Typically, residential land excavation can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $6,000. While it can be pricey, excavation is a very important part of any construction project because it helps ensure that the land is suitable to be built upon. Residential excavators will remove trees, dig the foundation of the building, and more. Anything that has to do with the ground below the building usually has to do with an excavating contractor. Click here for more. 

Excavating contractors come with special equipment and skills that cannot be replicated. That is why they are such an important part of the process. However, it’s also understandable that construction is expensive as is. While you definitely shouldn’t skimp on excavation, understanding what you’re paying for is also important. Below is a breakdown of what to expect when you call in the excavator.

Excavation Costs

Some of the biggest factors that will impact the price of the excavation are the size and accessibility of the land, the type of soil and the terrain, the season, and the equipment that’s needed for the job. 

Most of the time, residential projects will have a minimum fee. From there, the price will increase based on a variety of factors. Obviously size is going to be an important determinant, because larger land usually means more time and often different equipment — and sometimes even more contractors. The type of terrain is going to also drastically alter the price. Rocky terrain is harder to dig into and create a solid foundation from, which means it will be a pricier endeavor. The same goes for flattening any hills or slopes. Contractors will have to cut and fill those slopes, which will run anywhere from $1 to $12 per cubic yard.

Equipment rental costs add anywhere from $100 to $250 per hour, depending on if it is specialized. Larger jobs require larger equipment, and more tricky jobs require more specialized equipment. Those are both factors that will increase the cost of equipment rental and therefore make your excavation job more expensive. 

And though it may seem obvious, land clearing is a major part of the job and therefore has a major impact on the price. This includes removing anything from debris to entire trees and can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. 

Once the job is done, you will likely need to pay for site cleanup costs. This ensures that the soil is not contaminated before construction begins. If you’re in the clear, this shouldn’t add too much to the price. But if your soil is contaminated, then there could be a hefty price tag to rectify the situation.

Don’t be afraid to ask any potential excavating contractor all the questions you might have before you hire them for the job. While not all of these costs can be anticipated in advance, a good contractor will communicate and make you aware as soon as they can about any potential issues that arise. This way, you can ensure that your project remains within your budget and if it doesn’t due to unforeseen circumstances, you’ll have time to prepare.