Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard or $1,100 to $5,600 total on average, depending on the project type and size, the accessibility of the job site, the soil type, and if there are any underground obstacles that could interfere.
Common excavation projects and costs include:
Excavation costs $100 to $300 per hour for a trained operator with their own equipment or $50 to $150 per hour for an operator who uses a mini excavator you've rented separately.
Excavation involves digging, trenching, dirt removal, and other earthmoving to prepare a site for construction, typically using heavy equipment like an excavator or backhoe. Excavation is required when building a new home or driveway, digging a basement or inground pool, or installing septic or gas lines.
Excavation often includes land clearing, leveling, or grading, though some contractors price these services separately.
Excavation takes 1 to 3 days for small projects and up to 3+ weeks for larger projects or areas with rocky soil, a rock shelf that must be broken up with a jackhammer, or large boulders that must be removed.
If the excavator must use explosives or hydraulic fracturing to blast through a rock shelf or boulder, additional permit and safety requirements may increase the project's length.
Excavation can be done in the winter, but it's not recommended in areas that experience snow as the thawing snow may cause shifting earth or drainage issues later. The best time to excavate is in the spring, after all snow has thawed and the water has drained or evaporated. Homeowners in areas without snow can excavate at any time.
Follow these tips when hiring an excavation company:
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best excavation company for your project:
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