Top-rated excavation pros.

Find top rated excavation pros in your area

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.

Excavation pros near you

Excavating FAQs

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 , homeowners’ guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
electrician repairing lighting fixture on the ceiling of home
Oct 13, 2022
Oct 13, 2022
HomeAdvisor's Lighting Repair Cost Guide lists price information on fixing a light or light fixture, as reported by HomeAdvisor customers.
fascia and soffits being replaced on roof of house
Feb 25, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
Need fascia and soffit repairs? Hiring a pro ensures proper installation, protects against pests, and prevents structural damage. Learn about common warning signs, material options, and how fascia and soffits safeguard your home from moisture.
staining and sealing a brick wall with a paintbrush
Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
Brick staining costs an average of $2.50 per square foot. Our guide explains how factors like the size of your home and the condition of the brick affect the price.
metal fence around swimming pool in backyard
Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
Use this guide to budget for your pool fence costs based on factors like material, fence height, labor, yard terrain, and more.
A plumber checking pipes
Mar 20, 2025
Mar 20, 2025
Use this guide to budget for an upcoming plumbing inspection cost based on factors such as home size, inspection type, labor, and required repairs.
Plumber in the bathroom fixing a pipe
Jun 22, 2025
Jun 22, 2025
Explore how factors such as materials, local labor rates, and the type of damage affect the cost to repair a burst pipe.