"I am very impressed with Peter and his team at Bridger Construction. They are hard working, responsible, and very thorough. Peter is an excellent communicator-very open and honest. His knowledge and experience with construction and land development are evident in the projects we have underway. We started with several excavation projects and are now moving forward to complete my House and Barn. Itâ s a pleasure to work with Peter and his team."
"He showed up on the weekend when we needed someone, and followed up the next week when we still needed the septic snacked. He found a company to do it for us"
"We recently worked with Flathead Excavation and couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, their communication was outstanding—they kept us informed every step of the way, answering all of our questions promptly and clearly. The quality of their work was exceptional, and they went above and beyond to ensure everything was done to the highest standard. Their team demonstrated incredible professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to delivering results that exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a reliable, hardworking excavation company that truly cares about its clients and the work they provide, I highly recommend Flathead Excavation. A top-notch team that you can trust!"
Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most sprinkler lines are buried between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.
The cost to repair a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Major flooding or water repairs can cost up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. If you simply need to clean your crawl space, expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a major cleanout. Replacing a crawl space beam due to rot or damage can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, while removing and replacing damaged insulation costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
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.
We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for killing a tree stump, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.
Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.
Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that’s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something—likely your septic tank lid.
The Ravalli County, MT homeowners’ guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
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.
