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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Amherst - Updated Nov 2026

Premier Land Development Excavating & Grading, LLC
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Premier Land Development Excavating & Grading, LLC has been dedicated to this craft for over 15 years. We pride the company on reliability, excellent communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all our projects no matter how big or small. We look forward to earning your business!

Excavation and Site Prep
Excavation and Site Prep
Excavation and Site Prep
Excavation and Site Prep
Excavation and Site Prep

+2

Response time3 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
John Dooley Excavating
1.3(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

John Dooley Excavating is your local excavation contractor. We also specialize in septic tank systems cleaning, inspection, and installation. We provide all kinds of excavation projects including land cleaning, grading and much more. Each project is unique and custom tailored to your specific needs.

Response time2 hrs
Apex Earthworks LLC
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

"Ive had my driveway "fixed" by a couple of different companies over the years and it never lasted — washouts, ruts, standing water, the same problems creeping back within a season. Apex Earthworks actually diagnosed why it kept failing instead of just patching the surface again. They regraded it properly and addressed the drainage, not just the driveway itself. It's been solid through everything since, no ruts, no washouts, no puddles. What stood out most was that Gaige and his Crew clearly know what they're doing — this isn't guesswork, it's actual expertise in grading and drainage. They showed up when they said they would, and cleaned up the site when they were done. After years of paying other people to "fix" my driveway, it's a relief to have it actually done right the first time. I will recommend Apex Earthworks to everyone!! Thank you Gaige!! Your professionalism speaks volumes!!"
Avatar for CR Edwards LLC
CR Edwards LLC
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

My experience in excavating, clearing lots, digging basements, and putting in driveways roads. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call to schedule an estimate today!

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+1

Avatar for Good Groundworks
Good Groundworks
New to Angi
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

We specialize in providing professional excavation services that are reliable, efficient, and tailored to meet your project needs. With a commitment to quality and safety, Good Groundworks is your trusted partner in Lynchburg and surrounding areas.

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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.

A mini excavator can dig between 5 and 11 feet deep, depending on the type and size of the mini excavator. Mini hydraulic excavators are more powerful and can reach deeper into the earth, but electric models have a more limited range. Mini excavators over two tons in size are also more powerful and able to dig as deep as 11 feet.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

The Amherst, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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