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Avatar for Masterpiece Builders
Masterpiece Builders
4.5(
15
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Decatur, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"He works steady and pays attention to detail. He repaired a privacy fence that a large section had fallen down. Does not waste time. He is courteous and takes time to explain how he is going to make the repair. I recommend him to anyone and plan to call him again for future repairs and new projects."
Response time1 day
Response rate95%
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for A & D TREE and LANDSCAPING SERVICE
A & D TREE and LANDSCAPING SERVICE
5.0(
14
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Decatur, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was very impressed with the work. They are a crew of go-getters. They arrive early in the morning and immediately got busy. They took down 4 fairly large trees and did all the clean up in a day and 1/2. The price was very reasonable and they were careful with the property around the task at hand. I will definitely use them again."
16 neighbors recently requested a quote
Franccescolly's Concrete
4.8(
42
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Decatur, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This is going to be a long review because I think it is important for potential customers to get the full picture, instead of just a view, of Eddy's excellent work ethic and workmanship that was devoted to our project. We had a carriage house/shed that was unusable in its current condition, and I wasn't sure whether to have it torn down or try to have it fixed. Having just bought our new home (a 100 year old Victorian) and moving to the area, I wasn't sure who to contact. I found Eddy's info on Homeadvisor - saw the reviews - and decided to give him a call. And, I am so happy that I did!! After tearing down and clearing out all of the old debris, Eddy added new drywall and painted the inside. Electricity, a concrete driveway and flooring, and 2 new doors were added giving us a wonderfully updated space for our car, storage and workshed. What I want to point out is not just an excellent renovation job, but also the fact that Eddy kept the integrity of such an old building intact. His expertise in recognizing and respecting its historical value was evident after he discovered that one wall had its original barn wood still intact. It had been covered up during a previous renovation - but was still in great condition. (Today, this type of reclaimed wood is very expensive.) Eddy treated the wood to help preserve it, therefore, adding extra value and beauty to a building I had once thought about tearing down. I am so thankful that he recognized its historical value and brought it to our attention!! (Who knew a garage could have a focal wall...lol!!) Eddy kept us up to date and involved in every step of the project, and it was completed within the given time frame. We highly recommend Eddy and his crew, and I am sure we will use his services again!! (In fact, I am alreading lining up future projects.)"
Response time1 day
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by91%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most sprinkler lines are buried between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

The Decatur, AL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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