Excavation General Pricing

The cost of excavation will vary from project to project but we would like to provide some general pricing of popular excavation services. This will help you ensure you are getting realistic quotes when looking for estimates for your upcoming project and even give you an idea of what your project may cost. However, there will be other factors that must also be accounted for when determining the cost of an excavation project, some of which we include in the pricing below. If you would like to have us take a look at the project and provide an estimate, feel free to submit the form below or contact us at 719-249-8008.

Foundation Excavation Cost

Price Range: Typically $3,500-$40,000

The cost for a foundation excavation will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • The foundation design will play a big factor in the cost. Will it need a basement/crawl space, or just a concrete slab to build upwards.
  • Another factor is the soil conditions. Sometimes due to the soil conditions, an engineer will require a site to be over-excavated meaning an even larger hole will have to be dug in width and depth and replaced with an engineered recommended soil type that is suitable to build with.
  • Depending on the land, there may be rock or other hard material that will require what's called a hydraulic breaker, or hammer, which will affect cost.
  • Large equipment will be needed to dig and level the ground, or trench for the foundation, so accessibility to this area for these large machines may also affect the price. For instance, if trees, fences, or other obstacles are blocking the path that first needs to be cleared to make the path accessible, etc. 

Building & Barn Pad Cost

Price Range: Typically $3,000-$22,000

The cost for a pad installation will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • The location and size of the barn pad will be one of the major factors in determining the price. Is it in an open field or a wooded backyard? This will affect the price depending on if the land needs to be cleared first or just graded.
  • When installing a barn pad we first need to determine how unlevel the ground is. This will determine what needs to be done to the land to install a barn pad.
  • This also means there may be materials that need to be hauled off such as previous concrete, boulders, or debris which will play a role in the cost. 
  • Large equipment will be needed to dig and level the ground, or trench for the foundation, so accessibility to this area for these large machines may also affect the price. For instance, if trees, fences, or other obstacles are blocking the path that first needs to be cleared to make the path accessible, etc. 
  • Again depending on the land, there may need to be additional dirt, gravel or other aggregate material hauled to level out the surface, and/or prepare the site for concrete on top. This means additional costs for the material, labor, and hauling.

Land Clearing Cost

Price Range: Typically  $6,000-$45,000 / Half Acre

The cost for land clearing will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • The major factor in land clearing cost is the size of the area and the material that needs to be cleared. Depending on whether it is just dirt or possibly trees, boulders, or other debris can affect pricing.
  • After the land has been cleared everything left behind needs to be disposed of, which again will affect the price depending on the material and where it needs to be properly disposed of. 
  • Typically land clearing is done with the purpose of some type of construction afterward. Depending on what this is, it may also need to be graded to have level land to build upon which affects pricing.
  • After the land has been cleared of all vegetation we need to identify and address erosion & water drainage concerns, which may lead to trenching, swales, or other required services.
  • When dealing with clearing and leveling land, permits may be needed. 

Trenching & Ditching Cost

Price Range: Typically $2,500-$40,000

The cost for trenching & ditching will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • When digging we must be aware of any electrical lines or pipes that may be underneath the soil. This may cause us to have to dig around or under these lines or possibly even have them moved.
  • Another factor when digging trenches or ditches is the need to divert the path to avoid low laying areas, as this would cause water to sit still, which is counter-productive to the trench itself.
  • Depending on the land, there may be rock or other hard material that will require what's called a hydraulic breaker, which will affect cost.
  • The length, width, and depth of the trench need to be taken into consideration as well. Depending on its intended purpose may also call for over-excavation. 

Gravel Driveway Cost

Price Range: Typically  $1,800-$90,000

The cost for a gravel driveway will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • The largest determining factor of the cost for a gravel driveway or road is the length of the driveway or road and the width. Determining if it needs multiple lanes and how long will contribute the most to cost.
  • Depending on whether it is for foot or vehicle traffic, as well as the type of vehicle, all play into the thickness needed for the road or driveway affecting the price accordingly. 
  • Also depending on the use of the driveway or road will depend on what material needs to be used for its construction. Different materials have different costs which obviously can affect pricing.
  • Depending on the requested look of the driveway it may be graded on a slope or level at an angle, and sometimes even cuts into the landscape such as a switchback and may need a culvert(s). Additional factors like these must be considered when looking at the overall design.
  • When dealing with road or driveway construction, permits may or may not be needed depending on the county or city code.
  • Depending on city or county code a "turn-a-round" or cul-de-sac may need to be added for Emergency Services Access.

Culvert Installation Cost

Price Range: Typically  $2,200-$8,000

The cost for a culvert installation will vary based on many factors, some of these include:

  • The length and width of the culvert, as well as the material, will play a big role in cost. This will determine not only the size of the piping needing to be installed but also the size of the trench needing to be dug.
  • Whether it's connecting to a city or county road will affect pricing. When dealing with different municipalities or counties there are certain requirements and codes that need to be followed.
  • Also, there may need to be additional work done at the entrance and exit of the culvert for erosion control. The main purpose of a culvert is to divert water runoff underneath a driveway, however, it doesn't end there and sometimes requires additional work.
  • When dealing with digging into the earth, permits may or not be required depending on if they are connecting to a city or county road. The city or county will dictate what additional requirements may be necessary such as the culvert size, setbacks, and drainage slope requirements. The cost will adjust accordingly depending on whether permits have already been acquired.

As you can see the cost of an excavation project can vary highly due to equipment, materials, hauling, labor, and the permits that are required. All pricing above is just general pricing for educational purposes. Have questions? Check out our FAQs. If you would like to have us provide an estimate for your exact project, please complete the form below or feel free to call 719-249-8008

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