Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Elk Rapids, MI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Elk Rapids, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY ELK RAPIDS, MI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon11
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Elk Rapids

Marks Excavating
5.0(
4
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Mark was professional and skilled. He got the job done quickly and efficiently and his prices are fair. He was friendly and on time. I definitely recommend him for any excavating job you need done. My property looks beautiful! Will keep him in mind for any future work I need done, big or small. Thanks a lot, Mark’s Excavating!"
Response time11 hrs
Response rate96%
20 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
4.6(
12
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Small jobs welcome

Customers say: Quick response

"Dont judge a book by it's cover. It's hard to find a quality handyman -- especially in Northern Michigan. The folks at Clearwater, led by Tyler, quoted quickly and got the job done on time and according to all specified parameters. A small start up that needs a little front end polish -- but dont let that dissuade you from hiring. A quality finished product is what counts. They delivered this in spades. Not only would I hire them again, I sincerely hope to help them grow and will recommend them to the property owners I service in my business."
Response time1 day
Response rate90%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for The Greener Good Outdoor
The Greener Good Outdoor
4.6(
10
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I have used them for several projects from installation and maintenance of a rock revetment, installation of stairs from the top of our bluff to the water below, plantings on our slope, and yearly installation and removal of a removal set of stairs that connect the major stairs over the rock revetment to the waters edge. Responsible and dependable.,"
before project
beach
grass seed
fence and more afton
fence and afton

+5

Response time2 days
Response rate97%
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for North West Home Solutions LLC
North West Home Solutions LLC
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"North West Home Solutions did Excellent Work on our home!! I am Very Pleased with their recent work on our roof! They did exactly what was needed. Our roof and chimney has been sealed off to stop the water damage and they have completely fixed our interior ceilings from the damage caused. I would Highly recommend them."
Remodeling - General Project
Additional Photos
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 46
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most sprinkler lines are buried between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

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.

The Elk Rapids, MI homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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