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River Hills
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Grinnell, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Brian and Tyler did excavating work on an old marsh for me. Their workmanship and knowledge on the job was incredible. The outcome was well beyond my expectations. If you need excavating work done, River Hills Excavating is the only company you will need to contact. I give them my highest recommendation."
Response time1 day
Response rate91%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Downs Excavating LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Grinnell, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Quick to reply when I reached out to request services to clean up trees that damage and he also did tree removal. Travis was quick to get me on the schedule and get the work completed. Fast and efficient and didn't break the bank! Would definitely recommend!"
Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Prime Surface Solutions
Prime Surface Solutions
5.0(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Grinnell, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"If you have any sort of handyman or landscaping job (or anything else)that needs to be done, I highly recommend contacting Prime Surface Solutions in Waukee. Jett and Emily are absolutely FANTASTIC to work with. We recently hired them to landscape a sloped area where we were battling erosion near our foundation. Not only did they listen to our concerns, they offered advice that would work best for our foundation, burning bushes, lawn, and budget. We had a contract that evening and materials delivered two days later. Jett and Emily were kind, respectful, honest people who worked meticulously with an eye for details others might ignore. I can't think of the last time I saw such hardworking people, and we will DEFINITELY hire them again for other projects. Check out their list of services--they do so much more than landscaping. They are based out of Waukee but will travel-- we live in rural Ogden. If we could give them 10 stars, we would do so! https://www.yelp.com/biz/prime-surface-sol"
Zach’s kitchen countertop
Zach’s kitchen countertop
Nicks resurfaced vanities
Nicks resurfaced vanities
Bathtub/ Shower Projects

+45

Response time1 day
VH Excavating LLC
3.3(
15
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Grinnell, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Quality, competence, and excellence. From the first day to the last, they gave 110% through every single facet of the project. They treated this project not only as a job, but as a way to help and contribute to a neighborhood in need of revitalization! They are top rate and unparalleled. No higher outcome could have been given. Highly recommend!"
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Dynamic Grading
Dynamic Grading
New to Angi
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Grinnell, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We are dedicated to providing our clients with the very best in excavation and building site services, as well as landscaping material delivery and construction debris removal. We specialize in residential and commercial services and take pride in the attention to detail put into each of the projects we're involved with. We're known for our quality work and the integrity of our business. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.

Response time6 hrs
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

A perc test can take anywhere from one to eight hours to complete. The total time depends on factors like the amount of excavation required, the depth and width of the holes, and whether multiple test holes are needed. For a single hole, the process of filling it with water and monitoring the drainage rate usually takes less than an hour. Professionals can often complete the entire test in a single day. While it's possible to get results the same day, some companies may take a few days to provide the official report.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. 

To drill a shallow well, you may be able to use a drive well point. This is a tapered point that is driven into the ground. A drill bit at the end of PVC pipe may be another option to consider. A lot of the cost depends on what tools are available near you.

The Grinnell, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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