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Avatar for Raven Excavation Services
Raven Excavation Services
5.0(
9
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing+2 more

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Raven’s owner, James Potter is both hard working, intelligent, and very trustworthy and competent. I had just retired when Covid struck and my wife and I caught it very early on. What was manageable for a retiree in good health gradually became unmanageable by the time I recovered. I had made two failed attempts when Raven showed up. It took about two weeks with unfortunately wet cold weather and vine growth beyond what we originally anticipated. … Highly Recommended!"
Driveway Grading & Ditch
Driveway Grading & Ditch
Driveway Grading & Ditch
French drain and grading
French drain and grading

+2

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for B&K Land Works
B&K Land Works
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Communication with B and K / Hoffman Excavating was excellent from the beginning. The contact person was Jeremy- he was focused, friendly and professional as I explained the project and my goals for completing it. The discussion was straightforward and constructive- then the agreed scope of the project was clearly listed in the contract. That transparency was unlike other contracts presented to us in our search for a professional. Many of those were so vague that we couldn't sign them. Jeremy worked with all groups needing to issue permits for the work to be done, including the HOA for the gated community where the project would be done. Once the physical work started, they remained in daily contact, supplying pictures and videos since we couldn't be there to see progress. Changes were only made after we both understood and agreed. Upon completion, the workers did a FaceTime video so I was comfortable submitting final payment, I don't have a single complaint! I would hire them again."
Rock Removal
Response time1 day
Response rate97%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Top Grade Excavating, LLC
3.8(
12
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"I got in contact with Home Advisor for a concrete pad for a lifetime shed to be built on project. Spencer ( Top Grade Excavating Company, LLC) call me asap, the next day the pad was formed, then day following the concrete was poured. Spencer was curteous, respectful and professional. I also, highly recommend Spencer for any kind of concrete work, he gets the project done in a timely manner. I rate Spencer a Five Star rating."
Old driveway
New double-wide driveway
Old sidewalk
Removal of old walkeay
Finished sidewalk

+13

Response time4 days
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for C & A Construction
C & A Construction
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

"We needed it done quickly. Brock drove from Buckannon area to Bridgeport area on a Saturday morning. He drove his excavator 2/10the of a mile up a narrow drive that was solid ice. He got the job done, site cleaned up and his price was very reasonable. I would recommend him without hesitation. Integrity and responsive to our needs. Good outfit."
Response time6 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by16%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 41
Excavating questions, answered by experts

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $40,000 and $90,000 on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.

Above ground pools are not buried in the ground. Typically, above ground pools are semi-permanent. One reason they’re more affordable is that you don’t have to dig for an inground pool and pour concrete or another material. However, you can choose to install a semi inground pool, which is a hybrid between the two.

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

The Salem, WV homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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