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Avatar for LT Excavating
LT Excavating
4.5(
8
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Luke and Trent are exemplary and knowledgeable professionals. Their quote was very reasonable. They showed up at the exact time and day the promised. These men are courteous and very professional. They had a few obstacles to maneuver around, as they were digging out the hole for the egress window. They did it with great skill and precision. My wife and I are grateful we found this company to do our work. 5 STARS +++"
Response time5 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Avatar for HK Trucking & Excavating
HK Trucking & Excavating
5.0(
4
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Extremely helpful and easy to work with, Hunter listened to all of my wishes and did exactly what I wanted done. He pulled weeds, did some remulching, and overall brought life back to my yard! I will hire him again in the future for upkeep. 10/10 recommend — Hunter seems very genuine and although young, very intelligent and wise."
Erosion control
Erosion control
Erosion control
Erosion control
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Applegate Excavating & Sewer Service
5.0(
2
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of excavation and sewer services that are customizable to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Sprocket Excavating LLC
5.0(
1
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Sprocket Excavating 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.\n

5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
2.8(
2
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc., is one of the largest full service commercial landscape companies in the central Illinois region. We have been able to meet the needs of any size customer by using the most advanced equipment, latest techniques and highly trained staff. Please call us today for a quote!

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Smock Excavating
Smock Excavating
5.0(
4
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional business, on time, excellent job at Excavating and others things I needed done, tore out the barn, floor, and re-grated it, and poured concrete back, very dependable and excellent work, I would recommend them for any excavating work or other stuff needs to be done, Very dependable"
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for SJ&J Excavating and Land Management LLC
SJ&J Excavating and Land Management LLC
4.7(
6
)

Serving Mackinaw, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"SJ&J Excavating and Land Management LLC was hired to regrade/slope existing water problems that would flood back patio and room. They regarded and installed corrugated piping to remove water from the rear yard and allow it to be released naturally in the front yard area. Excellent work and tested after first rain!"
New Wall
New wall photo
Another old wall photo
Old wall
Another picture of the catch basins

+16

Response time1 day
Response rate95%
Recommended by83%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 46
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home’s foundation.

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 average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

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 Mackinaw, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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