• <div><p>No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.</p></div>

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 Wilton, ND

Q: What permits might be needed for building site preparation and clearing?

• <div><p>Consultation with the local government helps identify necessary permits, avoid project delays or legal issues, and protect project integrity.</p></div>

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

Q: What do I do if my soil is too hard?

• <div><p>Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look. </p></div>

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: How much does excavation cost?

• <div><p>The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Wilton, ND

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Wilton, ND 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 Wilton, ND 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 01, 2024

Reviewed in March 2024
Corey is very fussy, neat and cleans up the project as he goes and upon completion.
CHX Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
He did an excellent job! Pleasant to work with,
Outlaw Tree Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
Great people to work with. Showed up on time and did an amazing job on my house and very detailed in work. Great customer service!!!!! Had a few other company's come in before and they were horrible and rude! So I would definitely recommend this company.
Tim's Services L.L.C.
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Reviewed in October 2021
Very informative, and actually saved me time and money for I was trying to push for a part replacement, when all I needed was some maintenance work! So this company has the customers best intentions in mind from my personal experience. Friendly, knowledgeable, work was thorough, well informed,...
Capital Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
Great customer service. The job was done exactly it was supposed to. Timely and efficient.
Blitzkrieg Blasting, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
real great and warm friendli
Accurate Door
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Reviewed in May 2020
Dirk Concrete was so easy to work with. I called him, he gave me a fair estimate, and we hired him. He showed up to do the job exactly when he said he would. He did a great job and the cement turned out wonderful. He got the job done quickly, didn't make a mess, and was very professional. The...
Dirk Concrete, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2019
Very professional and quality work. The crew works very well together and takes pride in their job. They leave the worksite cleaner than when they arrived.
US Roof, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2019
100 percent awesome! Quality work, professionalism , the whole crew worked so well together. They took pride in protecting my flowers . Cleanup was like they were never there. Takes pride in what they do. Had a little bit more work than they expected but held true to their quote and did not...
US Roof LLC
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Reviewed in December 2013
Oil was changed and I was driving away in approx 40 minutes.
Sears Auto Center
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Find Excavation pros in Wilton

Bagwells Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance, Inc.

4.5(

)

Serving Wilton, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Hired to remove snow from my roof. Attention to detail and attitude was amazing considering they worked in -30 degree wind chill. Job was completed in a timely manner with excellent results. They even cleaned my driveway and sidewalk leading to my backyard as part of the project. Excellent work and I'd highly recommend Bagwells to anyone. We have another winter storm coming, so I'll be hiring them again. Outstanding!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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B & D Excavation & Underground, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Wilton, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

With over 70 years of experience, B & D Excavation & Underground, LLC, is your solution for all your excavating needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Satisfaction guaranteed!

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Bismarck-Septic-Excavating

New to Angi

Serving Wilton, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Bismarck-Septic-Excavating is committed to excellence in 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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Quality Trenching Services, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Wilton, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Quality Trenching Services, LLC, is owned and operated by Jason Parsons. I have over 15 years experience in electrical and trenching projects. I started the company to help out the rural communities with my services. Knowing customer satisfaction is how business's succeed, I'll provide 100% customer satisfaction which is my number 1 priority.

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W. Simpson Plumbing Services, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Wilton, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at W. Simpson Plumbing Services, LLC, we are a full service plumbing company for both residential and commercial. We are local, family owned and operated, and have a strong focus on customer service. We are fully licensed and ready to take on as much work as possible. Call us today for your free estimate. We look forward to meeting your home's needs.

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Consultation with the local government helps identify necessary permits, avoid project delays or legal issues, and protect project integrity.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

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.

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

The Wilton, ND 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

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.
Paige Bennett
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2026 Data]
Preparing for a big excavation project in your yard? Find out excavator rental prices by type, project size, and more to budget for your project.
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.
Rachel Presser
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Can Dig a Trench for Me?
Who can dig a trench for you? You can rent trenching equipment for a simple job, but a local excavation company can help with tough ones. Here's how.
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.
Rachel Presser
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Who Installs Trench Drains?
Who installs trench drains? A local excavation company is best for the job, but a landscaper or plumber can also get it done. Here's how.