Get matched with top excavation pros in Havre, MT

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

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.