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TRUSTED BY ORLEANS, MA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon22
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Orleans

Avatar for Travers Landscape Construction Engineering & Weatherstone Restoration, LLC
Travers Landscape Construction Engineering & Weatherstone Restoration, LLC
4.6(
356
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1910

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I originally hired Travers to remove an old pool that was in disrepair when I bought my house. From there I tacked on other projects including tree removal, brush/overgrowth clearing, and regrading and seeding. Each project came out exceptional. Travers will be my first call if I need more work done in the future."
Total Restoration/Retaining Wall
Demolition
Demolition
Demolition
Tree

+31

Response time8 hrs
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for S.H. Dunford Construction & Excavation
S.H. Dunford Construction & Excavation
4.9(
12
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We are a locally owned cape cod business, owned and operated by native cape codder Sam Dunford. We have been in business since 2012 providing quality work at a competitive price. From septic systems and excavation, to landscape construction and hardscapes, S.H. Dunford is your one stop shop. Follow us on Facebook! Facebook.com/shdunford

Projects
Projects
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Asphalt Solutions Enterprises
Asphalt Solutions Enterprises
4.5(
51
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Drew and team did a great job of taking our vision and creating a beautiful walkway and driveway. They kept us informed of the progress and provided update pictures throughout the process. The work was done on time and within scope. Thank you Drew."
Our work
Response time3 days
14 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Limelight Landscaping
4.7(
15
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Patrick contacted me immediately after I inquired about an estimate. He gave a prompt and fair estimate and started work almost immediately. He and his crew did an amazing job under difficult weather conditions. We are extremely happy with the transformation of our yard. His crew was vey friendly, kind and accommodating and worked long hours to complete the project quickly and on time. We would highly recommend Limelight."
Response time4 hrs
Response rate86%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Clifford Excavation
4.0(
14
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Within one week after initial contact our lot was cleared which included removal of 30 large stumps, graded & loaned entire property & installed 185ft stone driveway. Gary & Collin are professional, Knowledgeable & extremely easy to work with. I would highly recommend Clifford Excavation. Mary & Skip Eaton DENNIS MA"
Response time9 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for JTC Contractors
JTC Contractors
2.8(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Orleans, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"John communicated very well during the whole job and always asked if we were happy. He has the skill and ability to do the level of detail a custom deck requires. He and his crew were always here when they said they would be and they finished the job on time. My new composite deck looks great and we would definitely hire this pro again. The neighbors watched what he can do and have also asked John to price their home improvement projects."
septics and site work
new septic
setting tanks
gear
new leachfield

+1

Response time5 days
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

Preparation involves site assessment, clearing debris, grading surfaces, and compacting soil to support stable construction.

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.

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.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

The Orleans, MA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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