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Avatar for LDS EXCAVATING
LDS EXCAVATING
5.0(
4
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

"I highly recommend LDS! They responded promptly to my septic emergency, making time in their schedule between other visits to come by to assess the issue. They let me know exactly what was going on. They even showed me a camera view of what the pipes looked like and where they were failing. David provided several options to update my system which I plan to do with LDS in the future. He also explained what was needed to fix the current problem. They were onsite and completed the needed repair quickly. Other companies would only provide estimates to replace the entire system but LDS fixed the immediate issue to make it all work! Fair pricing, honest communication and prompt service."
Response time3 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for The Solutions Construction
The Solutions Construction
4.4(
7
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Vinnie and crew came in and helped us create a driveway with additional parking areas. They had the machinery to remove old, rotted tree stumps that were causing our driveway to sink, and then excavated and reshaped the way the front of our home is presented by designing a beautiful crushed red stone driveway and built blue stone retaining walls that contrast and make everything pop with curb appeal. While they were here, they also pointed out a tree that was diseased and potentially threatening to collapse, so additionally the crew dropped the tree and hauled it all away. We cannot say enough good things about their professionalism and knowledge of how to expertly assess and correct any project inside or outside of a home."
Hunting camp/Cabin
Garden Shed/ATV Garage
Garage Door Shed
Garage Door Shed
Tiki Bar

+14

Response time1 day
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by71%of homeowners
Avatar for Stevens Roofing & Siding
Stevens Roofing & Siding
3.9(
48
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had a very large and tricky tree that needed removal. Danny did a masterful job taking it down. He is an excellent arborist."
golf course
golf course
golf course
golf course
golf course

+34

Response time2 days
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
3.8(
16
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We are selling a house and needed to have someone clean out the house , cellar and garage . Drew responded to our request immediately and actually completed the job within a couple of days undercutting the quote we had with another company . Highly recommend and plan to hire him for some landscaping work !"
New crushed slate driveway
New crushed slate driveway
New crushed slate driveway
Regrading and resurfacing driveway
Regrading and resurfacing driveway

+117

Response time1 day
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Avatar for Kej enterprise llc
Kej enterprise llc
5.0(
1
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"I had a stump ground down and needed the area cleaned up afterward, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. Bryan was quick to respond, communicated clearly throughout the entire process, and showed up exactly when he said he would. The job was done quickly and efficiently, and he was very friendly and professional the whole time. Everything was cleaned up great afterward. I would absolutely recommend him to others and would definitely hire him again in the future!"
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they’re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.

In the United States, a depth of 36 inches (three feet) for underground water lines is the accepted industry standard. This depth varies from location to location based on local conditions. In areas with colder winters, they may be buried deeper to prevent frozen well water pipes : This is usually at least six inches below the frost level. The International Plumbing Code calls for a minimum of 12 inches below grade.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

The Salem, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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