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Downs Excavating LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Contacted Downs Excavating to assist with hauling away junk and debris from flood damage and he was quick to show up and get the job done! Fast and friendly service and have recommended Travis to everyone I know."
Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Stone Landscape Solutions
Stone Landscape Solutions
4.4(
14
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Stone Landscaping handled the repair of our fence in a very professional and timely manner. They came immediately to assess the damage, provided an estimate, and came within one week to repair the fence. This doesn't happen that often with contractors, landscapers, etc., especially during periods like the derecho we had in Iowa."
Planter Bed
Planter Bed
Planter Bed
Retaining Wall
Retaining Wall

+25

Response time4 days
Recommended by91%of homeowners
Cedar Prairie Grading, LLC
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

"Tom did a great job and when he was done he did several extra things that he thought would help that were not originally discussed for no extra charge. He helped solve a drainage problem behind my house."
Prepairing to build pond
Prepairing to build pond
Prepairing to build pond
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
ClassiConcrete
3.9(
56
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Credit card accepted

"John gave me what I thought was a decent estimate that was in line with everyone else. He gave me a date for the work to be completed, but they didnt arrive on that date. On that they that they didn't arrive, I had cancelled an appointment to stay home that morning. When I called him, he was in Iowa working at his other location. When I let him know that I had cancelled an appointment to be here for the work, he said "Did we inconvenience you?" in an unfriendly tone. The crew came to do the work on a weekend. John is not a good communicator at all. John had told me that he was going to resurface the floor. I did not understand what that meant and assumed it was putting in new concrete because he did not explain it. I saw that the crew was just chopping up the floor and going to fill in the cracks. When I stopped them and contacted John, he said he had it noted down as resurfacing. When I explained to him that the he did not explain what resurfacing meant to me, he got upset and said I had to pay more. He first said the job would cost an extra $800. When I declined it, he offered the work to be done at an extra $400. After the job was complete, it was done nicely. When I advised him how many companies on Angie's List offer discounts to members, I asked what type of discount he offered. He said that he would add some decorations to the sidewalk and that was done. Also, when I saw that dirt needed to be replaced in the trenched along each side of the driveway and sidewalk, he said I would need to call someone else. I had to pay another contaractor $300 for the dirt to be filled after they finished the driveway and sidewalk. The work took three days and he only stopped by once to oversee the job and that was when we had the arguement over the garage floor. The product and quality of service was good, but the communication was bad. The workers did a good job and they worked hard. However, I would not recommend this company to someone else as I felt that dealing with John was not appropriate. He didn't offer good customer service in what I see in terms of what I feel is appropriate customer service for what a person would normally expect.
"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Stamped
Polish
Stain

+1

Recommended by82%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Above ground pools are not buried in the ground. Typically, above ground pools are semi-permanent. One reason they’re more affordable is that you don’t have to dig for an inground pool and pour concrete or another material. However, you can choose to install a semi inground pool, which is a hybrid between the two.

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. 

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

The Palo, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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