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Avatar for Miller Construction Group
Miller Construction Group
5.0(
28
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"????? Great Experience with Miller Concrete & Excavation We hired Miller Concrete & Excavation for a residential concrete project and couldn?t be happier with the results. Ian and his crew were professional, on time, and did excellent work. The concrete looks great and the job site was left clean. If you want quality work from a contractor you can trust, I highly recommend Miller Concrete & Excavation / Miller Construction Group."
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university

+1

125 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by52%of homeowners
Avatar for MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
4.0(
4
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Modern construction was efficient, professional. Performed as we talk about what was needed. I would hire them again if needed. They kept us informed with all the steps they performed. I would give them 100% if I could."
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Lucas Excavation
3.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Lucas Excavation did a great job. I had a five star experience using this company. Jeff was very easy to work with. All aspects of project were done to my exact specifications."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
CNY Landscapes and Hardscape
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It a was a pleasure working with Jeff. He responded quickly and then came to assess the job soon after. He suggested very good options such as laying down decorative stones instead mulch. He scheduled us in and was here to do the work later. Trees were trimmed and bushes and he removed a few small trees that were not doing well. At his suggestion, we he put decorative stones instead of mulch on a large area around our house. We were delighted with his work and the finished result greatly enhances our property. Our neighbours complimented us on the look. We would definitely recommend Jeff and his company!"
Response time3 hrs
Response rate99%
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Showing 1-10 of 79
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Yes, trenchers can go through gravel. Gravel is made up of smaller, softer rocks that certain trenchers are able to cut through. Just be sure to use a rock wheel trencher or chain trencher, both of which are made to cut through rocky landscapes and gravel pathways without dulling the teeth or chain.

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.

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

Slab foundations are more affordable than crawl spaces because they require minimal excavation, as the slab sits directly on the ground or on footers that only sink a few feet into the ground. Crawl spaces require excavation of the entire footprint of the home to several feet below the surface. Not only does that mean higher labor costs, but more materials are necessary for the concrete foundation walls.

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 Cortland, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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