Get matched with top excavation pros in Glenbeulah, WI

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even if the project only involves grading or yard leveling. Excavation permits help protect the topography in your area and can avoid issues with poor drainage. In most cases, your excavation company will know whether or not permits are required and will even pull them and close them out for you before and after the job. You can also verify whether permits are necessary by calling your local building department and explaining the proposed project.

The average cost of excavation is around $3,200. Most jobs fall somewhere between $500 and $15,000, depending on the amount of soil to remove, whether or not there are landscaping features or structures in the vicinity that could complicate the excavation, and the quality and contents of the soil. Larger jobs will naturally cost more, as will those in tight spaces that demand manual excavation as opposed to using heavy machinery. Hard soil and tree roots can also extend the job and drive up your labor costs.

Trenches are typically 12 inches to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, your city or county may have specific ordinances that clarify the dimensions needed for the project. For instance, a water pipe may need to be 24 inches deep, but a drainage pipe may need to be 36 inches deep.

Trenches are 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the right depth for your trench will depend on the nature of your project. For example, if you’re digging a trench as part of a French drain installation, it should be 18 inches deep. An excavation professional can explain how deep your trench should be.