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TRUSTED BY NOVATO, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon18
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Novato - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Castaneda Grading & Excavating
Castaneda Grading & Excavating
5.0(
23
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Humberto is a very creative problem solver! Personable and definitely interested in customer satisfaction, so spends time understanding the full scope of the problem. The problem was the subterranean north wall of the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo that was far from being waterproof, especially with the rains last winter. Castaneda dug out the soil next to the wall, pressure washed it and applied two coats of DryLok and then a layer of Henryâ s waterproofing. Then Humberto installed a French drain and then a big pipe to route the water off of five downspouts. To get the correct drainage slope, more excavating needed to be done than anticipated. Removed five landscaped trees and lots of concrete that was in the way of the drains which were to be routed under city sidewalks."
Garden
Graded
Finished driveway
Final slope grade
Finish grade 4 inches below sidewalk

+77

Response time1 day
Response rate96%
25 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for M P Excavating & Engineering
M P Excavating & Engineering
4.5(
15
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+1 more

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Ultimately happy with the end result and fair price for our 30ft sewer lateral replacement. Miguel was professional, friendly, and hardworking. However, communication was a bit spotty and we had follow up many times (I understand this is the busy season, though). Also, it was unclear if we were supposed to call 811; we assumed he would, but didn't, and this was an issue as the water line was hit during construction and the city had to come to shut it off on the whole street. It was handled quickly, but would have been avoidable. The project ended up taking much more time than expected, but it was completed in a day, as promised. I would recommend him, but you should be diligent and responsible yourself to make sure all the right steps are being taken."
Large drainage project
Large drainage project
Large drainage project
Large drainage project
Large drainage project

+11

Response time1 day
Response rate98%
23 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Orlando's Landscaping
Orlando's Landscaping
4.9(
13
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Orlando did a fence for us and we ended up using him and his crew for a few other projects because he was so good. great communication and attention to detail. I’ll definitely reach out to him again."
Response time12 hrs
Recommended by92%of homeowners
JOHN MOUNTAIN
5.0(
7
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"John was very helpful and professional. His crew was polite and experienced. He fixed our drainage/ leakage problem completely. We were very happy with his work."
Response time10 hrs
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by57%of homeowners
Avatar for IVANSCAPING CORP
IVANSCAPING CORP
5.0(
7
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Two large projects. Couldn’t be happier. On time, excellent workmanship, wanting to please but open to making suggestions when asked. Superior design and quality of work. Reasonably priced. Thorough clean up after the job . Owner on site to supervise work. Owner very knowledgeable. Owner returns calls promptly. Neighbors LOVE our fencing and landscape."
Response time4 hrs
Recommended by33%of homeowners
Avatar for E G Paving Construction, Inc.
E G Paving Construction, Inc.
5.0(
2
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Edgar and his employees were amazing. Their bid was the best. Other guys said they would have to rip up pavement that this crew could do no problem minimally. The guys were so well groomed and polite. Not that that matters but it was an extra bonus. Lovely crew and incredible job in a few days. I will for sure use them again."
Driveways
Building pads
Concrete patio
Preparation
Asphalt pave

+4

Response time2 days
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Avatar for Ultra Construction Group Inc
Ultra Construction Group Inc
4.4(
5
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Novato, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Giovani and Dell of Ultra Construction were great to work with and they responded quickly and efficiently to our contractor inquiry. They came out the next day and provided a fair and reasonable estimate. Dell and his crew, including Julian came out and had the concrete walkway and stairs installed in just one day. It looks great and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Their prep work and cleanup were outstanding. Would highly recommend this company for any concrete construction work"
Response time2 days
Response rate90%
33 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

While general contractors sometimes handle demolition, you can also look specifically for local demolition contractors. Demolition experts need to understand structural integrity, the equipment needed for safe demolition, and the permits required for demolition.

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.

Depth is not a qualifying component of evacuation. Any human-made cut, cavity, or depression in the earth’s surface is considered excavation. The hole from excavation can be any size, shape, or depth. Excavation is used to create foundations, reservoirs, drainage ditches, and roads. Long, narrow excavations are called trenches and are often used for underground utilities.

Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won’t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you’ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.

Yes, you can install a trench drain if you already have concrete in your yard or garden. While it can complicate some aspects of the job and slightly run up the cost, it is doable. Residential trench drains can be easily retrofitted to outdoor areas with concrete without having to remove excessive amounts of your patio, pool area, or decorative walkways.

The Novato, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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