A General Engineering Contractor holds a specialized license in California, also known as the “A” License. This certification qualifies us to work on large-scale infrastructure projects like streets, roads, water and sewer systems, and other public works. This is important because projects that involve these complex systems require a deep understanding of engineering principles, heavy construction, and regulatory compliance. With an “A” License, we can deliver safe, compliant, and long-lasting solutions for large infrastructure and underground utility projects.

At Freedom Underground, our projects often involve cutting and restoring sections of public sidewalks and streets, as well as making new connections to utility-owned water mains, sewer mains, and electrical boxes. Whether it’s a large public works project or a residential driveway, our expertise ensures you get reliable results that meet all safety standards.

In addition to the “A” License, we also hold the C32 Plumbing License, allowing us to handle both public infrastructure and private plumbing needs with ease.

We specialize in underground utilities, including water, sewer, electrical conduit, gas line, septic systems, pumps, storm drains, French drains, and foundation waterproofing. Our advanced expertise and specialized equipment allow us to handle complex projects efficiently, often at a lower cost than non-specialty plumbers.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured in the state of California (License #99136). This means you can have peace of mind knowing that your project is in safe, professional hands. Our coverage includes liability insurance and worker’s compensation, ensuring protection for both our clients and employees in the unlikely event of any issues during the project.

For certain cities, we also obtain a performance bond, which guarantees that the project will be completed according to the contract requirements. This added layer of security further demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality, compliant work every time.

We hold two key licenses in California:

1. A-General Engineering Contractor License (Type A): This allows us to work on large-scale infrastructure projects such as public streets, sidewalks, water and sewer systems, and other public works.
2. Plumbing License (C36): This license qualifies us to handle all types of private property plumbing work, including water, sewer, and gas line projects.

Having both licenses means we have the expertise to work on both public and private properties. Whether your project involves complex underground utilities in the public domain or plumbing work within your home or business, you can trust that we meet all regulatory requirements and have the skills to complete the job safely and efficiently.

Many projects, whether on private property or involving public assets, require permits. At Freedom Underground, we have extensive experience working with local Building Departments, Public Works, and utility providers to obtain all necessary permits for your project. Our team handles the entire process for you, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the complexities of local regulations.

For private property plumbing projects, permits are typically straightforward and easy to obtain. However, for projects that involve public assets, such as streets or sidewalks, the process is more complex and requires a specialized A-General Engineering License—something we are fully equipped to manage.

While permits may come with fees and affect the project timeline due to coordination with inspectors, they provide important peace of mind, ensuring your project is in full compliance with local laws. We’ll take care of everything, making sure the right people are involved and that your project proceeds smoothly, with no unexpected surprises.

In most cases, if your project is entirely on private property, a permit is not required. However, obtaining a permit is often a good idea, even when it is optional. A permit ensures that the work complies with local building codes and is inspected by an independent authority, providing you with an extra layer of confidence and peace of mind.

If your project affects public property, such as sidewalks or streets, a permit is typically required. At Freedom Underground, we handle the entire permitting process for you, ensuring everything is done correctly and in compliance with local regulations.

While permits may involve some additional costs and potential delays due to inspections, they ultimately protect your investment by guaranteeing that the work meets the highest standards.

We have over 17 years of experience in the underground utility and public works industry. Throughout this time, we have successfully completed a wide range of projects, from residential plumbing repairs to large-scale public works that involve complex water, sewer, and utility systems.

Our long-standing presence in San Jose and the surrounding areas means you can trust us to consistently deliver top-quality work. With nearly two decades of expertise, we understand the unique challenges that come with underground plumbing and utility projects, ensuring that your job is done right the first time.

How do you determine project costs?

Project costs are determined through a detailed assessment that includes evaluating the site conditions, materials, labor, and the specific services required. If your project involves public assets—such as streets, sidewalks, or public utility connections—the costs may be higher due to the additional requirements and regulations involved in working on publicly owned infrastructure.

At Freedom Underground, we believe in complete transparency. We provide you with a clear breakdown of all estimates, so you know exactly what you are paying for. This ensures there are no surprises, and you can trust that the project will be completed efficiently and within the agreed budget.

Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your needs and goals for the project. Once an agreement is in place, we handle acquiring any necessary permits on your behalf. We coordinate with all required entities, whether it is for a building permit, public works permit, or both, ensuring that everything is compliant with local regulations.

