Excavating
Utah Excavating pricing. Digging your foundation sets the stage for everything. This scope includes all the dirt work for basements, footings, and rough grading.
What’s Included
This pricing covers labor and equipment costs for standard residential excavation, including basement dig, footings, garage slab prep, and rough grading. It assumes moderate soil conditions and a level or mid-slope lot. Rock removal, export, over-excavation, or steep slope work is not included and may be billed separately.
Notes:
Includes backfill, compaction, over ex, hauling, utility connections
Real World Example:
A 3,000 sq ft home with a full basement on a mid-tier lot (moderate slope, partial export, tight access) in Utah County:
1,300–1,500 cubic yards
$12–$16 per cubic yard
Total: $16,000–$24,000
FAQ
Q: What’s typically included in excavation costs?
A: Excavation usually covers digging for the full basement, footings, garage slab, and rough grading. It includes labor and equipment time, but not gravel, compaction, or export unless specified.
Q: How do contractors price excavation — by square foot or cubic yard?
A: Excavation is almost always priced by the cubic yard removed. Knowing your expected dig volume lets you compare bids apples-to-apples.
Q: What drives excavation costs higher than average?
A: Key cost factors include steep slopes, rock, poor soil, tight machine access, and the need to export dirt. Over-excavation for structural fill also increases total yardage and cost.
Q: What’s the difference between rough grade and final grade?
A: Rough grade happens after the dig and backfill — it's the basic contouring of the lot. Final grade happens later (often by a separate crew) to prep for landscaping and drainage.
Q: Should excavation include compaction or gravel under the slab?
A: Not always. Some excavation contractors include gravel base and compaction as part of their scope, others do not. Be sure it's clearly listed in your bid.
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