RJL Contracting · Belchertown, MA
Questions about septic systems, excavation, drainage, and working with RJL. If you don't see your question here, call us at 413-575-4632.
Most septic system installations take 3 to 5 days of active work on site. The full timeline from permit application to final inspection is typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your town's Board of Health schedules the percolation test and approves the permit.
Title 5 is the Massachusetts State Environmental Code governing septic systems. It sets the standards for system design, installation, and inspection. A Title 5 inspection is required when you sell a property in Massachusetts. If your system fails inspection, you are required to repair or replace it within two years. RJL coordinates with licensed engineers and your local Board of Health throughout this process.
Eljen is a septic system training and certification program recognized in Massachusetts. An Eljen-certified installer has demonstrated knowledge of proper system design, installation techniques, and Massachusetts regulatory requirements. RJL Contracting is Eljen certified, and we install conventional, mounded, pressure dosed, and alternative septic systems based on what your engineer specs.
Yes. A percolation test (soil evaluation) is required before a new septic system can be designed and permitted in Massachusetts. This test determines how quickly your soil absorbs water, which dictates the size and type of system your property can support. The test is performed by a licensed soil evaluator in the presence of your town's Board of Health agent. RJL coordinates this process with your engineer.
A new conventional septic system in Western Massachusetts typically costs between $15,000 and $35,000 depending on system size, soil conditions, site access, and required engineering. Alternative systems approved under Title 5, such as pressure dosing or mound systems, cost more. Contact RJL for a site-specific estimate.
Yes, if the leach field is still functioning. A failing tank can often be replaced independently. The condition of your leach field will be assessed as part of any system inspection. If the field is saturated or failing, it typically needs to be replaced at the same time.
Excavation site work includes land clearing, grubbing, topsoil stripping, mass excavation, foundation digging, grading, backfill, compaction, and final grade. It is the work that prepares a site for construction or reshapes it after construction. RJL handles residential and commercial site work across Western Massachusetts.
Yes. We call Dig Safe (811) on every utility excavation job before any machine hits the ground. This is required by Massachusetts law and we follow it on every job without exception.
A two-layer system works best for Massachusetts driveways. The base layer should be 3/4 inch crushed gravel compacted to a minimum of 8 inches. The surface layer is typically 3/8 inch crushed stone applied at 2 to 3 inches. Reclaimed asphalt (RAP) is also a cost-effective surface option that holds up well through freeze-thaw cycles.
A French drain collects water from a saturated area and redirects it to a lower outlet. A curtain drain (interceptor drain) is installed uphill of a structure to intercept groundwater flowing downslope before it reaches your foundation or yard. If water is coming from an uphill source, you need a curtain drain. If it is pooling in a low area, you likely need a French drain. Often both are used together.
RJL Contracting is based in Belchertown, MA and serves Hampshire and Hampden counties in Western Massachusetts. Primary service towns include Belchertown, Amherst, Northampton, Ware, South Hadley, Granby, Palmer, Ludlow, Wilbraham, Chicopee, Hadley, and Easthampton. We also take jobs in Franklin County on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. We work year-round on excavation and site work when ground conditions allow. Septic system installations require unfrozen ground and are typically scheduled from April through November. Snow removal service runs from December through March. Call to discuss timing on any specific project.
RJL Contracting primarily serves Hampshire County and Hampden County in Western Massachusetts. We also take projects in Franklin County. Our base of operations is Belchertown, MA in Hampshire County.
Our core service area is Hampshire and Hampden counties. We occasionally take work in Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley corridor. Projects well outside this area are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on scope and scheduling. Call us to discuss.
Estimates are free. We visit the site, assess the scope, and provide a written estimate with no obligation. We respond to estimate requests within 24 hours.
RJL does not offer in-house financing. Payment is due per the schedule outlined in your contract, typically a deposit at signing and the balance upon completion. For larger projects, milestone payments may be structured into the contract.
Most projects are priced as a fixed contract based on scope. This gives you cost certainty and keeps the job moving without clock-watching. Some small, variable-scope jobs are priced on a time-and-materials basis. We discuss pricing structure at the estimate stage so there are no surprises.
The more you can tell us, the more accurate the estimate. For most jobs, we need your town, the type of work, the approximate scope, any existing conditions (old systems, access limitations, soil type if known), and your timeline. For septic work, an existing site plan and any inspection reports help significantly. The best thing is a site visit, which we do for free.
Yes. RJL Contracting carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We are also Eljen certified for septic system installation. Proof of insurance is available upon request.
RJL Contracting is owned and operated by Jake Lafleche, based in Belchertown, MA. Jake is on site for every job. When you hire RJL, you are hiring Jake directly, not a crew sent by a company he manages from an office.
RJL Contracting has been serving Western Massachusetts for over 10 years. The business is family-owned and built on repeat customers and referrals from the Hampshire and Hampden county communities.
Call Jake directly at 413-575-4632 or request a free estimate. We respond within 24 hours.