Get matched with top excavation pros in Dornsife, PA

Q: Do installations include site preparation?

• <div><p>Yes, most services include site leveling and foundation work. Confirm with your contractor for specifics.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to dig through tree roots?

• <div><p>Tree experts don&rsquo;t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don&rsquo;t damage the tree&rsquo;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&rsquo;s roots.</p></div>

Q: What are the rules for trenching and excavation?

• <div><p>The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don&rsquo;t hit any electrical or gas lines.</p></div>

Q: How deep can you dig with a trencher?

• <div><p>The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.</p></div>

Q: How deep can you dig for a basement?

• <div><p>Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You&rsquo;ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Dornsife, PA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Dornsife, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Dornsife, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on April 14, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Jaron and Luke did an absolutely amazing job remodeling our kitchen. They walked us through every step and were able to help with options and input when we felt unsure. If we have any other projects we will be hiring Spruce and Ember again. Attached are 8photos of our new kitchen and 1 photo of...
Spruce Ember Construction
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Reviewed in February 2026
Cory and his team removed heavy log siding and replaced it with vinyl siding transposing my home into a show piece with a backwoods setting.
Union Fence And Construction
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Reviewed in December 2025
Wes did a great job is very experienced in all types of excavation equipment. Will definitely recommend him to others.
KW Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
New roof and gutters. They did a great job. Looks great and cleaned up very well. I would recommend them to anyone
Home Genius Exteriors
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Reviewed in November 2024
Anthracite did a great job. The floor looks great. I would recommend
Anthracite Home Renovations
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Reviewed in October 2024
Rosamber, Edwin and crew were great to work with. They took the time to thoroughly prep the home by pressure washing, scraping and sanding. They went over and above in so many ways to insure the job was done well. It’s an old house so there were certainly surprises but they fixed them and kept...
Five Brothers 1 LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
We appreciated the wonderful environment they brought with them. They always cleaned up at the end of the work day. Got everything done fast, and the quality is amazing!
Creative Builds LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
Ryan made my deck look like new. My house had green algae growing on 3 sides and old stains from clogged gutters. Ryan used gentle safe cleaning solution that I trust. What a relief to come home to a clean-looking house again. My old aluminum white siding was refreshed. Ryan took extra time...
Packs Pressure Washing
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Reviewed in September 2022
The men who did the work were great. They completed the job in a short amount of time and cleaned everything up. We are very pleased with the metal roof installed.
Hoosier Construction
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Reviewed in August 2022
installed leaf guards on existing gutters, Did an excellent job at a good price.
Drip Free Seamless Gutters LLC
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Find Excavation pros in Dornsife

Stemler Services LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Went way above and beyond! Helped finish work that was being done in our living room. Cleaned up every piece of material that was utilized and made sure that everything was 100 percent to our satisfaction. Highly recommend for any job you need accomplished as he truly does go above and beyond!"

+24

Response time2 hrs

Response rate95%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I got a very efficient and professional job done. I was very happy and highly recommend them. My home caught fire. The structure was removed in less than two days."

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by40%of homeowners

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are really trustworthy and they really go above and beyond to make you happy."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Parmer Construction

New to Angi

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We have been servicing central pa home and business owners since 1995. From concrete work, sewer and water lines, excavation and grading we cover it all. No job is to big or small.

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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E&M land services

New to Angi

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hello All,\n\nWe'd like to welcome you to the E&M family. \n\nWe are a small Christian family owned company, we strive to not only serve our customers but also our community.\n\nHere at E&M we specialize in a wide variety of services like, brush mowing/land clearing, driveway repair and grading, excavation, and snow removal.\n\nWe thank for checking us out and we look forward to serving you!

+13

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very responsive and quick to get quotes and work scheduled. They did a great job in not disturbing areas of property where work was not being performed. Great work with fair prices, highly recommend Dirt Life excavating"

Response time3 days

Response rate95%

Recommended by62%of homeowners

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M A S Excavating & Construction

4.9(

)

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great service, and customer service-oriented."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Credit card accepted

"The crew arrived on time and finished the job in one day. The work site was left clean and I was able to begin construction on my new shed the following week.
"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Clark Chimney & Masonry

4.8(

)

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Had this company clean/inspect our wood burning stove when we bought our house a year ago. After the huge wind storm the cap for the chimney fell off. Called around 11am to get it repairs… Chris had his crew around our area was literally there in less than 20 minutes and everything was fixed! Awesome company. Will be using them for everything."

+36

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Rice Excavating Services (RES)

5.0(

)

Serving Dornsife, PA and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Outstanding workmanship. All work accomplished with no dilemma or delays. We will definitely use their services on our next project. To the RES. Team thank you for your dedication. Awesome work results."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 58

Excavating questions, answered by experts

Yes, most services include site leveling and foundation work. Confirm with your contractor for specifics.

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 rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

The Dornsife, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Paige Bennett
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2026 Data]
Preparing for a big excavation project in your yard? Find out excavator rental prices by type, project size, and more to budget for your project.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How Much Does Pool Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.
Rachel Presser
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Who Installs Trench Drains?
Who installs trench drains? A local excavation company is best for the job, but a landscaper or plumber can also get it done. Here's how.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose
A residential trencher will dig 1 foot to 6 feet deep, depending on the machine. Learn how deep a trencher will dig and which trencher to use.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.