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The cost for residential excavation is $3,200 on average, ranging between $50 and $200 per cubic yard. Total costs could range from $500 to $15,000, depending on the project type, yard size, and soil type. 

When a project needs an excavator, the contractor will subcontract one as part of the larger project. If you hire an excavation specialist, you can expect to pay between $40 and $180 per hour. When excavating, if you have soil with excessive rocks or clay deposits, expect an additional cost of $200 to $1,200.

The average cost for pool excavation is $2,500. This cost can range from $450 to $4,500, depending on the pool shape and size, time of year, and any need to move buried utilities. 

When excavating for your pool, you might have to move existing utilities. You can expect to pay an additional $15 to $25 per linear foot to move gas lines. To move a septic system, it’ll cost an additional $2,000 to $20,000. A pool that is 10 feet by 12 feet averages $450 to excavate, and a 20-foot-by-40-foot pool averages $3,020.

Unfortunately, some plumbing scenarios, like a broken sewer pipe repair, will require excavation to complete the job. Plumbing excavation costs range from $30 to $70 per cubic foot. However, if you need additional trenching, expect to pay an extra $4 to $12 per linear foot. Keep in mind that these costs are on top of the plumbing repair costs, and they don’t account for labor costs. Consult your excavation specialist to determine an accurate estimate for your job.

Warm weather seasons like spring and summer are ideal times to excavate due to the ground being softer and easier to dig through. However, it is important to note that bad weather, like heavy blizzard conditions or torrential rainfall, can prolong the project length, increasing costs. That’s why it’s best to avoid excavating during winter or hurricane season, depending on your home’s location.

While completing an excavation project yourself is possible, we don’t recommend it. You’ll likely need to buy or rent the equipment necessary for the job. This equipment costs as $100 per hour or $2,200 weekly, increasing by as much as 50% for larger jobs. 

In addition, completing an excavating job yourself poses a safety risk. If proper marking hasn't occurred, you risk hitting buried cables and other critical piping, like gas and water lines. Additionally, if working with excavation equipment, you’ll need to steer clear of any overhead wires. Leaving this project to an excavating professional is best.