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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Sterling, IL

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Sterling, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Sterling, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on June 06, 2025

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Avatar for Weigant Home Improvement
Weigant Home Improvement
4.3(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This company was very professional and reasonable on the price. The crew that came in was in and out of here within three days and gave us a beautiful bathroom. We had new flooring, vanity, shower, toilet, and lights put in and the bathroom painted. I would highly recommend this company and will definitely be calling them for more projects in the future."
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Spittler Construction
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I have been in some form of construction most of my adult life. And recently have started turning it into a business for myself. From grading to excavating work to remodel projects we can handle it. We are based in Hennepin and work all over the Illinois Valley. We pride ourselves on being prompt, upfront and honest with our customers to give the customer the best experience possible. \n\n24 hour emergency service available

Rental House Repairs
Rental House Repairs
Rental House Repairs
Rental House Repairs
Bar Build

+7

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Willowbrook Drainage & Excavation
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At Willowbrook Drainage & Excavation we pride ourselves on being the best home improvement company in the Kent area. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. Being a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves. Call us today and let's get started!\n

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Avatar for NRE Land Solutions, LLC
NRE Land Solutions, LLC
5.0(
10
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Did a great job leveling off my gravel driveway by adding new gravel also installed a gravel area behind house leveled off and looks great . Customer service was excellent always kept me informed as to what was going on and did the job in a timely manner. I have more projects to do and will definitely call them back to do them"
Before and after photo
Stump removal
Garage demolition
New rock driveway
Pasture mowing

+5

Response time1 day
Response rate87%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for Crawlspace / Basement Waterproofing Solution
Crawlspace / Basement Waterproofing Solution
4.4(
256
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Not used


"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
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Additional Photos

+13

Recommended by90%of homeowners
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Avatar for McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
4.1(
69
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Provider was prompt, professional and friendly.  Arrived at the agreed upon time for a free estimate and performed work same-day after we agreed to the price.  He stuck to the price despite taking longer than expected and more work than usual due to worn-rusted pipes in my home.  Cleaned-up after himself and left no sign that work was done other than our new, working toilets.  We are very pleased and reccomend McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc.


"
Recommended by96%of homeowners
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Avatar for Ballistic Demolition & Removal
Ballistic Demolition & Removal
5.0(
5
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Everything was done in a timely manner and well organized."
Corn crib demo
Response time3 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Gray Excavating, Inc.
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Gray 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.

Response time50 mins
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 30
Excavating questions, answered by experts

The time it takes to build a pool—and dig out the area—varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

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.

Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that’s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something—likely your septic tank lid.

Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.

To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.

Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.

The Sterling, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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