How to Hire an Excavation Pro

Dig up a qualified excavation pro who has the expertise that aligns with your project

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  • Planning your excavation project ahead of time helps you communicate clearly with the excavation contractor and reduces unexpected costs when your pro arrives.

  • Expect to pay $120 to $150 per hour or $50 to $200 per cubic yard for excavation services, with total costs depending on your project type.

  • Checking your excavation contractor's license, insurance, and references helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures you hire someone with the right experience for your project.

  • Hiring a local excavation company provides peace of mind when handling heavy machinery and complex digging work, keeping your property safe throughout site preparation and trenching projects.

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Excavating requires precise planning and can be hazardous, which is why hiring a reputable excavation pro is vital to your outdoor project. Licensing requirements vary by state and local ordinances, but some may require special certifications for specific types of excavation projects. Let’s dig into the types of services excavation pros offer and how to hire an excavation pro who has the necessary qualifications for the job.

What Services Does an Excavation Pro Offer?

The types of services offered can vary depending on the local excavation pro. However, here are the most common services these pros specialize in:

  • Pros will use heavy equipment for site preparation, which includes clearing land by removing trees, stumps, rocks, and debris. They will also level the land for new construction.

  • Pros will install various types of drainage systems, retaining walls, and silt fences if you have areas that need help preventing erosion.

  • Trenching excavation involves digging trenches for installing utilities such as electrical, sewer, water, and gas lines.

  • Pros will remove soil and rock to prepare for building new homes and backfilling to support the foundation.

  • If you want to add a water feature to your property, then hiring an excavation pro is the way to go. They can easily dig and shape land for pools and ponds safely.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Excavation Pro?

The cost of hiring an excavation pro is between $120 to $150 per hour, or $50 to $200 per cubic yard. Your price will depend on factors such as the type of project and your location. However, contractors will typically charge by the hour or by the cubic yard. It’s best to discuss with the excavating professional how they charge so you can budget accordingly.

​Tips for Hiring an Excavation Pro

A professional digging a trench
photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Trying to figure out which excavation pro to hire can be overwhelming. Follow these key tips to take the guesswork out of the process.

1. Plan Out Your Project Beforehand

Having a plan for what you want accomplished ahead of time can help you communicate effectively with the pro and get the project done accurately. For example, knowing which areas of land need clearing for a new building, the location and size of the future pool, or whether parts of your yard need grading. This type of information can help the pro provide a correct estimate, helping eliminate unexpected expenses later.

2. Check Your Excavation Pros' Credentials and References

You can avoid costly mistakes by asking the pro for their license information to verify it with state boards. It’s also essential to check that they have the required insurance coverage to do the job. Last but not least, you should always ask for a list of three references from recent projects to confirm that they provided quality work and that the customers are satisfied.​

3. Interview Several Pros to Get Multiple Quotes

Whenever you hire someone for a home improvement job, you should interview several professionals to compare experience, compatibility, and cost. You want to hire the best pro who specializes in the type of excavation you need to prevent potential problems caused by a lack of experience. Getting multiple quotes will help you avoid overpaying and stay within your budget as much as possible. 

4. Obtain a Contract and Arrange Payments With the Excavation Pro

Once you make a deal with a local excavation pro, you need to get your project details in writing and double-check that it matches the quote. The contract should include detailed information on the cost of materials and labor, the deposit amount, the payment installment schedule, and the final payment amount. Putting a concise contract in place will prevent misunderstandings and unexpected costs.

Questions to Ask an Excavation Pro

Asking the right questions will help you feel confident in your hiring decision. Ask your potential excavators the following questions:

  1. Are you licensed and insured?

  2. What type of excavation do you specialize in?

  3. Do you use subcontractors?

  4. Does the quote include labor, materials, and taxes?

  5. When can you start the project?

  6. How long will it take you to complete the job?

  7. Do you obtain all the required permits for the project?

  8. How do you handle unforeseen complications?

  9. What type of warranty do you offer?

  10. Who is the primary contact for this job?

Choosing the Right Excavation Pro

Excavation work involves the use of heavy machinery, which can be dangerous and cause extensive damage if done improperly. A qualified excavation pro near you will prioritize safety procedures to reduce the risk of accidents and comply with all laws and regulations. By taking the time to research the company and ask key questions, you can avoid hiring someone who isn’t the right fit for the job. 

After Your Excavation Pro Is Finished

Seeing your excavation project complete is exciting, and you’re probably ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy it. However, there are a few more steps to finish up. The first step is to check the quality of the work and compare it to the contract to ensure everything has been completed correctly. If you are satisfied with the work, submit the final payment and leave a positive online review for the pro. You can also volunteer to be a reference for them in the future.

​If any issues arise within the warranty period, make sure to contact the pro immediately so they can identify and fix the problem.

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The homeowners guide to excavation services

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