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TRUSTED BY DES MOINES, WA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon69
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Des Moines

Triton Excavation INC
4.6(
41
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They came to look at some work on a Saturday and just did it rite then. I wasn't expecting that so was thrilled. Did a great job on a totally miserable project, got it done quickly, cleaned up and cost was very fair. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat"
Response time2 days
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Gaston Bros. Excavating, Inc.
Gaston Bros. Excavating, Inc.
4.4(
20
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+1 more

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I hired Gary Gaston to clear my severely overgrown backyard. He showed up when he said he would to look at the job and give me a bid. I decided to go with Gaston Brothers and we set up a day and time to start the project. Gary said he could do it in one day. Again he showed up on time and started the work. I was impressed at Gary's skill operating the backhoe. That is truly a lost art. He cleared enough to fill 2 full sized dump trucks. Gary went the extra mile by leveling out the yard. It's ready for me to rake it smooth and plant grass. Thank you Gary!"
Wall project
Wall project
Retaining Wall
Parking lot
Parking lot

+52

Response time1 day
Response rate88%
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Seattle Rockeries
Seattle Rockeries
4.8(
62
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Scope of project was removal of existing concrete pavers and hemlock stump, then installing 7-9 rockery flat steps made of natural basalt rockery rocks. We were thoroughly happy with the work from Seattle Rockeries. Harry and his crew were very knowledgeable, fast and friendly. Sharing pics of before and after."
206-960-9003
Glory
after
after
after

+138

Response time10 hrs
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for P4 Construction, LLC
P4 Construction, LLC
5.0(
12
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Great construction company to work with They’re professional, reliable, and do quality work I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a good construction company!"
Response time5 hrs
Response rate94%
Recommended by20%of homeowners
Avatar for NestEx LLC
NestEx LLC
5.0(
6
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"I highly recommend NestEx LLC. We needed a gravel pad prepared for 2 sheds on very short notice, and he truly saved the day. Despite the tight timeline, he went out of his way to accommodate us by coming out on a Saturday to get the job done. His professionalism and attention to detail were evident from the moment he started. He meticulously dug out the soil and leveled the entire area before taking his time to expertly layer layer and compact the gravel. You can tell he takes immense pride in his work; the base is rock-solid and perfectly even. What impressed me the most was his thoughtfulness. After finishing a thorough cleanup of the area, he was gracious enough enough to cover the entire pad to protect it from the incoming rain. He wanted to ensure the gravel wouldn’t be compromised so it could harden properly- a level of care you rarely see. If you want someone reliable, hardworking, and genuinely dedicated to quality, look no further. 5 stars all the way."
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Northern Horizons Land and Yard Restoration
Northern Horizons Land and Yard Restoration
4.5(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Des Moines, WA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Jesse is an incredibly hard worker. He removed around 1000sq ft of blackberry bushes, which uncovered lots of junk left over from previous homeowners. He was generous enough to remove the junk along with the bushes, cleaning up our yard to make it safe for the kids to play."
Before
Before
After
After
Response time5 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by66%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The rules and regulations regarding groundwater use vary between states. To find out if you can dig a well on your property, you’ll have to consult these regulations, address any compliance requirements, and get the appropriate permits. It’s also important to check that your intended location has the right geology and water table to support a well.

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.

The Des Moines, WA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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