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Avatar for O Johnson Enterprises llc
O Johnson Enterprises llc
5.0(
4
)

Serving Smithfield, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Oscar, did and exceptional job with the work we contracted him. Our work included demolitioning an existing structure, moving a storage unit, and clearing trees and shrubery. Execellant work! Reasonable and comptetive rates. If you are in newd of any outside work we highly recommend. Lavern G."
Demolition
Demolition
Land clearing
Land clearing
Land clearing

+2

44 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Avatar for Belletto Construction Inc
Belletto Construction Inc
4.2(
211
)

Serving Smithfield, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"This was an incredibly difficult and extensive property renovation. The crews which completed the work are some of the best craftsmen and women that I have ever met. The crews are concerned with getting the job done; and if it was not done correctly, they would fix it....no questions asked. Pleasure to deal with this professional crew."
Additional Photos
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+108

Recommended by84%of homeowners
Avatar for Russell's & American Mechanical
Russell's & American Mechanical
4.3(
160
)

Serving Smithfield, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I created a work request through Angie's list and they were one of the first to respond and were at my home within hours to provide a quote. the quote was high but they were ready to perform the job. the plumbers did a great job performing the agreed upon request. in the future when I have more time to estimate jobs I may not call them knowing they quote on the high side."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
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+3

Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Gibraltar Group Remodeling and Construction
Gibraltar Group Remodeling and Construction
2.7(
87
)

Serving Smithfield, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Gibraltar was too busy with other jobs at the time, and he wasn't responsive enough. He gave us an estimate and then we were trying to get more information as we were getting other estimates, and I could not always reach them. The day they were supposed to come the first time, they did not showing up because the car broke down. We did not follow up because if we were having problems before the service, we would have a problem after we paid them. They were fair in pricing. We called two other companies, and they were about the same price, although Gibraltar's measurement of area was off, and so they calculated more area, and the quote was more, but once they corrected the area, they were fine. We had also purchased a big deal for backsplash, but because of their incorrect measurement, and non-responsiveness, we decided not to go with them for both. It is difficult to contact them, but I cannot judge their work because there was nothing done. "
Recommended by54%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 22
Excavating questions, answered by experts

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

Consultation with the local government helps identify necessary permits, avoid project delays or legal issues, and protect project integrity.

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.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

The Smithfield, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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