Full story as follows: I hired Larry White based on a low quote and a projected confidence with the job. We hired him for a bathroom slab that would be added to the existing foundation. At the time of the quote I provided him with a copy of the engineering drawings and specifications. He quoted to the engineering drawings and specifications and even provided an accurate description in the quote (perimeter beam dimensions 12" wide by 36" deep, plastic rebar chairs to be used, all work to engineer's specifications). He quoted $3650 and requested 1/2" down for materials. I was reluctant but he insisted. Problems: I had previously dug the trenches to a 30" depth and so all he had to do was complete the excavation to a 36" depth. I came home the first day and he had back filled the trenches to a 20" depth with topsoil and not even bothered to tamp the soil. This was not to the engineer's specifications for approved back fill (also, all back fill must be tamped to resist a pressure indentation test). He had also backfilled under the pad in the same manner, untamped topsoil. He had also "completed" the form work according to him. One form was sloped at 1/4" per foot (should be level). The existing slab was to be drilled to a 6" depth, two holes every 18", so that rebar could be epoxied into the existing slab in order to "tie" the slabs together. Larry White drilled one hole every 24". One of the support beams had not been dug. One of the support beams was not framed. One of the support beams was only dug 7" wide (instead of the engineer's specification of 12"). He also back-filled over the plumbing main so that I had to re-excavate for the plumber to do his job. When I confronted him about these issues the next morning he and his crew was very quick with excuses, telling me that they had always done it this way and that the slab was not going anywhere. He finally agreed to make the changes and so I gave him a second chance. When I returned at the end of the second day he had not fixed anything and had left halfway through the day. On the third day I told him that I needed to go with another contractor because this was not going to be approved by the civil engineer (required for passing city code). I requested a list of expenses so far and a reimbursement for the difference. Over a week later after calling and emailing him repeatedly he finally told me that he had managed to spend $1490 so far and would give me back $310. When I asked for a list of his expenses he didn't say anything. I finally told him to bring the check over because I realized that if I didn't take the $310 I wasn't going to get anything back. My estimation of his expenses are as follows: Half of the re-bar required for the project (he left half of the re-bar there and either took the rest or just never had enough to finish the job per the engineer's specifications). $200 Re-claimed wood for the forms (many boards were broken, twisted, had nails and screws in them). I will say maximum (price new from a store for all of this wood) $300 1.5 day labor (3 people on the 1st day, 3 people on the second half day, though they didn't do anything) - 36 hours - Even at $15 an hour, that's only $540 When I confronted him about this he never responded. I will now take this to civil court and file for a full reimbursement. My only estimate for why he would take the course that he did is that he was skimping on materials for a larger profit margin. By not digging the trenches to depth he would have used significantly less concrete, less rebar, and less labor. Saving himself money and at the cost of building a quality foundation that he promised to build. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/unknown/affordable-concrete-specialist-reviews-8154131.htm"},"position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Waterview Pools, Inc.","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Cord C."},"reviewBody":"Cody was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. He began excavation the very next day after contract signing and delivered a pool and spa that exceeded all of our expectations at a very reasonable price!"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/austin/waterview-pools%2C-inc-reviews-7635336.htm"},"position":3},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Ken Dixon Plumbing","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Dennis P."},"reviewBody":"Our phone call to Ken Dixon Plumbing was handled courteously and professionally. We were told that a plumber would contact us shortly. We received a call back from a plumber in less than 3 minutes indicating that he would get here just as soon as he could. Richard arrived about 90 minutes later. He promptly excavated the area and located a crack in the pipe. From start to finish, including a trip to town to get a part, excavation, repair and backfilling took 2 hours. Provided discount as an Angies List member. Fast, friendly, fair and professional repair and service - service the way it should be. Recommend highly and will use again next time we have a plumbing issue. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/jarrell/ken-dixon-plumbing-reviews-2311018.htm"},"position":4},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"American Tree Service","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Stephen K."},"reviewBody":"Tim Pruett returned our initial call in a timely manner and set up an appointment for an estimate. He showed up on time and explained in detail what needed to be done. The estimated cost was what we expected it to be. When we scheduled the work his crew showed up as planned, and got right to work. They did an excellent job and were polite and professional whenever I came out to check on progress. Also, they were careful and respectful of our property. We had been concerned about possible damage to septic-field tubing buried in the ground surrounding the red oak so we gave them a photo of where the tubing had been placed, and they were very cautious in excavating around the base. We found no damage to shrubs and trees near either of the trees the crew worked on. We highly recommend American Tree Service, and plan to call them for future work."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/round-rock/american-tree-service-reviews-284080.htm"},"position":5}]}
Excavation reviews from real Angi homeowners in Georgetown, TX
Cody was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. He began excavation the very next day after contract signing and delivered a pool and spa that exceeded all of our expectations at a very reasonable price!
