpecialized equipment & backfill
LavalLimestone BedrockVarying depth, rock excavationHydraulic breakers, blasting permits
LaurentidesCanadian ShieldExposed bedrock, bouldersHeavy equipment, extended timelines

Municipal Permit Complexity

MunicipalityTypical Processing TimeRequirements
Montreal3-6 weeksTechnical drawings, engineering stamp
Laval2-4 weeksInspection protocols, utility coordination
Longueuil3-5 weeksEnvironmental assessment for some work
Terrebonne2-3 weeksSimplified for residential
Saint-Jérôme2-4 weeksHeritage district considerations

With our permit management: We reduce processing to 1-2 weeks through established relationships, process knowledge, and complete application preparation.


Commercial Excavation Services Montreal

While this page focuses primarily on residential services, Excavation Chanthier serves commercial and light industrial clients across Greater Montreal with the same expertise and equipment advantages.

Commercial Capabilities Include:

Site Development:

  • Commercial site preparation and grading
  • Parking lot excavation and sub-base preparation
  • Storm water management system installation
  • Commercial building foundation excavation

Underground Infrastructure:

  • Commercial underground utility installation
  • Large-diameter sewer and water main work
  • Electrical and communications conduit trenching
  • Complex utility coordination projects

Commercial Structure Work:

  • Commercial building demolition
  • Strip mall and retail renovation excavation
  • Industrial facility site work
  • Multi-unit residential development excavation

Compact Equipment Advantage for Commercial: Many commercial projects in urban Montreal face the same access restrictions as residential properties. Our compact equipment fleet accesses commercial sites through standard doorways and corridors.

For commercial project inquiries: Contact us at (450) 821-2876 for site assessment and detailed quotes.


Excavation Response Times – Greater Montreal Coverage

Expected Mobilization by Region

Typical Excavation Project Duration: 2-5 days depending on scope, soil conditions, and weather. Complex projects requiring multiple municipal inspections may extend timelines.

Permit Processing Time: Separate from mobilization. We typically secure permits within 1-2 weeks, though municipal processing varies. This is handled completely before excavation begins.

Seasonal Considerations:

  • French drain installation: April through November (requires ground thaw)
  • Demolition work: Year-round availability
  • Foundation excavation: Weather-dependent but generally April-November optimal
  • Pool removal: Year-round with seasonal pricing variations

Cities & Municipalities Served by Our Excavation Contractors

Our excavation services cover 50+ municipalities within an 89km radius from Terrebonne, ensuring consistent quality and expertise across Greater Montreal.

Montreal (Île de Montréal)

All boroughs including: Ahuntsic-Cartierville • Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie • Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal • Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce • Ville-Marie • Le Sud-Ouest • Verdun • LaSalle • Lachine • Dorval • Pointe-Claire • Beaconsfield • Kirkland • Dollard-des-Ormeaux • Pierrefonds-Roxboro • Saint-Laurent • Montréal-Nord • Anjou • Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve • Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles

Laval

Complete coverage – all sectors: Laval-des-Rapides • Duvernay • Vimont • Sainte-Rose • Fabreville • Chomedey • Auteuil • Pont-Viau • Laval-Ouest • Sainte-Dorothée • Laval-sur-le-Lac

North Shore (Rive-Nord)

Complete excavation services: Terrebonne • Mascouche • Repentigny • L’Assomption • Blainville • Boisbriand • Sainte-Thérèse • Rosemère • Lorraine • Bois-des-Filion • Saint-Eustache • Deux-Montagnes • Mirabel • Saint-Jérôme • Saint-Lin-Laurentides • Sainte-Sophie • Saint-Colomban • Prévost

South Shore (Rive-Sud)

Full service coverage: Longueuil • Saint-Hubert • Greenfield Park • Boucherville • Brossard • Saint-Lambert • Sainte-Julie • Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville • Beloeil • McMasterville • Chambly • Carignan • Saint-Basile-le-Grand • Varennes • Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu • Saint-Constant • Candiac • La Prairie • Delson • Sainte-Catherine

Laurentides

Mountain region coverage: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts • Saint-Sauveur • Sainte-Adèle • Val-Morin • Val-David • Morin-Heights • Piedmont • Prévost • Saint-Hippolyte • Sainte-Sophie • Saint-Colomban • Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs • Wentworth-Nord

Not listed? If you’re within 89km of Terrebonne by road, we likely serve your municipality. Call (450) 821-2876 to confirm coverage.


14+ Years as Montreal’s Trusted Excavation Contractor

Why Regional Excavation Experience Matters

Operating as an excavation contractor across Greater Montreal’s diverse geography requires specialized knowledge that DIY attempts and out-of-region contractors simply cannot match.

