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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon39
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Columbia

Eleven Eleven Excavating, LLC
5.0(
9
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business+1 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"From start to finish, he was fantastic, friendly, and made sure I got what exactly what I wanted. The guy he had come out Work. We’re also very professional and made sure that nothing was left behind Trash or anything else. I was extremely pleased with the job that they had done!"
Response time10 hrs
Response rate98%
Recommended by42%of homeowners
Avatar for UTRERA LANDSCAPING LLC
UTRERA LANDSCAPING LLC
5.0(
11
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

UTRERA LANDSCAPING is a family-owned and operated landscaping, hardscaping, and concrete company dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces with craftsmanship, care, and commitment. With deep roots in our community, we bring decades of hands-on experience and a personal touch to every project whether itÂ’s designing a lush, functional landscape, installing beautiful and durable hardscape features, or pouring high-quality concrete that stands the test of time. We specialize in a full range of residential and commercial services, including landscape design and maintenance, paver patios and walkways, retaining walls, driveways, decorative concrete, stamped concrete, and more.

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by9%of homeowners
Avatar for Accented Exteriors
Accented Exteriors
4.7(
25
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Kevin & crew have done several jobs for me over the past from lawn mowing,yard cleanup,& most recently a retaing wall. Always courteous, timely,& offering suggestions or advised recommendations"
Rear wall
Response time9 hrs
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Allen Pace
Allen Pace
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Quick response to my request on Friday and demolition the next Monday. The demolition and removal took less than an hour. I am pleased because the dilapidated shed was in the way of my next home improvement project. I told Alan I was leaving for vacation Monday morning. He was on site at 7:15 am."
Response time3 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Cherokee Outdoors
Cherokee Outdoors
5.0(
3
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Iâ d definitely recommend Cherokee Outdoors. Itâ s lower cost than most corporate companies and heâ s proven that he will take care of my yard like its his. It looks better every time and he provides excellent customer service by showing up on time and efficiently communicating. Itâ s easier for me to go through Cherokee Outdoors rather than a large corporation."
Response time2 days
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for AB excavation
AB excavation
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

AB Excavation is a locally owned and operated excavation and land clearing company based in Highland, Illinois.\nWe specialize in land clearing, grading, and site preparation for residential and small commercial projects. Our work includes Fences, small lot clearing, new home site prep, demolition and haul-off, pond and water feature excavation, and culvert installation.\n\nWe take pride in doing the job right the first time, showing up when we say we will, and communicating clearly with our customers from start to finish. Whether it’s clearing property, prepping a build site, or handling drainage work, we focus on quality workmanship, efficiency, and fair pricing.\n\nWe serve Highland and the surrounding areas and work closely with homeowners, builders, and property owners to get projects completed safely and on schedule.

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

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.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

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 Columbia, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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