Glossary

Excavation / Trenching

Sheet under review by our engineers

These are the holes or trenches dug in the ground to install your house's foundations. It's the first step after clearing the land.

Why it matters for your home

Excavations must be dug to the correct depth and width, on stable ground, so that the foundations can properly support the house. If the excavations are poorly done (not deep enough, on soft ground), the house risks shifting or settling.

The African context

Often done manually, which can lead to uneven depths or easily collapsing sides if the soil is loose or wet. It's crucial to ensure the bottom of the excavation is clean and stable before any pouring.

Red flags

  • ⚠ The excavation walls are collapsing or are very uneven.
  • ⚠ There is stagnant water or debris (stumps, garbage) at the bottom of the excavations.
  • ⚠ The excavations are not all at the same depth or at the depth indicated on the plan.

Questions to ask

  • 1. "What is the minimum depth of the excavations for our foundations?"
  • 2. "How will you stabilize the excavation walls if the soil is loose?"
  • 3. "How long after digging do you plan to pour the concrete?"

Cost hint (indicative)

Varies greatly depending on soil type and depth. Usually included in the foundation price, or about 500 to 2,000 FCFA per m³ for manual earthwork.

At this stage of your project?

An independent DiasporaBuild inspector can verify on site before you pay.