✓ Complete Permit Management (Our Major Differentiator)

This is what separates professional Montreal excavation contractors from the rest:

We handle everything related to municipal permits:

  • Complete application preparation including technical drawings
  • Submission coordination across 50+ different municipal processes
  • Inspector relationship management for smooth approval processes
  • Compliance documentation for all code requirements
  • Follow-up inspections at critical project stages
  • Final approval coordination and documentation

The homeowner reality without professional permit management: Most Greater Montreal homeowners attempting to secure excavation permits themselves spend 3-6 weeks navigating complex municipal bureaucracy, often facing:

  • Application rejections due to incomplete technical documentation
  • Confusion about engineering stamp requirements
  • Multiple resubmissions delaying projects by months
  • Unexpected inspection failures requiring costly work redos
  • Municipal fines for beginning work without proper permits

You don’t visit City Hall. You don’t fill out complex forms. You don’t chase municipal inspectors. We handle it all completely.

Permit cost transparency: All permit fees are specified separately in your quote for complete transparency. The significant value is our management of the entire process, not just the fees.

14 years of permit experience means we know every Greater Montreal municipal process, every inspector, and every requirement. Projects that take homeowners 6+ weeks to permit, we complete in 1-2 weeks.

✓ Specialized Soil Expertise

Montreal’s Leda Clay (high plasticity):

  • Expands significantly when wet, contracts when dry
  • Extremely poor natural drainage characteristics
  • Requires specific compaction techniques for backfill stability
  • Seasonal volume changes affect all underground structures
  • French drain design must account for clay impermeability

South Shore Marine Clay (Champlain Sea deposit):

  • Even higher water content than Montreal clay
  • Extreme settlement risks with improper excavation and backfill
  • Requires specialized compaction equipment and techniques
  • Foundation work needs engineering oversight

Laval Bedrock Variations:

  • Limestone bedrock appears at unpredictable depths
  • Rock excavation requires specialized equipment (hydraulic breakers)
  • Some deep excavations require controlled blasting (additional permits)
  • Utility installation through rock dramatically increases costs

Laurentides Rocky Terrain (Canadian Shield):

  • Exposed bedrock common across properties
  • Large glacial boulders create excavation obstacles
  • Heavy equipment required for most projects
  • Project timelines extend due to rock removal requirements

✓ Quebec Climate Adaptation

Freeze-thaw cycle considerations:

  • Quebec experiences 70-100 freeze-thaw cycles annually
  • French drains must be installed below frost line (4-6 feet minimum)
  • Improper depth causes system failure and costly replacement
  • Seasonal timing affects excavation feasibility and soil workability

Seasonal excavation planning:

  • Frozen ground (December-March) prevents most excavation work
  • Spring thaw (April-May) creates challenging excavation conditions
  • Optimal excavation season: May-November
  • Emergency work possible year-round with limitations

✓ Local Supplier Relationships

BNQ-certified materials sourcing:

  • Direct relationships with certified suppliers mean better pricing
  • Quality assurance on all drainage materials
  • Faster delivery times during peak season
  • Priority access to specialized materials

Montreal-specific material requirements:

  • BNQ 2501-255 certified drainage pipes mandatory
  • Delta-MS membrane for clay soil applications
  • Valco polyurea waterproofing for block foundations
  • Clean crushed stone (not river rock) for proper drainage

Credentials Valid Across All Service Areas

Professional licensing and insurance:

  • RBQ License #5644-4649-01 (Verify License →)
  • Certified excavation equipment operators (Régie du Bâtiment du Québec)
  • Full CNESST workplace safety coverage
  • $2M Liability Insurance protecting your property
  • Workers’ compensation coverage for all team members

Company history:

  • Founded: 2011
  • 14+ years serving Greater Montreal exclusively
  • 1,000+ residential excavation projects completed
  • 200+ commercial excavation projects
  • Specialization in Montreal’s unique urban and geological challenges

Frequently Asked Questions – Excavation Services Montreal

Q: What area does Excavation Chanthier serve in Montreal?

A: We serve an 89km radius from our Terrebonne headquarters, covering 50+ municipalities including all Montreal boroughs, Laval (complete coverage), North Shore, South Shore, and Laurentides regions up to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

If you’re within 89km of Terrebonne by road, we likely serve you. Our coverage includes the entire Greater Montreal urban area. Call (450) 821-2876 to confirm coverage for your specific location.

Q: Can your excavation equipment access tight Montreal properties?

A: Yes. This is actually our primary specialization and differentiator.

Our mini-excavators fit through gates as narrow as 36 inches (3 feet), allowing access to most Montreal residential backyards through side yards. We invested specifically in compact excavation equipment because 70% of Greater Montreal properties cannot be accessed by standard excavation equipment.

Access scenarios we handle regularly:

  • Row houses with single side-yard access only
  • Backyard pools with no rear alley
  • Properties with mature tree obstacles
  • Side yards as narrow as 3-4 feet
  • Urban lots with neighboring structures close to property lines

If any access path exists to your backyard – even through a standard residential gate – we can likely reach your property.

Q: Do you charge travel fees outside Montreal’s core?

A: No travel fees within our standard 89km service area.

Pricing remains consistent whether you’re in downtown Montreal, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, or anywhere within our coverage radius. We don’t penalize homeowners for geographic location within Greater Montreal.

Q: What’s your minimum project size for excavation work?

A: No minimum project size.

We handle everything from small french drain repairs (10 linear feet) to complete house demolitions. Whether you need a small drainage fix or a major excavation project, our pricing remains fair and transparent.

