What Every Homeowner Should Know About Excavation:
A Conversation with FTS Excavation
If you’ve ever wondered when to call an excavator, how to choose the right one, or what really happens beneath the surface of your property, this episode of Puyallup Home Pros is for you. I sat down with Beverly and Frank from FTS Excavation, a local, family‑run company serving Puyallup, Tacoma, and surrounding areas. Their story, expertise, and homeowner‑first approach make them one of the most trusted excavation teams in our region.
Whether you’re planning a DADU, dealing with drainage issues, or simply want to understand what’s happening under your yard, this conversation is packed with insights every homeowner should hear.
Meet FTS Excavation: A True Mom‑and‑Pop Success Story
FTS Excavation started with one excavator, one truck, one dump trailer — and a whole lot of determination.
Frank had been doing excavation work for over 30 years, and Beverly saw an opportunity to invest in his strengths. What began as a small side project quickly grew into a thriving business with multiple crews, commercial capacity, and a strong reputation for serving residential homeowners.
Today, FTS Excavation has grown to as many as 18 employees, multiple crews, and the equipment to take on projects ranging from small backyard fixes to half‑million‑dollar commercial jobs. But their heart remains in residential work.
“We love to please people… residential homeowners are where it’s at.”
Their passion shows — in their communication, their customer service, and the pride their crews take in every job.
Why Homeowners Love Working with FTS Excavation
Residential excavation is personal. Homeowners want clarity, communication, and confidence. FTS delivers all three.
They offer:
Daily project reports
Photos and updates
Clear communication
Consultation packages
0% in‑house financing
Project management options
These are services most excavation companies don’t offer — and they make a huge difference for homeowners who want transparency and peace of mind.
When Should You Call an Excavator?
Short answer: as soon as you think you need one.
Longer answer: excavation is seasonal, but FTS works year‑round. They can handle:
Site preparation
Drainage issues
Retaining walls
Utility trenching
DADU groundwork
Driveway repairs
High water table problems
While spring is ideal for planning, you don’t need to wait for perfect weather. If something looks off — standing water, sinking soil, a sloped driveway, or a future building project — it’s worth calling early.
“It doesn’t hurt to give us a call. No matter the time of year.”
The Three Main Services Homeowners Should Know
FTS Excavation breaks their work into three categories:
1. Site Preparation
Everything that happens before a build:
DADU groundwork
Driveways
Utility trenching
Grading
Clearing
2. Drainage
This is one of their biggest specialties. They understand:
Water tables
Soil types
Subsurface conditions
French drains
Catch basins
Dewatering
Redirecting groundwater
Drainage is often misunderstood — and DIY solutions can make things worse.
3. Retaining Walls
Walls under four feet typically don’t require permits, but they still need proper engineering and drainage to prevent failure.
FTS offers consultation packages for all three categories, helping homeowners understand what they need before committing to a project.
DIY Gone Wrong: Real Stories from the Field
Homeowners often try to fix drainage or excavation issues themselves — and sometimes it works. But when it doesn’t, the results can be dramatic.
Here are a few memorable stories:
Auburn Property with Three Underground Springs
A previous homeowner tried to fix drainage using exposed ADS pipes running across an acre of land. FTS stepped in, captured all three springs, piped them underground, and even turned one into a beautiful waterfall feature.
A Hillside Sliding Into a Garage
FTS removed unstable soil, installed a retaining wall, and redirected water — saving the structure and restoring usable space.
A High Water Table Septic System
A homeowner spent thousands on repairs that didn’t work. FTS lowered the water table instead, solving the issue permanently.
An Apartment Building with Basement Flooding
A property management company was prepared to spend over $100,000 digging around the entire building. FTS solved the problem at the source for a fraction of the cost.
These stories highlight a simple truth: water always wins unless you understand it.
How to Choose a Reputable Excavator
Here’s what homeowners should look for:
Licensed, bonded, insured
Strong reviews
Willingness to provide references
Clear communication
Daily reporting options
Lean waivers
Escrow or closing‑based payment options
Transparent estimates
FTS even offers 0% financing for 12 months, making urgent projects more manageable.
How to Tell If Existing Work Was Done Correctly
If you’re buying a home — or evaluating your current one — here are signs of trouble:
Rotting railroad tie retaining walls
Water staining on concrete walls
Standing water near foundations
Driveways cracking or sinking
French drains failing after 1–2 years
Drainage systems with no sump or debris trap
These issues often point to improper installation or lack of maintenance.
Why Homeowners Trust FTS Excavation
FTS Excavation stands out because they combine:
Deep technical expertise
A homeowner‑first mindset
Clear communication
Fair pricing
Creative problem‑solving
A genuine passion for serving people
They don’t just move dirt — they solve problems that protect homes, increase property value, and give homeowners peace of mind.
Thinking About a DADU, Drainage Fix, or Backyard Project?
Your property might have more potential than you realize — or more hidden issues than you can see. Whether you’re planning a build, dealing with water, or just want clarity, FTS Excavation is a team you can trust.
Reach out to FTS Excavation or give me a call.
We’re here to help you understand your land, protect your home, and make the most of your property.
Your next project starts with a conversation — and we’re ready when you are.
