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Avatar for Mike Atkinson, Inc.
Mike Atkinson, Inc.
New to Angi

Serving Blacksburg, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Mike Atkinson Excavating is a family company who has been doing excavation, demolition and disposal in Salem, VA and surrounding areas for over 35 years. Honestly, we love demolishing things. We also love watching a piece of land that is overrun or underdeveloped turned into the foundation for somebody's dream. We are your local excavating contractor and demolition contractor, both residential and commercial. Whether foundations, parking lots, road clearing, pond building, land clearing we are your complete source. We take pride in our work.

Response time1 day
Avatar for Dig Big LLC
Dig Big LLC
New to Angi

Serving Blacksburg, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At Dig Big LLC, we specialize in high-quality concrete work and the installation of durable, manufactured retaining walls that enhance both the function and beauty of outdoor spaces. Whether you need a strong, reliable wall to prevent erosion, define your landscape, or add visual appeal to your property, our expert team ensures precision installation using top-tier materials. Our concrete patios and walkways are built to last, offering a stylish and low-maintenance solution for any outdoor area. In addition to retaining walls and concrete surfaces, we provide custom hardscaping services to create functional and attractive outdoor spaces. With competitive pricing and a commitment to excellence, Dig Big LLC is ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your next project!

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Landscaping - Hardscaping & Pavers Project
Landscaping - Hardscaping & Pavers Project
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

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.

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.

The Blacksburg, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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