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TRUSTED BY ORINDA, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon12
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Orinda

Avatar for Isaac Nathaniel Excavating and Paving
Isaac Nathaniel Excavating and Paving
5.0(
38
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Ike did a great job grading my yard. It was a tricky job but ike was very accomadating and did the job perfect. I recommend them for any further projects. Definitely gonna use him for my future projects"
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

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Campbell Services LLC
Campbell Services LLC
5.0(
8
)

Serving Orinda, 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."
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+75

Response time2 days
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Joe's Gardening And Landscaping Services
4.4(
35
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The quality of the work Joe and his crew did on re-landscaping our front yard was excellent. The project took longer than anticipated due to the large amount of pavers that were installed. The pavers were added seamlessly to the pre-existing walkways and even knowing what was in place previously I cannot tell where the old pavers stopped and the new pavers began. The new planted areas were likewise done with great care and attention to detail."
Response time1 day
Response rate89%
Recommended by70%of homeowners
Quality Landscape Solutions, Inc.
5.0(
4
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"BEST!! David's company was the best ever for the work performed. We needed synthetic grass, new fence, stone work, irrigation system, drilling, planting and more. As a senior I have had many projects performed by contractors. NEVER, NEVER have we experience the quality, perfection, performance, attention to detail than David. Very attentive and wonderful to communicate with."
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
MCG Engineering Group Inc
New to Angi

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability, is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business

Response time6 hrs
Avatar for New Era Rooter & Plumbing
New Era Rooter & Plumbing
4.8(
34
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The work was great, they have the technology to find the issue quickly and they are very knowledgeable. Communication was great at front, we discussed any additional services needed in advance and went over the process in general. The excavation, repair, and finishes were very clean. New Era Rooter & Plumbing are very professionals. I will definitely recommend this company and call them again."
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+3

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Vargas Landscaping
4.7(
48
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was available by phone, and was flexible in scheduling meetings which is great. He was professional, and seemed quite knowledgable. In the end, I didn't use Nato's services because his quote was twice as much as the other contractor I was considering. Perhaps his prices may be more competitive in other services he offers. Either way, working with this company was a pleasant experience."
Recommended by95%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

Maintain open communication and address issues as they arise, ensuring contract terms cover potential delays.

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.

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 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.

The Orinda, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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