Vermont’s 2024 population estimate is 648,493, with 59,844 in Washington County and 30,050 in Orange County—small numbers, but meaningful for local building and site work.

Homebuilding continues to inch forward: U.S. Census QuickFacts lists 203 residential building permits in Washington County in 2024, a useful signal for demand in site prep, drainage, and driveway work.

Montpelier is also investing in flood resilience: the city plans to remove the Pioneer Street Dam and restore an 18-acre floodplain, part of a broader recovery effort following 2023 flooding. Residents can find ongoing updates on the city’s flood recovery resources.

Below are micro-project ideas across towns in Central Vermont.

Montpelier & Berlin

• Regrade gravel driveways; add ditch lines to handle cloudbursts.
• French drains/swales to move roof and yard water away from foundations.
• Good fit: T66 for driveway shaping; E40 for trenching.

Barre City/Barre Town

• Yard reshaping after storm washouts; culvert inlet/outlet clean‑outs.
• Small concrete pad prep for sheds and compressors.
  Good fit: E40 for precise digging; T66 for base & compaction moves.
• Good fit: E40 for precise digging; T66 for base & compaction moves.

Waterbury & Mad River Valley (Waitsfield/Moretown)

• Hillside access paths; material shuttling for patios/gardens.
• Drainage swales above driveways to intercept runoff.
• Good fit: MT100 for tight backyards; T66 with forks/bucket.

Northfield & Randolph

• Trench new conduit/water lines on remodels; stump/root cleanup.
• Re‑crown long camp roads before freeze‑thaw.
• Good fit: E40 trenching; T66 for long runs.

Bradford & Orange/Chelsea/Topsham Corridor

• Shed pads and container pads; culvert shoulder repairs on camp roads.
• Material moves (stone, base, timbers) over soft ground.
• Good fit: T66 for grading; MT100 where access is tight.

What to Rent:

• Bobcat E40 mini excavator: trenching, drains, culverts, footing cuts.
• Bobcat T66 track loader: driveway regrading, stone delivery/spread, pallet forks for pavers.
• Bobcat MT100 mini track loader: narrow gates, turf‑friendly material shuttling.

Local digging note: In Vermont you must contact Dig Safe (811) at least 72 hours in advance (not including weekends/holidays) before excavation.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to dig a simple drainage trench on my property?

Outside waterways and septic areas, small landscape grading often doesn’t require a building permit, but you must call 811 first and verify local rules. For work near streams or in floodplains, review Vermont’s Flood Hazard Area & River Corridor rules and your town zoning. For septic or potable water work, see the state’s Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply permit guidance.

Can you deliver to my town?

Yes — Barre, Montpelier, Berlin, Northfield, Waterbury, Waitsfield/Moretown, Randolph, Bradford, Chelsea, Topsham and beyond. Same‑day is often possible, subject to availability.

Do you offer contractor pricing?

Yes! We offer 15% off rentals for contractors.

Get Started

Book your E40, T66 or MT100 online today. We deliver!

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