Meet Your Operator
Welcome! I’m Chris, the owner and primary equipment operator here at Island Efficient Excavating.
Want to learn more about my background running excavators and skid-steer loaders? Or about Island Efficient Excavating’s history? Check out the about page.
Otherwise, just keep on scrolling to learn all about what we do best: helping the fine folks of Nanaimo move material, trench lines, and dig holes!
Chris Sarauer
Equipment Operator & Owner of Island Efficient Excavating
A Contractor You Can Count On
Hiring a contractor can be daunting:
- Will they return my calls?
- Will they show up on time?
- Will they do a good job?
- Will their invoice match the quote?
But it doesn't have to be!
At Island Efficient Excavating, you don’t have to worry. We know that it’s a privilege just to be invited onto your property.
As a family business with roots in Nanaimo, we treat our clients like the members of our community that they are.
That means no games, and no BS. Just expert excavation work with a smile.
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We’ll return your calls
We hear stories about contractors leaving their clients in a lurch all the time. That’s not our style.
When you work with Island Efficient Excavating, expect prompt replies and clear communication from day one.
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You’ll get a clear estimate
“How much?” should be an easy question to answer, so we make sure our estimates are clear and easily understood.
You’ll be able to confidently work our rates into the cost of your project without worrying about overruns or dodgy up-charges.
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Your job will be done right
We have an eye for detail here at Island Efficient Excavating. In fact, owner and equipment operator Chris Sarauer comes from a background in cabinetry, a trade built around fine tolerances.
So when we’re working on your project with excavators and skid-steer loaders, expect Chris and the crew to bring that same level of quality control to every dig.
When the city was dropping the ball this man was out clearing roads with his excavator, helping people dig out their cars and making sure things were safe for everyone.
Chris is one hell of an operator and an absolute gentleman. You need to hire him.
Turning Dreams Into Reality Since 1991
There are many ways Island Efficient Excavating can help turn your dream project into a reality. What project have you been putting on hold?
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Break ground on your dream home
When it’s time to break ground and dig the foundation on your dream home, you can count on Island Efficient Excavating to do the job right.
But foundation excavation isn’t all we can help with, either.
Island Efficient Excavating is here to help from start to finish:
- Provide road access to your building site
- Clear your land of unwanted debris
- Provide demolition and rock breaking services for tough materials
- Grade and shape the land
- Prep for water and electrical lines, and other site services
- Dig your drain tile and perimeter drains
You can even bring us back to construct a beautiful and functional wood garden structure, such as a fence, deck, or sheds!
Not bad for a single phone call!
Searching for a home builder? Check out our sister company Island Efficient Homes for info on how we construct the most energy and space efficient homes on the market.
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Build the backyard you’ve always wanted
Our machines can move mountains. Well, maybe not actual mountains, but they sure can move enough material to shape your property!
One of our biggest passions at Island Efficient Excavating is turning something average into something amazing.
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a custom garden shed to hold your tools, or a cedar deck to hold your dearest friends and family. We can help!
Or maybe you’ve had enough of the neighbours, and need to increase your privacy and security with a custom fence? No problem!
And if your property isn't quite suitable, we can always help to grade and re-shape the land to match your vision.
Whatever your dream yard looks like, count on Island Efficient Excavating to get it out of your head and into the real world!
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Breathe life into unused & unusable land
Most of us have that one place on our property that just isn’t good for much of, well, anything. Maybe the slope is a bit steep, or the ground is soft. Maybe it’s a funny shape, or the sun doesn’t quite reach back there...
Once again it’s our equipment to the rescue!
Hiring a Nanaimo excavation contractor to reshape your property can work wonders for converting the unusable into the functional.
But not all contractors are created equal. Sure, it’s not that hard to find an operator with the skill to perform the work. But wouldn’t it be beneficial if they were also creative, and good at seeing the big picture?
Thanks in part to a background in fine cabinetry and furniture building, we believe creative problem-solving and forward-thinking are two skills that Island Efficient Excavating brings to every job. (Of course, we’re experts at running the equipment, too.)
In addition to reshaping and grading your lot, we can clear your property, remove any stubborn rocks and concrete, and even build paths or roads to inaccessible areas.
When it’s time to finally convert that “nothing” space into something useful, contact Chris at Island Efficient Excavating for a job well done.
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Stop losing sleep over recurring water problems
Here in Nanaimo, we get (more than) our fair share of rainfall. And even though living in one of the most beautiful places in the world certainly has a few benefits, excessive rain can take a toll on our homes and businesses.
Water backing up against the foundation can cause major damage and costly repairs. Water pooling in our yards and patios can quickly turn from being a nuisance to being a liability. And when we leave a water issue for too long, it brings on even bigger headaches.
Water problems can be caused by a failed perimeter drain system, or you may need to consider improving water runoff by grading your property. In some cases, installing a drainage field may be necessary.
So if you get a little nervous every time it rains, it’s time for a change. Bring in Island Efficient Excavating for a free consultation to review your water problems and solve them once and for all!
Nanaimo Excavation Services
Just the facts, ma'am. Below you’ll find our complete range of Nanaimo and area excavation services. Tap the tiles to learn more.
Chris told me he had operated equipment for more years than he wanted to remember :)
When I saw him operate his Bobcat E42 it was obvious to me that he knew his stuff. Work was done in less time than quoted and he left our property clean and tidy after a job well done.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn’t answered here just send us a message.
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What cities/areas do you serve?
We provide our excavation contracting services to the Nanaimo area.
Our service area extends to nearby neighbourhoods such as Cedar, Yellowpoint, Lantzville, and Nanoose Bay.
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What size of jobs can you handle?
Small to medium-sized jobs are our speciality.
We’re a family-owned and operated company, not a huge corporation. We excel at working on residential lots of all sizes, but you probably shouldn’t hire us to build a highway.
For a more specific answer, contact us with the details about your project and we can take it from there.
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Are you insured and WorkSafeBC compliant?
Yes. Island Efficient Excavating is completely insured, licensed, and bonded. We are happy to provide a WorkSafeBC clearance letter upon request.
We take jobsite safety very seriously and regularly review and update our own operating procedures.
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Can your equipment fit through tight spaces?
Yes. Our rubber-tracked mini-excavator only needs a 6-foot wide path to fit through.
We can also arrange for even narrower equipment if you have very limited space to work in. In this case, we’ll just need to make sure the smaller machine has the power to do your job before we get started.
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Do you offer free estimates?
Yes! Just contact us with your project details and we will be happy to arrange for a complimentary estimate.
You can phone us directly at 250.755.1865 or send a message through the contact form on this website.
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What are your payment and cancellation policies?
Once you approve your estimate, a 50% deposit is required before work is scheduled. The balance of the project is due upon completion. Payments can be made by cheque, cash, or credit card (via PayPal).
Depending on the scale of your project, interim payment(s) may be required. In any case, your payment schedule will be clear and agreed upon before we break ground so you know what to expect.
We do not offer refunds on paid deposits.
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What’s your hourly rate?
$120 is our standard hourly rate for operator and rubber-tracked mini excavator for jobs based in Nanaimo, BC.
We also provide project-based estimates. To arrange for your free consultation, phone 250.755.1865 or get in touch via our website’s contact form.
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Are you affiliated with Island Efficient Homes?
Yes, we are! Island Efficient Homes is managed by Chris’ son, Levi.
For more information on the unique services offered by Island Efficient Homes – including insulated concrete form (ICF) home construction – please visit our sister site at islandefficienthomes.ca.
