Get matched with top excavation pros in Montebello, CA

Q: How do you calculate excavation costs?

• <div><p>Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you&rsquo;ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.</p><p>Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it&rsquo;s tedious. You may want to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-read-a-tape-measure.htm">pull out a tape measure</a> or use a string to help mark the area. </p></div>

Q: Is it better to dig a trench by hand or machine?

• <div><p>The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.</p></div>

Q: How do you hollow out a tree stump?

• <div><p>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.</p><ul><li><p><b>Chisel and Hammer:</b> This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.</p></li><li><p><b>Chainsaw:</b> Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.</p></li><li><p><b>Burning:</b> 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.</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How much trench can you dig in a day?

• <div><p>You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you&rsquo;re digging a deep trench or one that&rsquo;s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between trenching and boring for underground utility installation?

• <div><p>Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.</p><p>Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Montebello, CA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Montebello, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Montebello, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on March 09, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Owner/operator Gil and his helper did an excellent job in replacing 2 of my dry rot fascia boards this morning. I recommend their workmanship and expertise. Thank you.
Guilco Handyman
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Reviewed in November 2025
Amazing work a city park. Fast and productive crew very impressed with the cleanup as well made the entire place elevate to another level!
JPS TREE SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
From my first call to the final inspection, EBA Roofing was on top of everything. The crew was friendly, respectful, and worked with no delays. They kept me informed about the timeline and were super easy to communicate with. When they finished, my new roof looked awesome, and the whole process...
EBA Roofing Inc
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Reviewed in May 2024
We had a great experience. We needed three bedrooms painted and our living room and front door. They were kind and thoughtful in our home and completed the job promptly. Will be hiring again.
Duran and Sons House Painting
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Reviewed in May 2024
Excellent work. Rigo did it all; electrical, plumbing, carpentry and even offered to install a new roof for a fair price. Rigo kept an open line of communication to ensure that we were on the same page during construction. He paid close attention to our vision of the remodel and made several...
R G E Construction
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Reviewed in December 2022
Mr. Abino asked that I send him a photo of the stump I did and we agreed on a price and time that he would arrive. He was on time and took care of the tree stump. He filled the resulting hole and smoothed it over. Mr Abino also cleaned the work area and hauled away the debris.
Silva Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2022
I hired Home 2 Renovate to repair/replace the fascia boards, stucco and paint on my house. From start to finish H2R was professional and very thorough. I had a project manager at my house at the end of each day checking to see if I had any questions and how things were going.(Rare, nowadays) ...
Home 2 Renovate, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2021
Just cover up other openings all openings for dust or Dabris
Ariel Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2021
Exclent service! They removed a huge tree from our yard. We were very pleased with their work.
Juan Clean Off & Tree Service
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Reviewed in January 2021
The maintenance crew from Reliable could spot rotting wood in my home and replaced it just in time to prevent a disaster. what a thorough group of people.
Reliable Roofing Company
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Find Excavation pros in Montebello

Bronco Demolition, LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Quick response with quote, which was really reasonable. They were able to complete the project right away. I had them remove glued down wood flooring, which is really difficult. A couple hours after they arrived the area was cleaned and ready for install. Will hire again for other projects."

Response time8 hrs

Response rate95%

15 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Brian did an excellent job.. He was was extremely professional, reliable and his prices were reasonable. He picked up and moved a new couch for me. It was very heavy and had to brought into my home through a difficult and small entranceway. He also removed and disposed of my old couch and a huge box. He was a pro! Also, he added my job on at short notice and at the end of his very full work day. I couldnâ t have asked for a better company to help me. I highly recommend BRG Properties, Inc."

Response time4 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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1 TOM PLUMBER ANAHEIM / BREA

5.0(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The project went very smooth. Coast View responded to my client right away. They are very happy with them"

+70

Response time8 hrs

46 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great work and in time"

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

4.5(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"We hired McCormick Home Builders to remodel our living room, and we are beyond pleased with the result. The team was professional, worked efficiently, and Aris design ideas made a huge difference. The room feels so much brighter and more spacious. This was the best decision we made for our home, and we were already planning our next remodel with them."

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by24%of homeowners

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Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.

4.1(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"After calling a few companies, we found Home pro remodeling. Ariel the manager gave us a good offer for the retaining wall, it was the best offer we received compare to other companies ! His guys are super professional, nice and clean. We were very happy with the experience. If you are looking to remodel your home , Home pro remodeling is definitely the best in the area! They are the real deal."

Response time5 days

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Alonso Grading and Demolition, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very good contractor for demolition and grading. Knowledgeable and extremely professional. Pricing is very competitive. I have worked with Alanzo for many years and he has taken good care of my projects and clients."

+11

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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RSF Construction Inc.

1.0(

)

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Spino Excavating Inc is a very competent contruction company. Their honesty and integrity is known in the Southern California industry. They work patiently and energetically with their project owners, architects, engineers, and of course us building inspectors. They have never failed to impress me on each project large or small. -- RAM-ESI"

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Montebello, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Emergency services offered

"Very Good, no issues. The crew sent photos of the progress as they progressed through the day. Awesome communication with Andy. Work was all completed on the same day."

+31

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 132

Excavating questions, answered by experts

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

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.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

The Montebello, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

Paige Bennett
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2026 Data]
Preparing for a big excavation project in your yard? Find out excavator rental prices by type, project size, and more to budget for your project.
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Paige Bennett
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Can You Excavate in the Winter? What to Know About Breaking Ground in the Cold
Can you excavate in the winter? Sometimes, but it’s complicated. Find out the pros, cons, and steps for planning a winter excavation project.
Paige Bennett
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?
When planning to trench, you may be concerned about rocky ground. Can a trencher go through rock? Find out what your trencher can cut through in this guide.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose
A residential trencher will dig 1 foot to 6 feet deep, depending on the machine. Learn how deep a trencher will dig and which trencher to use.