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To calculate excavation cost, work out the volume of soil to be excavated. Multiply the length, width, and depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert it to cubic yards. Multiply that by the price per cubic yard.

For example, if you’re excavating a pit that’s 26 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, the price per cubic yard is $100. In this case, 26 x 10 x 4 equals 1,040 cubic feet. Divided by 27 is 38.52 cubic yards. Multiplying by $100 gives an excavation cost estimate of $3,852.

Digging projects can occur throughout the year, but grading and excavating during the winter presents some challenges. Frozen ground makes digging more difficult and may require specialized equipment. Snow and ice can complicate site surveys and obscure property lines and must be cleared before excavating can begin. 

While winter excavation can increase project duration, grading companies in your area may offer off-season rates to offset increased costs. Consult with them to determine if a winter job is viable for your situation.

An excavation project timeline depends on several factors. Smaller residential projects, like digging a foundation for a shed, may only take a day or two. Excavating for a home basement can take up to five days to complete. Soil type, site accessibility, and project size may affect timelines, as can unexpected issues like hitting hard rock or dealing with high water tables.