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    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in El Cerrito

Avatar for Isaac Nathaniel Excavating and Paving
Isaac Nathaniel Excavating and Paving
5.0(
39
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business+1 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"I hired Ike from Isaac Nathaniel Excavating and Paving to perform excavation work for new home construction. Ike was very professional, always on time and performed exceptional work. I would hire Ike again if needed and have referred him to others in need of excavation services."
Nice broom finish driveway with lights in stairs
Back yard excavating for house addition
Client had serious water problems water getting under the house we put french drain under concrete with sealant.problem solved?
Built play area for kids,had to flatten area and install 2 retaining walls
Installed pavers and retaining wall

+33

4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Avatar for Castaneda Grading & Excavating
Castaneda Grading & Excavating
5.0(
23
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Humberto dug out bamboo roots, removed all of the existing dirt 12" down, and replaced it with fresh dirt to 3" below grade so that we could finish our project without worrying that the bamboo would come back. He did EXCELLENT work, cleaned up, was efficient, and just an overall pleasure to do business with. Cannot recommend enough!"
Garden
Graded
Finished driveway
Final slope grade
Finish grade 4 inches below sidewalk

+77

Response time1 day
Response rate96%
23 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Campbell Services LLC
Campbell Services LLC
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Campbell services provided me timely excavation of driveway. His crew were professional and courteous. I was pleased with the time they took in making sure the mess was cleaned to my satisfaction along with taking extra care to preserve the existing landscape. I only wish other companies would adopt that type of work ethic."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+75

Response time2 days
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Raya Engineering
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Here at Raya Engineering, we sustain our company on the principal that our customers come first. We offer services that are tailored to your needs and we're ready to show you what our experience can bring to your project! Call us today!

Avatar for Green Infrastructure and Environmental Inc.
Green Infrastructure and Environmental Inc.
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Green Infrastructure and Environmental Inc. is a licensed, insured general contractor serving San Francisco, Sacramento, and surrounding Northern California communities. We build durable, well-finished work for homeowners who want it done right the first time.\n\nOur specialties include concrete flatwork, foundations, home additions, full remodels, electrical, and paver installations. Whether you're pouring a new driveway, expanding your living space, or upgrading your home's electrical system, our crews handle the job from planning through final cleanup.\n\nWhat sets us apart:\nClear, upfront estimates with no surprises\nSkilled crews and quality materials\nReliable scheduling and honest communication\nCode-compliant work built to last\n\nWe take pride in treating every property like our own and standing behind our work. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and see why our customers trust us with their biggest projects.\n\n

4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Vargas Landscaping
4.7(
48
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We bought a 'fixer-upper' and of all the contractors (and we have worked with A LOT on this house) he is the top. He is prompt, he always follows through, his team works hard and gets the job done fast and well. If there are any concerns he comes out personally and takes care of them immediately. He is flexible and thinks on his feet. His pricing is very reasonable. There wasn't a thing that we didn't like about working with Nato and team. He is our official go to guy for landscaping and other projects. We trust Nato, his work and recommendations to us We would definitely recommend him to our friends. My husband found him on Angie's list and it was one of the best finds we have had in the 3 years we owned the house."
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Repiping Professionals
Repiping Professionals
4.2(
50
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1948

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"When we purchased the house, it was a 30 year old home. Almost everybody in the period of five years to seven years wanted to convert to copper plumbing. So what they offered at that time was anyone you referred to if they chose to use their service, you have $500 cash payment which was really nice because half of our neighbors and our family members used them. I do not know what they do now, but it is a really nice service because they are a very good company. They did a great job."
President - George Anderson
Service Van
Repiping Worker
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Pacific West Asphalt
Pacific West Asphalt
4.5(
22
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving El Cerrito, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Paul is a reliable contractor with a good crew. They came on time and seal-coated my driveway with great care for details. Excellent communications and none of the corner-cutting I saw from other less-professional contractors. I highly recommend Paul and his Pacific West Asphalt."
Before crack sealant applied
Landscaping Project
Concrete Pouring and Repair Project
Concrete - Pouring & Repair Project
Concrete - Pouring & Repair Project

+42

Response time10 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by86%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 65
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Professional installers often include a deep layer of crushed gravel under permeable pavers to allow more runoff to soak through into the soil below. Many installations will include multiple layers of gravel, with coarser aggregate at the base and finer aggregate that sits on top of that bottom layer. Above the gravel, you’ll often find coarse sand that helps reduce paver shifting over time. Some permeable paver designs include a water collection system set into the gravel layer to route runoff to a safe area for disposal.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

The El Cerrito, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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