Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Norvelt, PA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Norvelt, PA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Excavation pros in Norvelt

Avatar for VP Excavating Services LLC
VP Excavating Services LLC
4.4(
7
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Norvelt, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"VP Excavating did an outstanding job on our property! From start to finish, their preparation and clearing work was done with precision, efficiency, and professionalism. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was done right, and it truly shows. Highly recommend them for anyone needing quality excavation work!"
Site prep
Culvert pipe install
Culvert pipe install
 New Parking pad
 New Parking pad

+1

9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Warrior Concrete, Walls, and Landscaping
Warrior Concrete, Walls, and Landscaping
4.6(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Norvelt, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Marty and his team were awesome to work with and very professional. On time and the value they delivered was best in class! Neighbors and strangers that pass by have stopped and asked who did our driveway all the time which is a testimonial of their work quality in its self! The swirl design they put created makes our driveway stand out vs. the boring straight brush look you see from most contractors! I highly recommend Marty and Warrior Concrete!!!!!!!"
Outdoor Patio
Outdoor Patio
Belvedere Block Seating Wall & Stamped Patio
Stamped Concrete
Response time20 mins
Recommended by100%of homeowners
...
Showing 1-10 of 133
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.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

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.

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.

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 Norvelt, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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