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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.

1 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
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
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 122
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

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.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.

If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still encapsulate your crawl space to protect it from damage for an average cost of $5,500. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.

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.