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  • 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
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major 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

"I had Ken come out to look at a stump removal and I mentioned a retaining wall project I needed to get done. Ken took some quick measurements and then came back again late that afternoon with his team and took more precise measurements. That evening I had a quote that was comprehensive and fairly priced. We quickly agreed on the project and date. Ken, Rowan and Roger showed up on time and completed the job quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend McAdams Excavation and Landscaping for all your excavation, landscaping, and hard scaping needs. I am more than totally satisfied!!!"
Response time1 day
33 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

"Couldn’t have asked for a more honest and trustworthy contractor. After letting my previous GC go, Mike and his team were a breath of fresh air. Extremely impressed and grateful for their work. Highly recommend. Should have called Twin Timber first."
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 Mountainscapes Landscape Construction, LLC
Mountainscapes Landscape Construction, LLC
5.0(
11
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"We enjoyed the owner Chris and his company who preformed an outstanding job installing a fiberglass pool we never realized how involved it is I believe Chris could have install it blindfolded we are so happy what a very professional company."
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools

+38

10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by44%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

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.

There is no standard depth for burying a septic tank; they are typically buried anywhere from 4 inches to 4 feet underground. The final depth depends on several factors, including the depth of your main sewer line, the height of the bedrock, soil type, local regulations, and the property's landscape. If you plan to grow grass or plants over the tank, a depth of at least 4 to 6 inches is recommended. Deeper tanks can be more difficult to locate, but a septic professional can help find it for you.

If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still encapsulate your crawl space to protect it from damage for an average cost of $5,500. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.

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.