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Apex Earthworks
New to Angi

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

Apex Earthworks is a trusted leader in professional excavation services, delivering precision, reliability, and results on every project. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and safety, the company specializes in site preparation, grading, land clearing, and foundation work for both residential and commercial clients. Backed by experienced-licensed and insured operators and modern equipment, Apex Earthworks approaches each job with efficiency and attention to detail, ensuring projects are completed on time and built on a solid foundation. When it comes to moving earth with confidence and expertise, Apex Earthworks sets the standard.

Avatar for CR Edwards LLC
CR Edwards LLC
New to Angi

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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Avatar for Good Groundworks
Good Groundworks
New to Angi

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 questions, answered by experts

In the United States, a depth of 36 inches (three feet) for underground water lines is the accepted industry standard. This depth varies from location to location based on local conditions. In areas with colder winters, they may be buried deeper to prevent frozen well water pipes : This is usually at least six inches below the frost level. The International Plumbing Code calls for a minimum of 12 inches below grade.

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history. 

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 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.

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 Amherst, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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