Your Questions Answered by the Excavation Experts

At J.B.'s General Engineering Inc., we believe an informed client is a happy client. Over more than 35 years of serving Atascadero, CA, and the Central Coast, we have heard many of the same questions from homeowners and property managers planning their first septic installation, driveway replacement, or excavation project. Below, we have compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you do not see your question here, we encourage you to call or contact us directly.

General Questions

  • How long has J.B.'s General Engineering Inc. been in business?

    J.B.'s General Engineering Inc. was established in 1987. We have been serving Atascadero and the surrounding Central Coast communities for over 40 years — a track record that reflects the trust our clients place in us and our commitment to delivering quality work every time.

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

    Yes. We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured general engineering contractor. Our California contractor license number is #595006. You can verify our license status through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at any time.

  • What areas do you serve?

    We primarily serve Atascadero and the greater San Luis Obispo County area. Communities we regularly serve include:

    • Atascadero
    • Paso Robles
    • San Luis Obispo
    • Cambria
    • Los Osos
    • Shell Beach
    • Morro Bay
    • Shendon
    • Creston

    If you are unsure whether we serve your area, give us a call, and we will be happy to discuss your project.


  • Do you work on residential and commercial properties?

    Yes. We work on both residential and all commercial properties. Whether you own a single-family home, a ranch, a multi-unit complex, or a commercial building, we have the experience and equipment to handle your project.

  • How do I know if my septic system needs to be repaired or replaced?

    Common warning signs that your septic system needs attention include:

    • Slow drains throughout your home
    • Gurgling sounds in toilets or plumbing fixtures
    • Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches in your yard above the leach field
    • Sewage odors inside or outside the home
    • Sewage backups in drains or toilets

    If you notice any of these signs, contact us promptly for an inspection. Catching problems early can mean the difference between a simple repair and a full system replacement.

  • How long does a new septic system installation take?

    The timeline for a new septic installation depends on several factors:

    • Size and complexity of the system
    • Results of percolation testing
    • Time needed to obtain county permits
    • Site access and soil conditions

    In many cases, once permits are in hand, installation can be completed within a few days. We will give you a realistic timeline estimate when we assess your site.

  • What is involved in a septic-to-sewer hookup?

    Connecting to the city sewer system involves several key steps:

    • Excavating a trench from your home to the municipal sewer main
    • Installing new sewer pipe to the required depth and slope
    • Making the connection to the city's sewer system
    • Abandoning your existing septic tank in compliance with county requirements
    • Backfilling, compacting, and restoring the excavated area

    J.B.'s General Engineering Inc. handles the entire process from permits to final cleanup, coordinating all required inspections along the way.

Septic System Questions

Concrete Questions

  • How long does a new concrete driveway last?

    A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30 to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Concrete's longevity depends on:

    • Proper sub-base preparation and compaction
    • Correct concrete mix design for your site conditions
    • Appropriate steel reinforcement
    • Proper curing after the pour

    J.B.'s General Engineering Inc. takes each of these factors seriously on every project, which is why our concrete work stands the test of time.

  • Can you match the color or finish of my existing concrete?

    We can often achieve a close match using colored or tinted concrete and selecting the appropriate surface finish. While an exact match is rarely possible with older concrete that has weathered over time, we work closely with our clients to get as close as possible. We are also happy to discuss decorative finishes that can give all of your outdoor concrete a fresh, cohesive look.

  • Do you handle the permitting process?

    For many projects, we assist clients with the permitting process or advise on what permits are required. We have extensive experience navigating the permitting processes for:

    • Septic system installation and repair
    • City sewer connection
    • Excavation and grading work
    • Retaining wall construction

    We will discuss permit requirements with you during your estimate so there are no surprises.

  • How soon can you start my project?

    Project scheduling depends on our current workload and the scope of your project. We do our best to accommodate urgent situations, particularly for failing septic systems or drainage emergencies. Contact us to discuss your timeline, and we will do our best to get you scheduled quickly.

  • How do I get a cost estimate?

    Getting an estimate is easy. Simply:

    • Call us directly or fill out the contact form on our website
    • We will arrange a time to visit your property.
    • Our team assesses the scope of work in person
    • We provide you with a clear, itemized written estimate.

    We believe in transparent, fair pricing and are happy to explain every line item in our quotes. There is no obligation and no pressure.

Excavation and Grading Questions

Contact Us

Still have questions? Contact J.B.'s General Engineering Inc. today—we are happy to help. Call us or submit a contact form, and one of our team members will be in touch promptly. Serving Atascadero and the Central Coast since 1987. CA Lic. #595006.