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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

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

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.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

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.