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TRUSTED BY DURHAM, NC HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon50
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Durham - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Hutchins Landscape & Lawn Maintenance LLC
Hutchins Landscape & Lawn Maintenance LLC
4.7(
130
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Durham, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Jon and his team installed a front yard irrigation system for me and tilled and graded my entire yard. Jon and his team delivered high quality results! I had a lot of questions and Jon was attentive to all of them. I will 100% hire them again for my landscaping needs!"
BEFORE: boring, small patio.
AFTER: larger, raised, rounded, beautiful patio.
BEFORE: boring, crowded, builder's special patio...
AFTER patio, seat wall, and retaining wall.
Fresh sod with newly landscaped natural area and pine straw.

+37

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
M&D Property Solutions
4.5(
23
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Durham, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"It has worked out so well for me and my family. And yeah, please do it all day. Please let me know if I can help. Please let me know when I get home, and I will be home in the next few days. Please let me know when I can get you. Please let me know when I get back. Please let me know if I need anything else. Please let me know if I can get you a text or text me or text or call me when I can."
Master bedroom
Master bedroom
Front hall
Living area
Entry

+10

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Clearly Leveled Up LLC
Clearly Leveled Up LLC
5.0(
9
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Durham, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Clearly Leveled Up was great. They arrived on time and started working right away. The workers, Mike and BJ were very professional. They were courteous and very easy to converse with. They did exactly what we asked for and we love it !!! Wish we could have sent the photos of the work but the system keeps telling us the file was too large."
pond
pond
pond
pond
pond

+10

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Pro Serv Enterprises
Pro Serv Enterprises
5.0(
7
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Durham, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. \n

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Paradise Backyards
Paradise Backyards
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Durham, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

At Paradise Backyards, we take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and a stress-free experience from start to finish. Whether you're looking for a new patio, retaining wall, landscape installation, or a complete outdoor transformation, our goal is to build an outdoor space that adds lasting beauty and value to your home.\nWe'd love the opportunity to learn more about your project and provide a free, no-obligation estimate. Simply reply with a few details about what you're looking to have done, and we'll be in touch to schedule a convenient time. We are veteran owned and operated

Sealant and polymeric
Sealant and polymeric
Wooden Fence
Wooden Fence
Retaining wall

+3

32 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. 

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

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.

Digging a well can cost between $20 and $25,000, depending on your needs. If you’re looking to dig a well yourself, all you need is a shovel. If you’re looking to have a well drilled by a professional, you can expect to pay around $15 to $30 per foot. The total cost of drilling a well will average to $5,500.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

The Durham, NC homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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