The digging, grading, and base work that gets your ground ready for a slab, pad, or driveway before the concrete crew arrives.
Concrete Prep
Before the pour
A Slab Is Only as Good as the Sub-Base Under It
A garage slab, a shop floor, a driveway, or a shed pad is only as solid as the ground beneath it. Pour concrete over soft or uneven ground and it cracks, settles, or holds water later, no matter how clean the finish looks on day one.
Concrete prep is the part that comes first. We dig the area out to depth, then lay a gravel sub-base and compact it down solid. From there we grade it to level, or to the fall you need, so the slab has a base that won’t settle. That part is ours. The forming and the pour are handled by your concrete crew, and we hand them a site that’s ready to go.
Victoria’s ground can hide rock and soft fill, and a base that isn’t dug and levelled properly is what cracks a slab down the road. We break through what we hit, cut the subgrade to the right depth, and grade it true with laser and GPS gear so the base sits flat.
A good build starts with good groundwork, and a slab is no different.
Start to finish
From the Quote to Pour-Ready Ground
- We size up the area and quote it straight. We look at the area, the access, and the ground, and go over what’s going on top, whether that’s a driveway, a slab, or a pad. Then we give you a written price and timeline.
- We dig it out and haul it off. The excavator cuts the area to depth and breaks through any rock, then the spoil gets hauled away so you’re not left with a pile to deal with.
- We lay the sub-base, compact it, and grade it level. We bring in the gravel sub-base, compact it down solid, and grade it flat, or to the fall you need so water runs off. Laser and GPS gear keeps the grade true.
- We clean up and hand it over.
The site is left tidy and pour-ready, and we do a final walk so you can sign off before the concrete crew comes in.
Planning a slab, pad, or driveway? Call (250) 885-2213 and we’ll take a look.
What our clients have to say
EXCELLENT
Based on 13 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Cameron HollidayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really impressed with the service , I have been in construction over 20 years, working with and operating equipment myself , Chris is a natural , fast and efficient, no mistakes and no damage to the property, extremely good guy, made instant friends with the local material yard and saved me a tonne of money on dump fees, highly recommend him to anybody interested ????Posted on Google![]()
Nolan MayrhoferTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Grant is an exceptional human and an incredible craftsman to work with. He genuinely loves what he does, and his mile-wide smile says it all. His passion for life shines through in his work, and it shows in every detail. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.Posted on Google![]()
Lorne RobertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Chris and his team did an outstanding job! They were professional, efficient, and really knew their stuff. The excavation work was done on time and with great attention to detail. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and they left the site clean and ready for the next stage of the project. If you’re looking for a reliable excavation company here on the Saanich Peninsula, I highly recommend Chris and his crew!Posted on Google![]()
Owen BainTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We've hired Auzzie a few times to expand our yard and worked with him on some other projects as well. Top notch operator and easy to work with, always friendly, knowledgeable and efficient! Will definitely be having him backPosted on Google![]()
Chris BrunnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Auzzie to put in a gravel driveway extension for us and are absolutely thrilled with the result! He is as masterful on the excavator as a surgeon is with a scalpel, and is thoroughly knowledgeable on all the little details that are often overlooked in getting the job done right. Also worth mentioning is that he made the whole job a lot of fun. Most importantly, however, is that he had the job done for us on time and on budget - and the outcome exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend Auzzie for any excavation project!Posted on Google![]()
Freddy MazereeuwTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When we needed to expand and level our yard for washroom trailer storage, Auzzie’s Earthworks was our first call, and they did a fantastic job. Chris quickly tore out bushes, regraded the area, spread gravel, and compacted everything down in just a few hours. The yard is now perfectly level and ready for our trailers. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for anyone needing efficient, professional site prep!Posted on Google![]()
Dynamic Fencing & DecksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Auzzie’s Earthworks to help with a challenging fencing project through Dynamic Fencing, and the experience was fantastic. We initially discovered that under the thick ivy was nothing but rock, roots, and loose dirt—no stable ground for a fence. Auzzie came out for an estimate, and right away, he had a clear plan to remove the ivy, rock, and debris, creating a 2'x24' trench so we could put in a retaining wall. Despite having limited space to work in and being surrounded by raised garden beds, he completed the job efficiently and without disturbing the vegetable garden. His speed, precision, and skill were top-notch. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for any tricky site work!Posted on Google![]()
Christopher AldridgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently worked with Auzzie from Auzzie’s Earthworks and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Communication was clear and fast from the start, which made planning a breeze. Despite our tight schedule, Auzzie was able to fit us in and arrived punctually, ready to go. The equipment he used was top-notch, and his skill in operating it quickly and efficiently was immediately evident. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for anyone looking for a reliable, professional servicePosted on Google![]()
Bill PeckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Auzzie gives a master class in customer service and quality work with every project. He is very skilled and vitally, very knowledgeable of local district bylaws. An absolute pleasure to work with. I have no reservations recommending him for your project. You will end up with a fine product and have a bunch of fun along the way.
Level from the start
Why Auzzie's Earthworx for Concrete Prep
The concrete crew pours the slab. We make sure they’re pouring on a sub-base that won’t move.
- Laser and GPS grading for a sub-base that sits true. We grade the subgrade dead level, or to the fall you need, so the slab isn’t fighting a bad base from day one.
- Rock is not a surprise to us. Victoria ground hides rock, and we break through it instead of working around it, so the base goes in at full depth.
- One crew for the whole prep. We dig, haul, and grade with the same team, so the ground is pour-ready without you lining up three outfits for one job.
Straight Answers
Common Questions About Concrete Prep
Before the concrete crew shows up, people usually want to know what it costs, whether we pour or just prep, and how we build and compact the sub-base.
How much does concrete prep cost in Victoria, BC?
Concrete prep cost in Victoria depends on the size of the area, how deep it has to be dug, whether there's rock to break, how much base material goes in, and how easily equipment can reach the spot. Send photos and rough measurements and we'll give you an accurate written quote.
How long does concrete prep take?
A small pad or slab is usually a day or two. Bigger areas, hard digging, or rock take longer, and you'll get an estimated timeline with your written quote.
Can you get equipment onto a tight lot for a slab or pad?
Yes. We use compact excavators that fit narrow access and work close to fences and buildings, so we can prep a spot in a back yard or a side lot without tearing up the rest of the property. We plan the route in before the machines arrive.
Do you pour the concrete too, or just prep the ground?
We do the prep: the digging, the base, and the grading that gets the ground ready. The forming and the pour are handled by a concrete crew.
How do you build and compact the sub-base?
Can you set the grade so water drains off instead of pooling?
Yes. Most outdoor concrete needs a slight fall so rain runs off rather than sitting on the surface, and we grade the sub-base to that fall using laser and GPS gear. If the job calls for dead level instead, we do that. Either way the grade is set before the pour, so water ends up going where it should.
Have questions? Get in touch!
Get the Ground Right Before You Pour
We clear lots across Victoria and the surrounding communities. If you’ve got a slab, pad, or driveway going in, the quickest way to find out what the prep takes is a straight conversation.
Call (250) 885-2213 to go over the job, or send a few photos and measurements through the free quote form for a faster, more accurate number.
Auzzie’s Earthworx is insured, with documentation available on request.
“We grade the ground before the base goes down. See our grading service.” or “Water pooling where the slab’s going? See our drainage service.”