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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.9
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon40
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Thornton

Avatar for JB Landscape Contractors, LLC
JB Landscape Contractors, LLC
4.2(
10
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Hired them in spring 2026 for a boulder ramp and grass seeding (about 360 sq ft), roughly $6,500 total. Two issues with the work. The topsoil they filled has since settled into a low spot deep enough that it's hard to push a mower across ? a grading issue that affects everyday use. And the grass they seeded was dead by early summer, within months of the install. They came back out and agreed to fix it by reseeding. I took that as standing behind the original work, so I was surprised when they sent a $400 bill for it ($250 labor, $150 seed and straw) ? essentially full price for a brand-new seeding job that size. I offered to pay the $150 for materials and asked them to cover the labor as making good on the install. I never received a reply after 10 days. The project price was reasonable, but the finish quality and the after-the-fact service didn't match it. If you hire them, get grading and finish expectations in writing up front."
Full garden redesign
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions

+4

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Davis Home Remodel and Flips
Davis Home Remodel and Flips
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired the Davis remodeling company in June to rid our property of a tremendous amount of yard debris. Larnell was quick to respond and came out promptly for an estimate. He did an amazing job, which was not easy on an extremely hot day! Estimate was reasonable and would definitely recommend! He is also a very nice and professional person!"
Response time4 hrs
Response rate100%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for J Donisch Contracting LLC
J Donisch Contracting LLC
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business+1 more

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

J Donisch Contracting LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching is a specific kind of digging. Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that’s deeper than it is wide, often with heavy machinery. Digging refers to any kind of removal of earth in order to create a human-made depression, hole, or cut in the earth’s surface. You can dig with big tools or even with just a hand shovel.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. 

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 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 Thornton, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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