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Avatar for RW Construction
RW Construction
4.8(
23
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Mount Vernon, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Had a front door installed where there had not been one. Contractor went above and beyond what was expected by installing insulation and OSB where we had already removed existing siding. Contractor cleaned up and removed all debris from job site. We will be using this contractor for other projects in the near future."
project photos
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by86%of homeowners
Avatar for Kuhlman Construction, LLC
Kuhlman Construction, LLC
5.0(
7
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Mount Vernon, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Chase dove into a couple of projects on my farm that were a little too much for me to handle. He took the time to procure all the materials and we agreed on a bid. He held up his end of the bargain and the work was exactly what I asked for. One of a few young men with the drive to get things done. Will use him again for a future construction project."
What I Love To Do For You
What I Love To Do For You
What I Love To Do For You
What I Love To Do For You
What I Love To Do For You

+19

Response time40 mins
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

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. 

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 best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you’re using will determine how far down you can dig.

The Mount Vernon, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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