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.
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!
"Excellent, careful worker. He works slowly but it is done right. There was a slight problem with the installation of the shower door and when notified of the leak, promptly repaired it. "
Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.
To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.
Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.
The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.
Chipmunks dig their burrows about three feet deep and up to 30 feet long. The entrances can be two inches wide or more. Chipmunks are fiercely protective of their burrows and use them to protect the nuts and seeds they gather for the long winters.
To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.
There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.
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.
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.
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.
Picking the right pro can make or break your project. Learn how to hire an excavation pro with the qualifications and skillset to do the job efficiently.
