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TRUSTED BY SALEM, NH HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon55
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Salem

McAdams Excavation & Landscaping
4.3(
24
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"The attention to detail of the work was top rate. We had three sink holes in our yard that they took care of for us, as well as spreading loam for us to start a lawn in the spring. I very highly recommend McAdams Excavation."
Response time1 day
32 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Twin Timber Construction
Twin Timber Construction
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Michael built a single family home in Laconia and his work was thoughtful, tasteful, and overall very well done. He was very responsive and quick to make any requested adjustments. I highly recommend Michael and his team for any renovations, improvements or building a home from start to finish!"
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Smithtown Landworks
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Matt to prepare a site for a shed we have ordered. He replied promptly for a request for an estimate. He explained what needed to be done and gave me a fixed date when he could do the work. Throughout the project, he kept me apprised of the progress and explained the choices that needed to be made. I was impressed with the care with which he approached every aspect of the project. Just a great guy to work with."
Response time5 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Mike & Macs Junk Removal
Mike & Macs Junk Removal
5.0(
13
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mike and McKenna were outstanding to do business with. They provided a quote they were on time and Efficient and above all are professional and friendly. My experience was a great one and I will be hiring them again and referring them to others. Excellent business in Hudson."
Yard cleanout
Yard cleanout
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for BEAR ROCK HARDSCAPES LLC
BEAR ROCK HARDSCAPES LLC
5.0(
7
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I hired Bear rock Hardscapes to replace my driveway drain and regrade a portion of the driveway, and the entire experience was excellent from start to finish. Communication was clear and consistent throughout the project. Dan was the epitome of professionalism, and the pricing was fair and reasonable. Bear Rock delivers high-quality professional work and leaves the property spotless only beautifully finished landscape remains."
Project Photos
Steps
HARDSCAPES
HARDSCAPES
WALKWAY

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.

To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.

Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.

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.

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. 

Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas.

The Salem, NH homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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