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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 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 Orinda, 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%
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 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
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Joe's Gardening And Landscaping Services
4.3(
37
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"What excellent work!!! Joe and his team were just amazing-- great communication, on time work with exceptional quality. Joe has real pride in his work and beautiful vision. He did an amazing job designing our backyard transformation-- grading a sloped backyard, adding retaining walls, sump pump, raised beds, veggie planter, kid's sandbox, a paver patio and stairs, irrigation, hardscape, and plants and sod--- he can do it all!!! Look no farther. He also fixed a million other things while he was back there (rotting gate, fenceposts, etc etc). If I ever need anything else done to this house (unlikely because he made it all so nice), he is my first call. The quality of his work is also exceptional. He doesnt cut corners and makes sure everything is JUST right. He picked plants and colors really well- everything is cohesive without being matchy. Great taste. He is also really creative-- found clever solutions to hide some eyesores in our yard (sump pumps), while retaining their integrity and functionality. He figured out a clever way to move a Tuff shed. He also figured out a hidden solution to keep our parking spot from retaining water from the sprinklers-- AND he fixed the previous irrigation in the front yard. There was really no task that was beyond Joe and his great team. I kept piling on more and more projects as I could see how excellent his work was-- and he was really nice about it. He also took great care to educate me on plant and lawn care, equipping me to be able to maintain everything myself. Overall, just a really fantastic experience & collaboration. So pleased with the quality and aesthetics of Joe's work."
Response time1 day
Response rate89%
Recommended by68%of homeowners
Quality Landscape Solutions, Inc.
5.0(
4
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

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."
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%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 Orinda, 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 Orinda, 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

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for New Era Rooter & Plumbing
New Era Rooter & Plumbing
4.8(
34
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

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
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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. 

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.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

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.

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

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.