Q: Are permits included in your excavation service?

A: Yes – we handle everything. This is one of our major differentiators as a Montreal excavation contractor.

Complete permit management includes:

  1. Research & Application Preparation:
    • Determine exact municipal requirements for your project
    • Prepare all technical documentation
    • Secure engineering stamps where required
    • Create compliance documentation
  2. Submission & Coordination:
    • Submit applications to appropriate municipal departments
    • Coordinate with municipal inspectors
    • Manage Info-Excavation (utility location) requirements
    • Track application status and follow up
  3. Inspection Management:
    • Schedule all required inspections
    • Ensure work meets inspection standards
    • Address any inspection concerns immediately
    • Secure final approval documentation

Why this matters: Greater Montreal has 50+ municipalities with different permit requirements. Most homeowners spend 3-6 weeks trying to navigate permit applications themselves, often facing rejections and resubmissions.

We complete the same permit process in 1-2 weeks through established relationships and process expertise.

You never visit City Hall, fill out complex forms, or chase municipal inspectors. We do it all.

Q: Do you offer commercial excavation services?

A: Yes. While this page focuses on residential excavation services, we serve commercial and light industrial clients across Greater Montreal.

Our compact equipment advantage applies equally to commercial projects, especially in urban Montreal where commercial properties face similar access restrictions.

Contact us at (450) 821-2876 for commercial project quotes and site assessments.

Q: How quickly can you start my excavation project?

A: Typical mobilization is 24-72 hours depending on your region and our current project schedule.

Timeline factors:

  • Equipment mobilization: 24-72 hours
    • Montreal core/Laval: Usually 24 hours
    • North/South Shore: 24-48 hours
    • Laurentides: 48-72 hours
  • Permit processing: 1-2 weeks (separate timeline)
  • Total project duration: 2-5 days for most residential work

Call (450) 821-2876 to discuss your specific project timeline and scheduling options.

Q: Can you work in winter months?

A: Some services yes, others no. Quebec’s climate creates limitations for certain excavation work.

Year-round services:

  • Structure demolition (any season)
  • Above-ground demolition work
  • Some emergency foundation access (case-by-case)

Seasonal limitations (typically April-November):

  • French drain installation (requires ground thaw)
  • Most underground utility work (frozen ground issues)
  • Foundation excavation for additions (frost concerns)
  • Any work requiring significant soil compaction

Best excavation season: May through November for most projects.

Q: Why shouldn’t I just rent excavation equipment and DIY?

A: Four critical risks make DIY excavation far more expensive than professional installation:

  1. Permit Requirements (Risk #1):
    • Most excavation work requires municipal permits
    • Permits require licensed contractors in most municipalities
    • DIY permits almost always rejected due to missing technical requirements
    • Municipal fines for unpermitted work exceed professional installation costs
    • Insurance won’t cover DIY excavation damage
  2. Equipment Access Problem:
    • Rental excavators average 8-10 feet width
    • Montreal residential side yards average 3-6 feet
    • Standard rental equipment physically won’t fit your property
    • Forcing large equipment causes extensive property damage
    • Compact equipment requires specialized operator training
  3. Technical Knowledge Gap:
    • Montreal clay soil requires specific excavation techniques
    • Improper drainage slope causes complete system failure
    • Underground utilities need precision location (Info-Excavation)
    • French drain design depends on soil type, property slope, climate
    • Foundation excavation near existing structures risks structural damage
  4. True Cost Reality:
    • Equipment rental: $300-600/day (minimum 3-5 days)
    • Operator learning curve: Expect mistakes and delays
    • Property damage repair: Often $2,000-5,000+
    • Utility damage: Can exceed $10,000 (plus legal liability)
    • Failed system replacement: DIY french drain replacement typically costs 2-3x professional installation
    • Permit fine risk: $500-5,000+ depending on municipality

Professional installation costs less than DIY mistakes.


Ready to Start Your Montreal Excavation Project?

Get Your Free Quote Today

Three ways to contact us:

📞 Call: (450) 821-2876
Mon-Sat 6am-6pm

📧 Email: info@excavationchanthier.com

📝 Free Quote Form: Get Detailed Quote →

What to Expect:

  1. Initial Consultation (15-30 minutes):
    • Discuss your project scope and goals
    • Review property access and site conditions
    • Explain municipal permit requirements
    • Answer all your questions
  2. Site Assessment (scheduled within 24-48 hours):
    • Professional evaluation of your property
    • Equipment access confirmation
    • Soil condition assessment
    • Detailed timeline projection
  3. Detailed Quote (provided within 24 hours of assessment):
    • Complete project breakdown
    • Equipment and labor costs specified
    • Permit fees listed separately
    • Timeline with key milestones
    • Payment schedule
    • 20-year warranty details (french drain work)
  4. Project Execution:
    • We handle all permit applications
    • Professional excavation with compact equipment
    • Daily progress updates
    • Municipal inspection coordination
    • Complete site cleanup
    • Final walkthrough and documentation

No-obligation quote. No pressure. Just honest, professional excavation service.

Last updated: October 2025