Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Salem, NH

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Salem, NH?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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

Avatar for Dags Excavation
Dags Excavation
5.0(
16
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Jared did an amazing job and was very thorough in his work. He prepared the site work for a retaining wall behind a newly installed pool and the attention to details in where he placed the drainage was perfect. The following week we had a tremendous amount of rain and it kept all that water well away from the pool. Took a lot of pride in the work he did for us and can not wait to work with him again on our next project!"
Response time7 hrs
20 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by66%of homeowners
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

"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
31 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

"We had an amazing experience with Twin Timber! They completed a full kitchen remodel for us, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, they were professional, reliable, and paid incredible attention to every detail. The quality of their craftsmanship is outstanding, and they made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Our kitchen turned out even better than we imagined, and we’ve received so many compliments on it. We highly recommend Twin Timber to anyone looking for a beautiful, high-quality renovation. Thank you for making our dream kitchen a reality!"
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 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

+20

...
Showing 1-10 of 185
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Errors in site preparation can lead to structural failures or appear costly midway. Professionals ensure detailed, reliable home base development layouts.

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.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

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.