Laying the groundwork for your next renovation project
Excavation is used to clear space for foundations, utilities, and other structures.
Smaller home projects, like pool or driveway installation, require excavation.
The most common types of excavation for home projects are trenching and drilling.
The average residential excavation can cost between $1,500 and $7,000.
Excavation is labor-intensive, hazardous, and complex, so these jobs are best left to the pros.
What is excavation beyond just digging some dirt up? When embarking on a home renovation or construction project, excavation is actually one of the most important initial steps. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from what excavation involves to the cost and types of excavation used in construction projects.
Excavating is the process of removing earth, rock, or other materials from a site to create a space for foundations, utilities, or other structures. This vital step lays the groundwork (literally) for many types of construction projects, from homes and buildings to roads and bridges.
By digging, grading, and moving large amounts of soil out of the way, local excavation companies prepare the land for construction. Without proper excavation, the integrity and safety of any structure built on the site could be compromised.
Excavation is required in a wide range of construction scenarios. For residential projects, excavation is needed for laying foundations, installing septic systems, or creating basements and crawl spaces. It’s also crucial for larger projects like building roads, tunnels, or water pipelines.
Smaller home renovation projects, like installing a pool or creating a driveway, also need excavation work. Any time you need to alter the land’s shape or create an open space for building, excavation plays a key role.
There are several different types of excavation, each with its own specific purpose. Choosing the correct method depends on the construction project and land conditions. Take a look at some of the most common excavation types.
Trenching is a type of excavation where a pro digs a narrow and deep ditch. Pros use trenching for installing underground utilities like water pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables. Trenches can vary in depth and width depending on the project’s needs. More often than not, trenches are longer than they are wide.
Drilling involves creating deep, vertical holes in the ground and is used for building foundations, installing utility poles, or creating well systems. When construction projects require precise, deep excavation in a small area, drilling is the go-to method.
Tunneling involves digging underground passageways for structures like subways, sewer systems, and underground roadways. Tunneling requires specialized equipment and is used in construction projects where professionals need to avoid disrupting the surface or other structures.
Though the majority of tunneling jobs aren’t residential, you may need under-slab tunneling if your home’s foundation is damaged and requires repair.
Excavation is a detailed process that involves multiple steps, all of which require careful planning and precision. Excavation companies near you will often follow these steps, which can change depending on the project:
Site inspection: The first step is evaluating the construction site to assess the terrain, soil type, and any underground obstructions.
Marking and permitting: Pros mark the site for excavation and get the required permits.
Digging: Professionals start digging, whether through trenching, drilling, or other methods, depending on the project’s requirements.
Soil transport and disposal: The pros remove or relocate displaced soil, which often requires large trucks to transport it away from the site.
Site cleanup: Pros will clear the site of any debris to prepare for the next stage of construction.
The cost of excavation depends on factors like the type of excavation, the area size, and the depth needed. On average, residential excavation can cost between $1,500 and $7,000, but larger projects may cost much more.
Several elements influence excavation costs, including:
Type of excavation: Trenching is often less expensive than tunneling.
Area size and depth: Larger and deeper projects require more labor and equipment.
Site accessibility: Hard-to-reach locations can increase costs due to the need for specialized machinery.
Soil type: Harder soils and hidden rocks can make the excavation process more difficult and costly.
Underground obstructions: Working around utilities and other underground obstructions requires special skills and equipment.
Permits: Local regulations may require permits, which add to the overall expense.
Additional services: Removing trees or transporting dirt can further increase the cost.
While it’s tempting to save money by tackling excavation as a DIY project, it’s not the best idea. Local codes may allow you to do your own excavation, but the process can be extremely labor-intensive, hazardous, and complex.
Excavation requires heavy machinery and specialized skills, particularly when working around utilities or other structures. Plus, improper excavation can cause serious safety risks, not to mention costly damage. Hiring professional excavation contractors ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.
Simple residential projects, like trenching for utilities, may take a day or two, but larger tasks, like digging foundations or tunneling, can take several weeks. The time it takes to complete an excavation project depends on several factors, including the size and scope of the project, soil conditions, and the type of excavation required. Weather and site accessibility can also impact the timeline.
Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.
Most municipalities require excavation permits for any significant digging, especially if the excavation affects utilities or public property. However, permits for excavation depend on your local government and the scope of the project. Hire an experienced contractor for your excavation job so that they can be the ones to deal with permitting, not you.
