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Avatar for Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
4.5(
93
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+1 more

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Our water main broke on a holiday weekend and flooded the yard. we were were sure we wouldn't be able to get anyone out to look at it right away. He actually came on the holiday to get a plan together and was back as soon as the store opened on Monday to get materials. Did an excellent job running an eighth of a mile water line in a day at an extremely reasonable rate. I'd highly recommend them!"
My jobs
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+47

4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by58%of homeowners
Helton Grading, Inc.
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1981

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

HELTON GRADING INC 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.

Avatar for Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
4.5(
90
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We called so many plumbers and one “professional” company showed up and didn’t even bring exploratory tools. We found Adkins and they showed up with an excavator and shovels ready to find the problem in this frigid cold. They gave us a quote and started working at 4pm and stayed until 8pm to find the source of the sewer leak. They gave us a plan to fix it and a full price to which we agreed and they left for the evening to get parts and return the next day to finish the job. Couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. They were fully committed to fixing the problem and they even listened to us when we told them where and what we thought it might be. (If you’re a homeowner you know how that usually goes) They were a pleasure to work with on this repair and we will be calling them back to tackle a few more building projects. I might also add they didn’t try to gouge us and charge us for a complete sewer pipe install, like the big plumbing company tried to do."
Retaining wall and reclaim on property.
Retaining wall & Road Addition
Plumbing Project
Plumbing project -2
Patio addition

+57

Recommended by61%of homeowners
J&S Excavating
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service provided to meet your needs. It is our mission to exhibit excellent workmanship and supreme dedication from start to finish of a project. We understand the needs and expectations of our customers, and take great care to work and communicate with them in a courteous and professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\n

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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 do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.

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.

You can bury underground electrical wire six inches deep—but only if you use a rigid metal electrical conduit. For rigid, non-metallic conduits, bury the wire at least 12 inches deep. If using an underground feeder cable rated for direct burial, you'll need to place it at least 18 inches deep, as it has no conduit for extra protection.

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 Athens, WV homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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