Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Ames, NE

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Ames - Updated Nov 2026

McLean Earthworx LLC
5.0(
3
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas

Approved

My name is Terron McLean. I am the owner of McLean Earthworx LLC.\n\nI'm a new business owner stepping into the heavy equipment industry with 10 years of heavy equipment hands-on experience.\n\n8 of those years I additionally served, and continue to serve, in the US Air Force as a heavy equipment operator.\n\nWhile I know I still have a lot to learn and don’t have all the answers, I'm passionate about my work and committed to providing the best service possible. I truly value the support and understanding of my clients, as it helps me grow both personally and professionally.\n\nI'm open to taking on new challenges and trying out fresh ideas to meet your needs. Together, we can navigate the way forward, and I'm excited to build lasting relationships while delivering quality results.

Avatar for Broken K Express
Broken K Express
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Nick, saved my shed foundation from collapsing in. Half of my shed is countersunk into a hill and Nick was able to dig out the dirt and properly anchor my walls back in place, he also installed drainage tile and re graded the slope of then hill that runs along my shed. He provided amazing service along with professionalism and great care of my property not leaving behind a mess. I valued his professionalism and his experienced skill sets that I hired him again to bring in rock and regrade and level our driveway. I would recommend him to anyone."
Tree grove clean out
Tree grove clean out
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for R & R Hauling
R & R Hauling
4.9(
113
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+3 more

Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"R&R Hauling is a great company! We requested for them to clear out a severely overgrown backyard full of chest-high, woody weeds and 1-2 inch thick saplings after the task proved to be too big of a job for my family to complete in a timely manner. I've always been incredibly anxious about paying for labor, as I catastrophize about worst case scenarios all the time, but when I reached out to Robert and his team, I was quoted a much better value than I had expected! Once the job was completed, Robert made sure we were happy with the work. I would definitely recommend his team to friends and family given the opportunity, and they will be the first business we call, should any other major yardwork be required on the property. Thank you so much, Robert and team!!"
trash
Tree Removal
We can handle the large jobs
trash
Tree Removal

+78

Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for MWC Construction
MWC Construction
4.1(
120
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+3 more

Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Called MWC multiple times and left multiple messages with no response whatsoever. I even explained that I understood if they didn’t have the capability of performing my work, seeing as I know they might be busy, but still absolutely zero response. I can’t speak to their workmanship, but this alone makes me doubt their ability."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+8

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Grefe Excavating, LLC
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Grefe Excavation! We are a your best source for excavating in the state of Nebraska. Excavating has pursued more skill, capability, people talent, and capacity in commercial excavating so we can provide our clients with better value and greater success. Grefe Excavation has built its reputation on successfully meeting the challenges of the toughest site preparation and commercial excavating projects. Grefe has provided the highest quality product at a competitive price with the highest level of service. Today, Grefe Excavation defines industry standards for earth moving and construction projects and never loses sight of its core values that were established over a half century ago: safety, quality, loyalty, integrity, pride, customer focus and community service. \n \n \n \n

Showing 1-10 of 18

FAQs for excavation projects in Ames, NE

Depth depends on the type of installation and the regulations in your area. Water supply lines typically require 24 inches, while drainage pipes are often installed 36 inches below grade. For most general projects, a depth of 12 to 24 inches and a width of about eight inches is sufficient. Sticking to these specs keeps your utilities safe, code-compliant, and easier to maintain later.

When you need to run utilities underground, you’ve got two main options: boring or trenching. Boring employs directional drilling to install utilities without exposing a continuous channel, while trenching requires excavating an open channel to place utilities securely. Directional drilling preserves landscape integrity, whereas trenching provides direct access for installation, albeit with greater surface disruption. This clear comparison helps you select the method best suited to your project.

Plan on 12 hours to dig 100 linear feet when the soil is cooperative and you can work continuously. This timeframe applies when work is performed consistently and methodically. Factors such as rocky soil, tree roots, obstructions, and frozen ground increase the overall duration, demanding extra planning and effort. Comprehensive operational planning ensures that every challenge is managed efficiently and the project is completed on schedule.

If you want your yard to look untouched, laying fresh sod over the trench is the quickest fix. New sod needs 30 to 45 days to root and blend with the rest of your lawn. A local sod pro can provide you with a firm timeline and tips to ensure the grass takes hold and maintains your curb appeal.

The Ames, NE homeowners’ guide to excavation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.