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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
)

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 rate94%
19 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
4.6(
12
)

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 rate85%
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for The Greener Good Outdoor
The Greener Good Outdoor
4.6(
10
)

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%
14 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Flood Man, LLC
Flood Man, LLC
4.8(
25
)

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Erich is a competent, reliable, well experienced, insightful professional in this field of work and service. He is willing to explain, discuss and, I believe, honestly share his opinions of what is in his customer/client's best interest. I respect him and appreciate his work with us and for us; Job well done!"
24 Hr. PROMPT RESPONSE
Mold
Mold Treatment
landscaping
landscaping

+1

Response time1 day
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for North West Home Solutions LLC
North West Home Solutions LLC
5.0(
8
)

Serving Elk Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I recently had the pleasure of working with North West Home Solutions, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their work in restoring our basement. From the very beginning, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive to detail. They took the time to listen to our needs and concerns, offering expert advice on the best way to approach the restoration. The project was completed on time, and the crew made sure to keep everything clean and organized throughout the process. What really stood out was their commitment to ensuring everything was done right, and they didn’t cut corners."
Remodeling - General Project
Additional Photos
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 45
Excavating questions, answered by experts

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 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.

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.

Maintain open communication and address issues as they arise, ensuring contract terms cover potential delays.

Trenching is a specific kind of digging. Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that’s deeper than it is wide, often with heavy machinery. Digging refers to any kind of removal of earth in order to create a human-made depression, hole, or cut in the earth’s surface. You can dig with big tools or even with just a hand shovel.

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.