Once the project starts, we manage all aspects, including inspections, site management, and maintaining communication with you. You will be kept informed, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and stays on schedule.

Your project is considered complete once we have obtained the final sign-off on any required permits and the work is finished to your satisfaction. Please note that final inspections are often just validation that backfill was performed and we usually ask for final payment on the last day of work. A final inspection might be after our final day of work–presuming there are no surprises. If there is any issue with final inspection, we fix it.

A more detailed breakdown of what to expect during a project with us can be found in our post, what to expect during a General Engineering Project. However, if your project only involves a building permit, not a public works permit and/or no permit at all, it is generally less complex.

We prioritize clear and consistent communication throughout every project. Depending on your preference, we provide updates through scheduled meetings, phone calls, or emails. Our goal is to ensure you are always informed about the progress of your project, giving you peace of mind at every stage.

We understand that each client prefers different methods of communication, so we are flexible in how we keep you updated. You can trust that you will always know the status of the project, and we are available to address any questions or concerns promptly.

We begin each project with a detailed project plan and a clear budget forecast, ensuring that all aspects are carefully mapped out from the start. Throughout the project, we maintain close oversight to prevent delays or cost overruns, giving you confidence that your project will stay on track.

By maintaining regular communication with you, we ensure full transparency and can proactively address any issues before they impact the timeline or budget. Our goal is to deliver the project on time and within budget, providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.

Unforeseen issues can sometimes arise during construction, particularly with underground utilities. When these situations occur, we communicate with you to discuss the available options and solutions. Our priority is to minimize disruption to the project and ensure it continues moving forward efficiently.

We take a proactive approach to managing any changes, working quickly to find the best solutions while keeping you fully informed. You can trust that we will handle unexpected challenges with care, expertise, and your goals and needs, ensuring the project remains on track as much as possible and minimizes any stress for you.

At Freedom Underground, we stand by the quality of our work. We offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship, ensuring that any issues related to the workmanship are promptly addressed, giving you peace of mind for years to come. In addition, we honor the manufacturer’s warranty on materials, ensuring you are fully covered for any material-related issues.

Our goal is to ensure that you can have complete confidence in the work we do, knowing that we are committed to providing carefree service and reliable, long-lasting results.

Absolutely. We have successfully completed a wide range of public works and private property projects throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. We are happy to provide references from previous clients and showcase examples of relevant projects we have completed, so you can feel confident in the quality and reliability of our work.

By reviewing our past projects, you will see firsthand the expertise and care we bring to every job, ensuring you make an informed decision when choosing us for your project.

Yes, we offer free initial estimates for all potential projects. This allows us to thoroughly assess the scope of your project and provide you with an accurate and transparent quote. Our estimate visit is an opportunity to fully understand your project needs, your goals, and to answer any questions you may have about the work involved. We want you to feel fully informed before making any decisions.

There is no obligation during this consultation—it is simply our way of ensuring that we fully understand your project and can provide you with a solution that instills confidence and peace of mind.

Safety is a top priority at Freedom Underground. We strictly follow OSHA guidelines and ensure that all team members are properly trained in safety protocols to protect both our workers and your property. In addition to training, we conduct regular inspections of our equipment and job sites to maintain the highest safety standards.

By prioritizing safety, we minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that your project is completed safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Yes, we occasionally work with specialized subcontractors for certain aspects of a project. Every subcontractor we partner with is carefully vetted for their expertise, reliability, and track record of delivering high-quality work. We maintain strict oversight throughout the project, coordinating closely with subcontractors to ensure their work aligns with our high standards.

By actively managing and inspecting their work, we ensure that the quality and professionalism you expect from Freedom Underground is upheld at every stage of the project.

At Freedom Underground, we believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to payments. We never require an initial deposit before work begins, ensuring that you only pay once work is underway. For projects with significant parts and materials costs, we may ask for a payment after the first workday to cover those expenses.

For longer projects, we may request progress payments, typically on Fridays or end of the week, based on the amount of work completed that week. You only pay for the work as it progresses. To further ensure your confidence, you will withhold at least 10% of the total payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction.

This payment structure allows for flexibility and ensures you are fully protected, giving you peace of mind throughout the project.