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Wilkins Excavating LLC. - Inicio Facebook
5.0(
1
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Staunton, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Wilkins Excavating is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n\n

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for J&J Earthworks, LLC
J&J Earthworks, LLC
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Staunton, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very reliable, great with communication got back to me fast I had an idea and told them what I wanted and they even added their own twist to really knock it out of the park. I can tell they take pride in the work that they do. Would highly recommend to anyone I come across. If you want the job done right and in a timely manner J&J Earthworks is the contractor for you."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Hollywood Welding & Fabrication
4.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Staunton, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"They were promt,professional, and knowledgeable. They also finished in a timely manner and cleaned up behind themselves I would definitely use them again for future home repairs."
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Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home’s foundation.

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.

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. 

If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still encapsulate your crawl space to protect it from damage for an average cost of $5,500. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

The Staunton, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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