Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Columbia, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Columbia, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY COLUMBIA, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon40
    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
Bri-Co Construction, LLC
4.7(
17
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 40 years of experience in the home and home improvement industry, Bri-Co Construction LLC is your trusted partner for all your residential and commercial needs. We treat every project with the same care and attention as if it were our own. Contact us today - we're excited to work with you!

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by60%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.

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
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

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
6 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
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
...
Showing 1-10 of 124
Excavating questions, answered by experts

A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.

Depth is not a qualifying component of evacuation. Any human-made cut, cavity, or depression in the earth’s surface is considered excavation. The hole from excavation can be any size, shape, or depth. Excavation is used to create foundations, reservoirs, drainage ditches, and roads. Long, narrow excavations are called trenches and are often used for underground utilities.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

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.

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.