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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 TerravationPro
TerravationPro
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Terravation Pro to complete major regrading work on our yard to address long-standing water diversion and drainage issues—and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Max (the owner) was the definition of professionalism: courteous, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain his plan in detail and made thoughtful recommendations tailored to our property’s unique challenges. The quality of the work exceeded every expectation. Max completed the job himself, showing an incredible level of care and precision. He managed to preserve much of our existing landscaping, which was no small feat, and he prioritized safety at every stage. His attention to detail and commitment to doing things right the first time truly set him apart. Max showed up exactly when he said he would and charged us a very fair price - wouldn’t hesitate to use again and recommend!"
After
After
Before
After
My jobs

+15

Response time11 hrs
Response rate100%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Digging a bush up by the roots is the most natural DIY method for removing a bush stump. Start by identifying the shrub type and revealing its roots. Cut the shrub to its base and loosen the soil, ensuring no utility lines are nearby. Optionally, treat the base with herbicide, then dig around the roots and cut a circle around the shrub using various tools. Dig a trench, cut the base of the root ball, and finally fill the hole to prevent regrowth. This thorough process ensures complete removal without damaging surrounding areas.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

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.

Errors in site preparation can lead to structural failures or appear costly midway. Professionals ensure detailed, reliable home base development layouts.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

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.