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TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon42
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Lake Forest

Avatar for JK Company, LLC
JK Company, LLC
5.0(
106
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Tino and JK did a great job assisting us with the complete demolition of a single story house. Very easy to communicate with and completed the work with minimal dust and debris. Would definitely recommend."
Patio
Drive
Patio
Patio
Entryway

+11

Response time1 day
44 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Efrains Brick Paving and Landscaping
Efrains Brick Paving and Landscaping
5.0(
21
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Overall Landscaping projects I have hired them for are outstanding. And I've hired them for over 20 Years all our patio and brick paver jobs are still holding up. Couldn't be more pleased with the work and professionalism."
Walkway
Walkway
Patio
Patio
Patio

+3

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by86%of homeowners
Avatar for Illinois Sewer And Drain Inc
Illinois Sewer And Drain Inc
4.9(
20
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We are new homeowners and had a hole in our septic tank made of concrete block, which was sending wastewater into the foundation/basement of the home. It was my first time using Angie's List, and I would recommend Illinois Sewer and Drain to anyone. Joe and his team of experts solved our issue immediately at an affordable price. They even went above and beyond to install a sump pump in our basement to help with the rain water. Quality work!!"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+23

Response time9 hrs
Recommended by65%of homeowners
Avatar for Greentrail Landscape & Design, Inc.
Greentrail Landscape & Design, Inc.
4.3(
81
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jose and his crew completely rebuilt our stone patio and wall that was falling apart, and surrounded it with redone landscaping. We are thrilled with the result. Jose has an eye for design. He makes good suggestions and sees possibilities we did not. He used high quality materials and plants and was careful not to damage the surrounding area. I highly recommend him."
Response time2 days
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Unique Landscaping Service
Unique Landscaping Service
4.3(
143
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had old timber walls removed & new ones installed. New plantiings, trees and mulch. All the workmen that Flirian & Ernin brought to my job worked very hard to give us a beautiful finished job. I would hire them again."
 .
KIDS PLAYGROUND AREA
AFTER
PLANTING DESIGNS
Hardscape Projects

+452

Response time8 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
4.2(
28
)

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Hernandez Bros. cleaned our front and back yard, clearing away leaves and hauling them away. They were on time, professional, and did a very thorough job. I would highly recommend their services."
Our work
WALK WAY
Our work
Our work
Our work

+3

Response time10 hrs
Response rate96%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Showing 1-10 of 187
Excavating questions, answered by experts

A perc test can take anywhere from one to eight hours to complete. The total time depends on factors like the amount of excavation required, the depth and width of the holes, and whether multiple test holes are needed. For a single hole, the process of filling it with water and monitoring the drainage rate usually takes less than an hour. Professionals can often complete the entire test in a single day. While it's possible to get results the same day, some companies may take a few days to provide the official report.

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.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

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.

Landscape edging is more DIYable than trenching. You can DIY your own digging projects, but proceed carefully and only with proper knowledge of the equipment and appropriate safety measures in place. Keep in mind the project's scope and estimate how long it will take you to do it on your own. While you can certainly save money by DIYing home improvement projects, you can’t exactly hide an unfinished—or worse, ruined— landscaping job from the neighbors. It’s always safer to call an excavation pro near you to get an estimate.

The Lake Forest, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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