Types of excavation work
Most excavation calls fall into a few groups: digging for a new foundation or addition, opening up ground for a basement, shaping or cleaning out a pond, and preparing a building site with clearing, grubbing, and rough grading.
- Foundation excavation for homes and additions
- Basement digs
- Pond mucking and pond excavation, including farm and retention ponds
- Site preparation before new construction
- Topsoil spreading to finish a disturbed area
Before any digging: utilities and permits
Pennsylvania law requires a call to PA One Call before excavation so underground utility lines can be marked. You can dial 811 or submit a request online. Marking takes several business days, so build that into your schedule.
Many excavation projects, especially foundations and additions, also need permits from your local municipality, the township or borough where the property sits. Requirements differ from place to place. Check with your municipal office before work is scheduled, and have a copy of any approved plans available for the crew.
What affects the price
Excavation cost mainly depends on how much material moves and what the ground is like once digging starts. The on-site estimate looks at both.
- Footprint and depth of the dig
- Soil and rock conditions
- Whether excavated soil stays on site, gets spread, or must be hauled off
- Access for equipment and trucks, plus room to stockpile
- Trees, stumps, or brush that must be cleared first
- Water: wet ground, springs, or ponds being drained
Cleanup and the finished site
Agree ahead of time on where spoil piles go, whether extra material is removed, and how the surrounding area is left: rough graded, topsoiled, or ready for the next trade. Exposed soil can wash off in heavy rain, so ask how it will be stabilized until the project is finished.
Common questions
Who calls PA One Call before digging?
Pennsylvania requires excavators to place a One Call request before digging. Confirm during the estimate who will submit it for your job, and keep any utility marks visible until the work is finished.
Do I need a permit for my excavation?
It depends on the project and your municipality. Foundations and additions usually involve local permits. Contact your township or borough office for the requirements that apply to your property.
Can you work from my builder's or engineer's plans?
Yes. Plans with dimensions, depths, and elevations make for a more precise estimate and dig. Bring them to the on-site estimate.
What happens to the dirt that comes out?
It depends on the site. Some is used for backfill or grading and some may need to be hauled away. This is a real cost factor and should be spelled out in your estimate.