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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Charleston - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for P & C Top Grade
P & C Top Grade
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Charleston, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

P & C Top Grade is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Stamped front walk
Response time1 day
Avatar for McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
4.1(
69
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Charleston, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Provider was prompt, professional and friendly.  Arrived at the agreed upon time for a free estimate and performed work same-day after we agreed to the price.  He stuck to the price despite taking longer than expected and more work than usual due to worn-rusted pipes in my home.  Cleaned-up after himself and left no sign that work was done other than our new, working toilets.  We are very pleased and reccomend McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc.


"
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for Spittler Excavating LLC
Spittler Excavating LLC
4.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Charleston, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Eland's service will leave you smiling and your property looking great. I use him consistently to clear old structures on my new construction sites, and he is truly top-notch, and treats everyone with respect. If you want to get the job done in a detail-oriented and safe way, call Eland."
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

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. 

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

The Charleston, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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