Excavating Contractor in Holcombville, NY

Ground Broken Right, Projects Done Right

Professional excavation that keeps your project on schedule and your property protected.

A construction worker in an orange shirt and white hard hat guides a yellow bulldozer as it dumps dirt into a trench at a construction site, with dust rising from the ground.
A yellow excavator sits on a gravel surface at a construction site surrounded by trees and fencing, with soil and a black tarp covering nearby areas.

Professional Excavation Company Services

Your Project Starts With Solid Ground

When your excavation is done right, everything else falls into place. Your foundation sits level and drains properly. Your septic system works for decades without backup issues. Your driveway doesn’t wash out after the first heavy rain.

You avoid the headaches that come with cutting corners. No failed inspections that delay your timeline. No surprise drainage problems that flood your basement. No callbacks to fix what should have been done correctly the first time.

The right excavating contractor handles the details that matter. Proper grading that directs water away from structures. Site preparation that meets local codes. Careful work that protects existing utilities and landscaping. You get a project that starts strong and stays that way.

Holcombville NY Excavation Experts

We Know This Ground

Emerson Excavating and Trucking has been moving dirt in Holcombville and surrounding areas for years. We understand the soil conditions here, from the rocky areas that require careful excavation to the clay sections that need proper drainage planning.

Our operators know how to work around existing utilities, mature trees, and tight spaces without creating problems. We’ve handled everything from simple foundation digs to complex septic installations on challenging sites.

When you call us, you’re working with people who have seen the common issues that come up in this area. We plan for them, prevent them, and handle them when they occur.

A yellow backhoe loader with its bucket raised is digging soil in front of a modern house under a sunny, blue sky with some clouds.

Site Preparation Process

Clear Process, No Surprises

We start by walking your site and discussing exactly what you need. We’ll identify any potential challenges, check for utility locations, and explain how we’ll protect your existing landscaping and structures.

Before we dig, we handle the logistics. Permits if needed, utility marking, and coordination with your other contractors. We bring the right equipment for your specific job, not just whatever happens to be available.

During excavation, we work systematically to maintain proper grades and drainage. We stockpile topsoil separately so it can be replaced where you want it. When we’re finished, your site is ready for the next phase of construction, and your property is cleaned up.

A yellow excavator lifts and pours a large amount of dirt onto a pile at a construction site, with bare trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

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Foundation and Septic Excavation

Complete Excavation Services

Our excavation services cover the full scope of residential and commercial projects. Foundation excavation with proper depth and dimensions for your building plans. Site preparation that includes clearing, grading, and drainage planning. Septic system installation and repair with attention to soil conditions and local health department requirements.

We handle the details that prevent problems later. Proper compaction of backfill materials. Grading that directs water away from foundations. Careful excavation around existing utilities and structures. Emergency services when you need excavation work done quickly.

Each project gets the equipment and expertise it requires. Small jobs don’t get oversized equipment that damages your property. Large projects get the capacity to finish on schedule. You get excavation work that matches your timeline and budget.

A large yellow excavator sits on a mound of dirt at a construction site, with a dramatic sunset sky of pink, orange, and blue hues in the background.

How much does excavation cost for a typical foundation?

Foundation excavation costs depend on the size of your foundation, soil conditions, and site access. A typical residential foundation might range from $2,000 to $6,000, but rocky soil, tight access, or complex drainage requirements can affect pricing. We provide detailed estimates after seeing your site and understanding your specific needs. The estimate includes excavation, proper grading, and basic cleanup. Additional services like utility trenching or extensive site preparation are quoted separately so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Most excavation projects require a building permit if you’re constructing a foundation, and septic work needs health department approval. We can help you understand what permits your project requires and coordinate with your contractor or architect to ensure the excavation meets permit specifications. Some emergency repairs or minor grading work might not need permits, but it’s always better to check first. We’re familiar with local requirements and can guide you through the process or work with your contractor who’s handling permits.
A standard residential foundation excavation usually takes 1-2 days, depending on size and soil conditions. Septic system installation typically requires 2-3 days including excavation, system installation, and backfilling. Larger projects or challenging soil conditions can extend timelines. Weather affects excavation work, especially in clay soils that become difficult to work when wet. We provide realistic timelines upfront and communicate any delays immediately. Most delays are weather-related and temporary, but we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
Yes, we regularly work around mature trees, existing landscaping, and buried utilities. We require utility marking before any excavation begins, and we use hand digging techniques near marked utilities for safety. For landscaping, we can work around valuable trees and shrubs, though some temporary disturbance is usually unavoidable. We separate and stockpile topsoil so it can be replaced, and we minimize equipment traffic in areas you want to preserve. Clear communication about what you want protected helps us plan the work accordingly.
Rock is common in this area, and we’re equipped to handle it. Depending on the type and amount of rock, we might use hydraulic hammers to break it up or adjust the excavation approach. Significant rock excavation does add time and cost to projects, which is why we try to identify potential rock conditions during our initial site visit. If we encounter unexpected rock, we’ll stop work and discuss options with you before proceeding. Sometimes minor design adjustments can minimize rock removal and keep costs reasonable.
We handle emergency excavation when septic systems fail, drainage problems cause flooding, or utility lines need immediate access. Emergency work typically costs more than scheduled projects due to after-hours labor and equipment mobilization, but we understand that some situations can’t wait. We respond to emergency calls as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours. For true emergencies involving health hazards or property damage, we often can respond the same day. Call us directly to discuss your specific emergency situation and timeline needs.