What type of soil is best to build on?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Can I dig a well on my property?

• <div><p>The rules and regulations regarding groundwater use vary between states. To find out if you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-i-dig-a-well-on-my-property.htm">dig a well on your property</a>, you’ll have to consult these regulations, address any compliance requirements, and get the appropriate permits. It’s also important to check that your intended location has the right geology and water table to support a well.</p></div>

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.</p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Strathmore, CA

Q: How deep do you dig for plastic edging?

• <div><p>You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it&mdash;2 inches is usually sufficient. </p></div>

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to dig footers for a deck?

• <div><p>You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Strathmore, CA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Strathmore, 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 Strathmore, 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 20, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
We had such a great experience with this team remodeling our front yard. From the beginning, he really understood the vision I had and brought it to life even better than I imagined. The entire crew was professional and kept the work area clean throughout the whole landscaping process, which I...
Springtime Landscape Construction
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Reviewed in March 2026
We hired Victor for our FHA loan home inspection and he is very professional and knowledgeable. He also helped us with any questions and took us around the home for a brief breakdown of the results. Would hire him again. Thank you!
Value Guaranteed Inspections
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Reviewed in October 2025
I contracted Mendoza tree service for a palm tree clean up, they did a great job trimming the palm tree. Great experience and good customer service.
Mendoza Tree Service 22
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Reviewed in June 2025
I hired Alcantar to repaint our 2 story home along with a 12×12 storage building and horse barn. They did an excellent job. Every thing was very pre mapped and totally completed. They also have the ability to provide numerous other services This is a great team who provides outstanding service.
Alcantar Construction
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Reviewed in September 2024
CJK Construction has done many projects for me professionally and quickly, including plumbing fixture replacement or repair, window replacement, and electrical repairs. We will continue doing business with this great company.
CJK Construction
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Reviewed in May 2024
From the moment we reached out for an appraisal Jeff made the process seamless. Prompt and exceptional service. Thank you Mr. Hess.
Jeffrey Hess Real Estate Services
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Reviewed in October 2023
M & J employs a fast, efficient, and professional team to remove and trim trees -- all for an outstanding price. Everything done met my expectations except that their stump grinder would not fit in my backyard, but they came up with a solution for that as well. Highly recommended! And I would...
MAG Tree Service Inc
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Reviewed in September 2023
Grinded down tree stump and removed wood and branches from tree. Very professional and courteous service. Owner did job and was a very nice man
SA Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2023
Sage construction reached out to me in a timely manner and were very professional from start to finish. I plan on using them in future for more renovations I need done around the house and property.
Sage Construction & Development LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
You can’t go wrong Hiring Orrlando and his partner to do any repairs around your home or business. They came to my home this morning and completed every thing that I asked for them to do, from installing several ceiling fans, doing electrical work, installing a microwave, and repairing my...
AOA Electric
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Find Excavation pros in Strathmore

GC DEMO & EXCAVATION INC

4.9(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Punctual, professional, polite, explanation of details of needed to be done."

Response time6 hrs

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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James Heisdorf

New to Angi

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

Licensed Civil Engineer\nGeneral Engineering Contractor\nGeneral Building Contractor\n\nEarthwork, grading, roads, building pads, paving, underground wet utilities, septic installation, paving, concrete, civil design, survey, land development.

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Clear Horizon Home Solutions, Inc.

4.3(

214

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Luis, did a wonderful job installing a retaining wall, pavers, laying sod and river rock edging for us. We are very satisfied with how lovely everything looks."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

"Fortnite i like this game because my friends play it. i'm Julian Blanco, i'm 9 years old. i like how you build and get to play with friend's i like the vilonce like the gun's and charcter's in the game. my most favorite skin is raven he's dark and has a dark suit."

Response time1 day

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"THE COMPANY PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL WORK AT A FAIR PRICE. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANY SEPTIC AND BACHOE WORK."

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American septic - Home Facebook

4.8(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very professional and caring individual. I would use them again."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dambacher Construction Inc

5.0(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I've had work done many years ago, where the work done by people that were not as professional as Jimmy would only last a few years - all the work he has done has been fabulous, reasonable in price. The work up here has to be done in a special way, and his has been fantastic with how long it has lasted. I am very happy, he has done some special things for us to get the prices as low as possible. If we had somebody else do it, it would probably cost twice as much."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Embr Home

New to Angi

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

We do almost anything when it comes to dirt work. Been a general contractor for 6 years based in Clovis

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Pro Grade Construction, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Communication was excellent, work was performed with high efficiency, and workers weâ re very professional and courteous."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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T M Grading, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

With over 25 years of experience the tree industry, we are the experts you need to take care of your home or business. We handle everything regarding your excavation needs. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give T M Grading LLC a call today, we look forward to working with you! We don't do pool excavation.

Response time10 hrs

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Showing 1-10 of 17

Excavating questions, answered by experts

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 rules and regulations regarding groundwater use vary between states. To find out if you can dig a well on your property, you’ll have to consult these regulations, address any compliance requirements, and get the appropriate permits. It’s also important to check that your intended location has the right geology and water table to support a well.

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.

The Strathmore, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
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How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
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•
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.
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•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire an Excavation Pro
Picking the right pro can make or break your project. Learn how to hire an excavation pro with the qualifications and skillset to do the job efficiently.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?
If you want to hire someone to dig a trench, choose a local excavation company. Learn why you should hire a pro for your trench and what it will cost.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.