Dennis P.
5.0
12/2012
Our phone call to Ken Dixon Plumbing was handled courteously and professionally. We were told that a plumber would contact us shortly. We received a call back from a plumber in less than 3 minutes indicating that he would get here just as soon as he could. Richard arrived about 90 minutes...
Stephen K.
5.0
05/2012
Tim Pruett returned our initial call in a timely manner and set up an appointment for an estimate. He showed up on time and explained in detail what needed to be done. The estimated cost was what we expected it to be. When we scheduled the work his crew showed up as planned, and got...
Serving the Austin metro, we specialize in all plumbing repairs. We have the most reviews in Austin Texas on Angie's list. Top Plumber all A in all categories. Up to 15% off Angie customers- Call us anytime for a free estimate 512-259-7222. FREE ESTIMATES!!!!
"Dishonest. I was told free estimate but when tech arrived he said it was $150. Also tech didn’t know anything about gas fireplace. The owner is very unprofessional and scrupulous. I will be complaining to Toll Brothers about their service. Overall Incompetency"
Elle M on September 2025
Serving the Austin metro, we specialize in all plumbing repairs. We have the most reviews in Austin Texas on Angie's list. Top Plumber all A in all categories. Up to 15% off Angie customers- Call us anytime for a free estimate 512-259-7222. FREE ESTIMATES!!!!
"Dishonest. I was told free estimate but when tech arrived he said it was $150. Also tech didn’t know anything about gas fireplace. The owner is very unprofessional and scrupulous. I will be complaining to Toll Brothers about their service. Overall Incompetency"
Roto-Rooter plumbers in Austin provide full service plumbing maintenance and repairs and clogged drain cleaning, 24 hours a day. Roto-Rooter's Austin plumbers offer residential and commercial plumbing services that customers depend on for all of their local plumbing needs.
"Elderly Abuse …. Run I woke up to a leak in my front yard as I headed out of town. My wife called Roto Rooter as she left for work to come give us a quote. They said they only needed someone there to greet them when they arrived. So we had my 85 year old, legally blind, suffering from dementia mother, who lives next door, meet them outside so they could begin with their estimate. They never called us for a quote. Instead he replaced one section of pipe (which was only 4 ft. long), and a shut off valve (which he said was broken but was not) and charged a whopping $6,500. He walked next door and demanded payment from my blind mother. NO APPROVAL WAS GIVEN!!!! NO PHONE CALL WAS MADE!!! My mother, who isn’t mentally with us anymore, gave them her credit card and boom…… $6,500. We didn’t get a new water heater or a new sprinkler system. We got one 4 ft. section of pipe for $6,500 and a shiny new on/off valve which was not needed. That guy new what he was doing. He didn’t call us for a reason. He took one look at my blind old mom with dementia and charged whatever he wanted. He left us an arbitrary bill I could hardly read with little to no specifics. I have attached…. When I called the manager he did return half of the amount. It sounded like we were making progress. I still asked for an itemized receipt so I could see how 4 ft. of pipe and a valve would cost $3,250. If I stayed in town this repair would have cost me a total of $75 dollars in materials. He said he would get that itemized receipt and then has ghosted me ever since. I have reached out on numerous occasions. This company did not have permission to do $6,500 or $3,250 worth of work on my property. They were called for an estimate and took advantage of my elderly, blind, dementia plagued mother to run up a huge bill that no one can explain. They demanded that my mother, who isn’t the homeowner, pay $6,500. My wife waited by her phone all day for an estimate that never came. This is morally and ethically appalling at every level. Just for reference, we had our foundation lifted for $9,000 last year. They dug under the house in several areas and lifted it. This guy wanted about the same for replacing a 4 ft. section of pipe. How is this real????"
