Who makes the call, the excavator or the homeowner?

Dig|Safely. New York will never refuse a location request from a homeowner. However, most of the homeowners calling us are not the ones doing the digging; the law is clear on the need for the excavator to call in the notice. If a homeowner will be performing the actual excavation, this isn't an issue. If the homeowner has hired it out, however...

Here are the most common reasons why the contractor / excavator should call in the location request. Note this applies to contractor / subcontractor relationships as well -

The homeowner may not know the full extent of work.
The homeowner may become involved in the liability if an accident occurs.
Many times, utilities will wish to meet and consult with the excavator prior to the excavation. The homeowner is probably not the best person to be coordinating this...
The homeowner may not know the complete schedule of the work dates. Often, utilities will wish to meet and supervise the excavation while it is being done.
The homeowner may not know the type of equipment being used or any special information.
An excavator may increase his liability in the event of a damage, since the law requires the excavator make the stake-out request - not the person who contracted him.

Our first goal is to prevent damage to underground utilities. We wish to notify the utilities of all pending excavations near their facilities. This information can aid the utility and the contractor in preventing damage. We cannot determine liability and our goal is to prevent damage - not figure out whose fault it is.

Who makes the call, the excavator or the homeowner?

Having the excavator make the call saves time, confusion, and reduces the chances of mistakes.