"Highly recommend Shaw Excavation and Earthwork! We hired Shaw Excavation to do site prep, grading and sloping for a large 40ft x 20ft garage. Shane is very professional and extremely knowledgeable and all for very reasonable rate. We are so pleased and satisfied with our entire experience from start to finish with Shaw Excavation. Job well done!"
"They gave me a quote within the week and answered all my questions r/t my drainage problems. They came and did the job as promised. I am hiring them for another job.. Highly recommend"
"D&D was quick to call us back, to walk the site and give us a quote, they started the job earlier than they thought they could, and worked all day/ every day to finish the job. The yard was raked, leveled, and seeded . Dustin is a knowledgeable professional, we couldn't be happier with the install. We were so pleased with his work that we hired him to do some extra grading for us."
"Exceptional young man, was very efficient and completed everything I requested in a very timely manor. Went above and beyond requested task and helped with advice on future property plans. 👍👍"
We are a family-oriented veteran owned and operated company with years of experience in hazardous tree removal, pruning, land clearing and excavation. Our sole purpose at this company is to provide you with the very best and professional experience without sacrificing quality in our craft. We are currently available to provide free quotes and complete jobs throughout the State of Maine. We look forward to hearing from you!
"Can’t say enough good things about this contractor! Very competitive quote, Work was completed just as I envisioned. Very careful about not damaging the grass and vegetation around the job site. I highly recommend him!"
No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.
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.
Landscape edging is more DIYable than trenching. You can DIY your own digging projects, but proceed carefully and only with proper knowledge of the equipment and appropriate safety measures in place. Keep in mind the project's scope and estimate how long it will take you to do it on your own. While you can certainly save money by DIYing home improvement projects, you can’t exactly hide an unfinished—or worse, ruined— landscaping job from the neighbors. It’s always safer to call an excavation pro near you to get an estimate.
Digging out a basement takes anywhere from a few days to a few months. Most projects take at least two to five weeks, but it could take several months if you encounter obstacles. This project takes longer if you need to brace or raise your home before the excavation. Digging out a basement in new construction can take as little as three days.
If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still encapsulate your crawl space to protect it from damage for an average cost of $5,500. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.
The Stetson, ME homeowners’ guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.
Picking the right pro can make or break your project. Learn how to hire an excavation pro with the qualifications and skillset to do the job efficiently.