Residential Excavation
Foundation digs, basement excavation, utility trenching, septic systems, and drainage work — handled right the first time. We serve Des Moines and surrounding communities with licensed, insured residential earthwork crews and free written estimates.
Reliable Residential Excavation Services for Your Home Projects in Des Moines
Des Moines Excavation Co. specializes in providing top-tier residential excavation services for homeowners throughout the Des Moines area. Whether you're building a new home, adding an extension, or installing a backyard feature, our team has the expertise to handle every aspect of your project with precision and care.
North Texas's expansive black clay is one of the most challenging soils in the country for residential excavation. It swells when wet, shrinks when dry, and can exert enormous pressure on foundation walls if backfill isn't managed correctly. Proper excavation depth and compaction are critical to foundations that stay stable through North Texas's weather extremes — and we deliver that on every job, no matter the size or scope.
Why Choose Des Moines Excavation Co. for Residential Excavation?
Your home is one of your most valuable investments, and proper excavation is crucial to ensure the success of your project. Here's why homeowners trust us:
Our Residential Excavation Services
We offer a comprehensive range of residential excavation services, including:
Serving Des Moines and Beyond
Excavation Dallas Co. serves homeowners and builders across Greater Dallas and the DFW metro — from Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties and beyond. Whether the project is in a dense suburban neighborhood or a rural township, we provide a written estimate after a free site visit. Request a free estimate to get started.
What's Included
Residential Excavation FAQs
How much does residential excavation cost in Des Moines?
Residential excavation pricing depends on the type of work, dig depth, soil conditions, and how much material needs to be hauled. A foundation dig for a new home runs differently than utility trenching or a septic excavation. Every project gets a free on-site assessment and a written estimate before any work begins — no surprises.
How long does foundation excavation take for a new home in Des Moines?
A standard residential foundation dig in the Des Moines area typically takes one to three days. The timeline depends on the size of the footprint, required depth, and how much clay or hardpan we encounter. Des Moines soils vary widely — some lots dig fast, others take longer. We give you a specific timeline with every written estimate.
Do I need a permit for residential excavation in Des Moines?
Permit requirements depend on the type of work and your municipality. Foundation excavation for new construction typically requires a building permit pulled by your general contractor or builder. Utility trench work may require separate permits from the city or utility provider. We work from your approved plans and permit set — the permit coordination is handled by your GC or directly with the city.
How do you avoid hitting underground utility lines during excavation?
We require a confirmed 811 utility locate before any excavation begins — no exceptions. The 811 process marks underground gas, electric, water, and telecom lines on your property. Near marked lines, we use hand digging or compact equipment to expose utilities safely before bringing in the excavator. We will not dig blind.
Can you do basement excavation for an addition on an existing home?
Yes. Basement additions on existing homes are a different scope than new construction — we work in tighter spaces, need to protect the existing foundation, and typically use compact equipment to limit yard disturbance. We review your plans before the estimate so we understand the clearances and any access constraints on your specific lot.
Do you haul away the excavated dirt or can I keep it?
Both options are available. We haul all excavated material off-site in our own trucks as a standard part of foundation and basement digs. If you want to keep fill material for other areas of your property, let us know during the estimate — we can stockpile it on-site instead of hauling it.
Residential Excavation Service Areas
We provide residential excavation services across Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a free estimate on your residential excavation project. We'll assess your site and provide a written quote before any work begins.