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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

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history. 

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.

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.

A mini excavator can dig between 5 and 11 feet deep, depending on the type and size of the mini excavator. Mini hydraulic excavators are more powerful and can reach deeper into the earth, but electric models have a more limited range. Mini excavators over two tons in size are also more powerful and able to dig as deep as 11 feet.

Professional installers often include a deep layer of crushed gravel under permeable pavers to allow more runoff to soak through into the soil below. Many installations will include multiple layers of gravel, with coarser aggregate at the base and finer aggregate that sits on top of that bottom layer. Above the gravel, you’ll often find coarse sand that helps reduce paver shifting over time. Some permeable paver designs include a water collection system set into the gravel layer to route runoff to a safe area for disposal.

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.