Stan F on May 2024
Roto-Rooter plumbers in Austin provide full service plumbing maintenance and repairs and clogged drain cleaning, 24 hours a day. Roto-Rooter's Austin plumbers offer residential and commercial plumbing services that customers depend on for all of their local plumbing needs.
"Elderly Abuse …. Run I woke up to a leak in my front yard as I headed out of town. My wife called Roto Rooter as she left for work to come give us a quote. They said they only needed someone there to greet them when they arrived. So we had my 85 year old, legally blind, suffering from dementia mother, who lives next door, meet them outside so they could begin with their estimate. They never called us for a quote. Instead he replaced one section of pipe (which was only 4 ft. long), and a shut off valve (which he said was broken but was not) and charged a whopping $6,500. He walked next door and demanded payment from my blind mother. NO APPROVAL WAS GIVEN!!!! NO PHONE CALL WAS MADE!!! My mother, who isn’t mentally with us anymore, gave them her credit card and boom…… $6,500. We didn’t get a new water heater or a new sprinkler system. We got one 4 ft. section of pipe for $6,500 and a shiny new on/off valve which was not needed. That guy new what he was doing. He didn’t call us for a reason. He took one look at my blind old mom with dementia and charged whatever he wanted. He left us an arbitrary bill I could hardly read with little to no specifics. I have attached…. When I called the manager he did return half of the amount. It sounded like we were making progress. I still asked for an itemized receipt so I could see how 4 ft. of pipe and a valve would cost $3,250. If I stayed in town this repair would have cost me a total of $75 dollars in materials. He said he would get that itemized receipt and then has ghosted me ever since. I have reached out on numerous occasions. This company did not have permission to do $6,500 or $3,250 worth of work on my property. They were called for an estimate and took advantage of my elderly, blind, dementia plagued mother to run up a huge bill that no one can explain. They demanded that my mother, who isn’t the homeowner, pay $6,500. My wife waited by her phone all day for an estimate that never came. This is morally and ethically appalling at every level. Just for reference, we had our foundation lifted for $9,000 last year. They dug under the house in several areas and lifted it. This guy wanted about the same for replacing a 4 ft. section of pipe. How is this real????"
At Pure Water Plumbing Systems, we are a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing top-notch plumbing services. From water heater installs and water treatment systems to repairing drain lines, our expertise covers all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing. With 20 years of experience, we ensure your plumbing needs are met efficiently and effectively, keeping your plumbing systems running smoothly.
At Pure Water Plumbing Systems, we are a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing top-notch plumbing services. From water heater installs and water treatment systems to repairing drain lines, our expertise covers all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing. With 20 years of experience, we ensure your plumbing needs are met efficiently and effectively, keeping your plumbing systems running smoothly.
Blue Ribbon is more than just an HVAC company. We’re family. For more than 20 years, we’ve been a community staple that’s provided customers in the Greater Austin area with ultimate comfort. Our skills, quality workmanship, absolute honesty and budget-friendly services are what make our team No. 1 in area comfort.
"Everything was good they came did the work and I am happy with the installers. Had gotten bid from other contractors but wanted someone to do all the work without having to use two different contractors. They fit the bill. I only wish that when the person who gives the quote that they don’t say something that is not true."
Tracy R on October 2025
Blue Ribbon is more than just an HVAC company. We’re family. For more than 20 years, we’ve been a community staple that’s provided customers in the Greater Austin area with ultimate comfort. Our skills, quality workmanship, absolute honesty and budget-friendly services are what make our team No. 1 in area comfort.
