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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Calmar, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Calmar, IA 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 Calmar, IA 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 May 20, 2026

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Avatar for Modern Edge Construction, LLC.
Modern Edge Construction, LLC.
5.0(
9
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It was excellent! They did a good job. I will hire them again."
Remodeling - General Project
Fangmann’s Property Make Over
Roofing Project
Handymen Project
Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom Project

+83

Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for SCHANBECK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATION, LLC
SCHANBECK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATION, LLC
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

From Landscaping and Hardscape to Excavating/Grading, Concrete, Tree Removal/Stump Grinding, Material Hauling and More! We have the equipment and experience to get the job done right.\n\n? Free Estimates\n? Fully Insured\n? Quality Work You Can Trust\n? Big or Small, We Do It All\n\nNow scheduling projects! Contact us today to get on the calendar and bring your vision to life.\n\nWe are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Concrete blocks are the cheapest way to base a shed. However, the space in between allows critters to go under, burrow, and even damage your shed’s frame. For a more pest-proof option, consider building a shed base with gravel or paver stones. Both options are fairly affordable and easy enough for a DIY project. For gravel, you can build a wooden frame to contain the loose material.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

Digging out a basement takes anywhere from a few days to a few months. Most projects take at least two to five weeks, but it could take several months if you encounter obstacles. This project takes longer if you need to brace or raise your home before the excavation. Digging out a basement in new construction can take as little as three days.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

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 Calmar, IA 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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