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TRUSTED BY AMHERST, MA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon46
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Amherst

Avatar for Valley Excavating
Valley Excavating
5.0(
80
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had hired Valley Excavating to remove all of the existing lawn on the back side of the house and replace it with newly graded topsoil and seed. David quickly responded to my call, he messaged when he couldn't make the appointment, showed up promptly when he said he would and completed the project in a timely fashion. I would highly recommend Valley Excavating for this type of project."
Cutting Complete
Stamped Patio and Fire Pit
Replacement Electric Service
Cutting Complete Trash Pickup about to Begin
Metal Carport Pad

+38

Response time3 days
24 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by81%of homeowners
Forever Excavating
5.0(
7
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I called Forever Excavating to get a quote on to remove several large oak trees near my house. They returned my call promptly and scheduled a time to come evaluate the work at a time that was convenient for me. They were on time, professional, knowledgeable and provided an estimate that I believe to be reasonable and thorough. The work was completed on time. I would gladly recommend them to anyone and will definitely be in contact for my future landscaping needs."
Response time7 hrs
Response rate95%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Marc Curtis DBA Construction Services
Marc Curtis DBA Construction Services
4.8(
38
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2013

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Marc went above and beyond when installing a yard drainage system in our side yard. He was quick to give us a competitive quote, easy to work with, and got a complicated job done fast. I would highly recommend him for homeowners looking to modify the slope and or drainage plan for their plot."
Framingham, MA (Drainage and Re-grade)
Framingham, MA (Drainage and Re-grade)
Lot Clearing/De-Stumping
Yard Drainage/Discharge system
Southbridge,MA

+12

Response time12 hrs
Response rate87%
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for R Cox Enterprises
R Cox Enterprises
5.0(
5
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Came immediately price was more than fair and cheapies estimate then anyone professional and would recommend them highly"
Response time1 day
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for D.C. Land Management, LLC
D.C. Land Management, LLC
4.9(
4
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

D.C. Land Management LLC 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\n

Response time8 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Advanced Basement Waterproofing LLC
Advanced Basement Waterproofing LLC
5.0(
5
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs.\nIt is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project.\nIn order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer \nin a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Knell walls
Knee Walls
After
Before
Concrete Work

+1

131 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Dukes Waste Management & More
Dukes Waste Management & More
4.3(
9
)

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Duke's did a great job! They arrived at the job early and were very efficient at cleaning out the storage unit. They were professional and friendly. I was very happy to be using a local company, also. I would definitely hire Duke's again, and would highly recommend them to anyone needing any of their services."
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by66%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 97
Excavating questions, answered by experts

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

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. 

Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

The Amherst, MA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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