"Everything was good they came did the work and I am happy with the installers. Had gotten bid from other contractors but wanted someone to do all the work without having to use two different contractors. They fit the bill. I only wish that when the person who gives the quote that they don’t say something that is not true."
Hat Creek Land Services, LLC has been in business 2 years. We are family owned and operated. I have 30 years experience in the construction field and my Son has 15 years. We do land clearing, mulching, spread dirt and gravel, building pads, ponds, put in culverts and we also do demolition.
"Graded and did what was asked"
Coltin P on May 2024
Hat Creek Land Services, LLC has been in business 2 years. We are family owned and operated. I have 30 years experience in the construction field and my Son has 15 years. We do land clearing, mulching, spread dirt and gravel, building pads, ponds, put in culverts and we also do demolition.
WE LOVE JUNK 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.
"They did a great job at a good price. "
Taylor G on May 2025
WE LOVE JUNK 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.
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.benedictbrothersjunkremoval.com
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.benedictbrothersjunkremoval.com
When Havlick Services is hired for your project, you can expect safe and efficient execution by professionals that are properly trained and insured. We believe safety, integrity and communication are the most important aspects of any construction project and pride ourselves on maintaining those values.
"We hired Havlick Services to clear and fine grade our 1-acre residential lot, preparing it for sod. Ross was very hands-on throughout the project. Pricing was reasonable, and we could not be more pleased with both their professionalism and the end quality of job. Would give Havlick more stars if I could and would strongly recommend."
John M on July 2022
When Havlick Services is hired for your project, you can expect safe and efficient execution by professionals that are properly trained and insured. We believe safety, integrity and communication are the most important aspects of any construction project and pride ourselves on maintaining those values.
"We hired Havlick Services to clear and fine grade our 1-acre residential lot, preparing it for sod. Ross was very hands-on throughout the project. Pricing was reasonable, and we could not be more pleased with both their professionalism and the end quality of job. Would give Havlick more stars if I could and would strongly recommend."
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
Customer satisfaction is what determines our success, which is why we take a hands-on approach. When interacting with Deanda's Construction, you'll notice that we're particularly focused on the principles of quality workmanship, timely completion, competitive pricing and integrity in all our business dealings. We combine knowledge and research with our extensive practical experience to ensure a specialized approach for your project needs. Contact us today for a fair and accurate estimate of your project. We look forward to adding you to our long and growing list of happy customers.
"Deanda's team formed and poured in three days. The end result was perfect and what I wanted."
Matthew T on October 2024
Customer satisfaction is what determines our success, which is why we take a hands-on approach. When interacting with Deanda's Construction, you'll notice that we're particularly focused on the principles of quality workmanship, timely completion, competitive pricing and integrity in all our business dealings. We combine knowledge and research with our extensive practical experience to ensure a specialized approach for your project needs. Contact us today for a fair and accurate estimate of your project. We look forward to adding you to our long and growing list of happy customers.
"Deanda's team formed and poured in three days. The end result was perfect and what I wanted."
Matthew T on October 2024
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Excavating questions, answered by experts
After you successfully remove your boulder, you have a few options for what to do to get rid of it. You can rent a dumpster if your yard has many boulders or if you’re planning a larger project. You can even save the boulder and reuse it elsewhere on your property to save on landscaping costs. A few ideas include using the boulder as a natural, abstract statue, breaking it into smaller pieces to line your garden bed, or offering it to a landscaping company that could reuse it for another project.
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 cost to repair a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Major flooding or water repairs can cost up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. If you simply need to clean your crawl space, expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a major cleanout. Replacing a crawl space beam due to rot or damage can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, while removing and replacing damaged insulation costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.
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.
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The Georgetown, TX homeowners’ guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
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.
Digging a trench can take two to 12 hours, depending on the tool and soil type. Learn how long it takes to dig a trench and how to speed up the project.