Can you make your basement deeper?

• <div><p>If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between <b>$40,000 and $90,000</b> on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.</p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Madison, MN

Q: Can you make your basement deeper?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less&mdash;between <b>$40,000 and $90,000</b> on average. However, if you&rsquo;re not adding new finished square footage, you won&rsquo;t see much in the way of ROI.</p></div>

Q: Will a walk-behind trencher cut through roots?

• <div><p>A walk-behind <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/will-a-trencher-cut-through-roots.htm">trencher can cut through roots</a> as long as they&rsquo;re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. </p></div>

Q: How deep should a septic tank be buried?

• <div><p>How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables. </p></div>

Q: Can excavation be done in the winter?

• <div><p>Yes, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-you-excavate-in-the-winter.htm">excavate in the winter</a>, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.</p></div>

Q: What are the rules for trenching and excavation?

• <div><p>The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don&rsquo;t hit any electrical or gas lines.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Madison, MN

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Madison, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Madison, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on August 26, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Sadly been a nightmare. Saying on the way 10 minutes away and never showed and wouldn't answer the phone or texts. More than a dozen times. Work still isn't done. Told the sub contractors he hired ( promised he would be here the entire time. Seen him 2 times at the most in 3...
Xtreme Xteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
Time will tell for us!
LeafGuard Holdings Inc
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Reviewed in November 2023
The packing material they used was high-quality and eco-friendly, which gave me peace of mind knowing that my move had a minimal impact on the environment. Every box was meticulously labeled, and the clear, concise handwriting made it effortless to identify each item's contents.
BQ Transport, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
It was excellent. They were prompt in coming out to give me an estimate. They kept a good communication. The work itself was done very quickly. They cleaned up after themselves. They kept the yard in good shape. They finished it in only 6 hours.
Noble Roofing and Exteriors Inc
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Reviewed in March 2020
Work was done very professionally & timely by a person who loves his job & follows through with integrity and pride in a job well done.
Force and Partners, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2018
He was timely and kept me informed during the project.
Carpets N' More, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2018
Quickly remove tree from my greenhouse so I could start repairs.
Nick's Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2017
Excellent cleanup after work had completed. Also very easy to talk with and communicate what I wanted.
Weaver's Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2013
They were very reassuring that we could get the truck with them. The free storage was an hours drive from where we needed to be. When I called them a week in advance to figure out where and when the truck was going to be, they could not tell me where the truck was going to be. It was very...
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Mankato
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Reviewed in July 2013
I have never met anybody that was so professional and knowledgable. He took the time to explain everything to us. He said he wouldn't charge anything for the temporary fix on two building and to look at the roof that would last through winter and that he would fix it right. He showed up when...
A-1 HANDYMAN SVC
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Find Excavation pros in Madison

Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"This was not an excavation job. We had a fuel tank removed from our basement. They did a very nice job and cleaned everything up that they did and took everything that belonged to the removal of the tank with them."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"This company was quick to respond to my need, setting up a time the very day we spoke. The service technician called when he was on his way, giving a good ETA, and was responsive and polite during our interactions. He reviewed the tight area and the job to remove two old, large fuel oil tanks from the back of the property, and then just got it done. Billing was super easy as he produced the invoice right there. I would recommend Dean's for any similar project."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Thompson Excavating, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Thompson Excavating, LLC, is the premier professional company offering residential services to our clients in the Taunton area. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making your satisfaction our number one priority. Please call us today to schedule your appointment with Minnesota true professionals at work for you!

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Te Underground LLC

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Te Underground LLC is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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JBR Construction

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

over 17 years of experience

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $40,000 and $90,000 on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive.

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables.

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

The Madison, MN homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

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•
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Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?
When planning to trench, you may be concerned about rocky ground. Can a trencher go through rock? Find out what your trencher can cut through in this guide.
Taylor Freitas
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Trench vs. a Ditch?
Trenches and ditches both involve excavation, but they serve different purposes. Unsure which one you need? Let’s compare a trench versus a ditch.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.