What type of soil is best to build on?

• <div><p>The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.</p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Dexter, MO

Q: How close to the gas line can I dig?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/homeowner-liable-damage-gas-line-contractor.htm">liable for hitting a gas line</a> in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.</p></div>

Q: How long does an excavation project take?

• <div><p>Excavations take a few days or up to a few weeks. The time it takes to excavate an area depends on the size of the area, the type of soil, the type of excavator, and even the time of year, since winter can make digging up the ground more difficult.</p></div>

Q: How far should you bury downspouts from the house?

• <div><p>Downspouts should be buried at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. This can vary depending on your local building codes, soil type, and property slope. The main goal is to ensure water is directed away from your foundation.</p></div>

Q: How do you calculate excavation costs?

• <div><p>Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you&rsquo;ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.</p><p>Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it&rsquo;s tedious. You may want to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-read-a-tape-measure.htm">pull out a tape measure</a> or use a string to help mark the area. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Dexter, MO?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Dexter, MO

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Dexter, MO 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 Dexter, MO 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 March 25, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Jeff and his crew did a phenomenal job landscaping our yard. They were very professional. Jeff made wonderful recommendations and it turned out beautiful. Highly recommend!!
Legacy Pro Lawn Care, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2025
Amazing customer service. Prompt and friendly. Efficiently completed work and apprised me of all changes that needed done
The Honey Do Crew
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2024
Excellent communication with Oliver all through the whole process. I never had a concern as to where my property was located throughout the transaction. All items were safely packaged and secured, zero damage on any items on arrival. Would certainly recommend to anyone that wants a safe,secure,...
A Move With A Purpose
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
Very friendly and did a wonderful job with the yard and flower bed getting rid of weeds etc!
Bumble Bee Lawn Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2024
They have completed several projects of drainage tile installation, road repair and septic tank installation. All projects were completed on schedule and an excellent manner.
HeartLand Dirt Works, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2023
They did a great job they was quick had my roof done in a day and at a good price I talked to so many roofers trying to find a good one that could not only do a good job but not price gauged me they came in did a estimate and gave me a r good price talked to me with respect was able to get me...
Martinez Restoration
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2023
I highly recommend Empire cleaning Co. Scheduling was easy to arrange and the quality of cleaning is excellent!
Empire Cleaning Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
They cut tree while I was at work. Came home and couldnâ t tell they had done anything. ( except the tree was gone and all the debris) . Very,very happy!
Beckett's Tree Service & Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
I had them come and provide an estimate for repair for my oven. The tech was courteous and helpful. Would definitely work with them again.
Appliance Repair Clinic
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Mitch did a great job! He responded quickly, showed up early, and his price was very reasonable. He cleaned up the leaves, too. I am impressed and will hire him again next year and highly recommend him to others.
Holder Gutter Cleaning, LLC
Request a quote

Find Excavation pros in Dexter

Jamison Plumbing & Home Services LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went very good. He's very professional and does a great job."

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Chuck Hendrickson General Services

3.9(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It took several phone calls to get them to come out for an estimate. When he did show he did not seem very interested. They are a general contractor. Don't think landscaping was on the top of their list."

+145

Response time2 days

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Request Quote

D&D Directional Drilling & Underground Services

5.0(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"D&D make this project so easy it went so smooth they were very professional!! They were always on time and the project turned out great !!!"

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Amazing work for an affordable price!"

In this picture, you can see the end result

Response time50 mins

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Meridian Roofing Solutions contacted a few excavating companies for some dirt work we needed on a roofing project. Apex Excavation was the first to respond and provided an accurate quote. I was most impressed by how they communicated to us and understood the project. I would definitely work with them again and recommend them for any dirt work needed."

Response time2 days

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional and easy to talk with."

Response time4 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Wilder's Excavating

New to Angi

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We're a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of excavation services that are customizable to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time8 hrs

Request Quote

Tri State Service Group, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

"Very professional and easy to work with. Did quality work and were very open and willing to cater to our needs, all in all a great experience!"

Recommended by44%of homeowners

Request Quote

Stanley's Home Improvement

3.3(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a great job.. I had a lot of big trees hanging over my house They brought the bucket truck in and got it done very fast and professionally. Very polite workers"

Recommended by77%of homeowners

Request Quote

D&L Underbrushing, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Dexter, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

"They do extremely good work and are efficient. They are easy to deal with and professional."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 23

Excavating questions, answered by experts

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

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.

Excavations take a few days or up to a few weeks. The time it takes to excavate an area depends on the size of the area, the type of soil, the type of excavator, and even the time of year, since winter can make digging up the ground more difficult.

Downspouts should be buried at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. This can vary depending on your local building codes, soil type, and property slope. The main goal is to ensure water is directed away from your foundation.

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

The Dexter, MO 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

Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2026 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How Much Does Pool Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Deane Biermeier
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
When to Call 811 for Safe Digging
Planning a yard project? Know when to call 811 to keep you safe while avoiding expensive damage to underground utilities.
Paige Bennett
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Can You Excavate in the Winter? What to Know About Breaking Ground in the Cold
Can you excavate in the winter? Sometimes, but it’s complicated. Find out the pros, cons, and steps for planning a winter excavation project.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?
If you want to hire someone to dig a trench, choose a local excavation company. Learn why you should hire a pro for your trench and what it will cost.