Top-rated excavation pros.

Find top rated excavation pros in your area

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Excavation pros near you

Excavating FAQs

The depth of your trench depends on your project's needs and local regulations. Standard trenches are usually 12 to 24 inches deep and about eight inches wide. Specific installations have exact requirements—for example, water pipes need to be buried 24 inches deep, while drainage systems may require a depth of 36 inches. Understanding these dimensions helps with proper planning and ensures utilities are installed safely.

Boring and trenching are different methods for installing underground utilities. Boring uses directional drilling to install utilities without digging a continuous trench, minimizing surface disruption—ideal when you want to preserve your landscaping. Trenching involves digging an open channel where utilities are placed before backfilling, which provides direct access but causes more disturbance to the surface.

Digging a trench for 100 linear feet requires 12 hours of work. The total time is affected by factors such as rocky soil, tree roots, and other obstructions along the path, which demand additional effort and planning. This precise scheduling insight helps in project planning and ensures that the work is completed on time, with all conditions carefully accounted for.

Yes, you'll likely need to lay sod after trenching to restore your lawn's appearance. It typically takes 30 to 45 days for new sod to root firmly and blend with your existing grass. Consider consulting a local sod specialist to get accurate timelines and ensure the restoration looks great and functions well.

The homeowners guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
electrician installing wiring in attic of home
Use this guide to budget for how much it costs to hire an electrician based on factors such as experience level, job complexity, job type, and more.
white vinyl fence in backyard
Mar 31, 2025
Mar 31, 2025
Use this guide to discover how much fence installation costs, exploring factors like the fence size, height, posts, gates, and style.
Plumber fixing bathroom sink pipes
Mar 28, 2025
Mar 28, 2025
Use this guide to budget for the cost of a plumber based on factors like labor rates, experience levels, repair type, job complexity, and more.
Dog looking through doggie door
Mar 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025
Learn how much cat or dog door installation costs based on factors like the door size, material, location, and added features.
backhoe digging a deep trench in backyard
Mar 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025
Use this guide to budget for trenching costs based on factors such as project type, price per foot rates, professional labor, and more.
A hand painting with a brush a window trim
Mar 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025
Use this guide to budget for the cost to paint baseboards based on factors including trim type, labor, linear footage, and more.
Share project details to get started.