Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard or $1,100 to $5,600 total on average, depending on the project type and size, the accessibility of the job site, the soil type, and if there are any underground obstacles that could interfere.

Common excavation projects and costs include:

• Digging an in-ground swimming pool costs $1,000 to $5,000.
• Excavating a driveway or patio costs $1,000 to $2,500.
• Digging a basement for new construction costs $1,500 to $10,000.
• Excavating a foundation pad for a new home site costs $1,500 to $10,000.

Excavation costs $100 to $300 per hour for a trained operator with their own equipment or $50 to $150 per hour for an operator who uses a mini excavator you've rented separately.

Excavation involves digging, trenching, dirt removal, and other earthmoving to prepare a site for construction, typically using heavy equipment like an excavator or backhoe. Excavation is required when building a new home or driveway, digging a basement or inground pool, or installing septic or gas lines.

Excavation often includes land clearing, leveling, or grading, though some contractors price these services separately.

Excavation takes 1 to 3 days for small projects and up to 3+ weeks for larger projects or areas with rocky soil, a rock shelf that must be broken up with a jackhammer, or large boulders that must be removed.

If the excavator must use explosives or hydraulic fracturing to blast through a rock shelf or boulder, additional permit and safety requirements may increase the project's length.

Excavation can be done in the winter, but it's not recommended in areas that experience snow as the thawing snow may cause shifting earth or drainage issues later. The best time to excavate is in the spring, after all snow has thawed and the water has drained or evaporated. Homeowners in areas without snow can excavate at any time.

Follow these tips when hiring an excavation company:

• Get at least three quotes to compare. Excavation companies require an on-site visit to provide an accurate estimate.
• Look for pros with Erosion and Sediment Control certification.
• Ask the contractor about an erosion control plan for your property.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins..
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.

Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best excavation company for your project:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Are you certified in Erosion and Sediment Control? What is your erosion control plan for my project?
• Do you own or rent your excavation equipment? Does the estimate include all equipment and delivery fees?
• Will you flag any buried pipes and utility lines before work begins?
• Does the estimate include leveling and/or grading the land?
• Does the estimate include fill dirt, topsoil, and dirt delivery fees?
• Does the estimate include site cleanup and debris removal?
• What other costs might come up during the project?
• Will this project require permits, and will you obtain them?
• How long will the project take?