When you are planning a new build, addition, or major landscaping overhaul, one of the first budget questions is simple: how much does excavation cost? Because excavation sits at the very start of a project, misjudging this line item can send ripples through the entire schedule and cash flow. CountBricks has delivered thousands of AI-powered residential estimates, so we have clear insight into what drives pricing and how homeowners and builders can stay on budget.
• Dense clay or rocky soil increases machine time and wear, raising hourly rates
• Sandy or loamy soil is faster to remove, often lowering costs by 10-20%
• Wet or flooded sites may require dewatering equipment and add significant labor
• Light grading for a patio might only involve scraping a few inches
• Full basement digs can reach 8-10 feet deep and require larger excavators or staged trenching
• Deeper cuts usually trigger additional safety measures such as benching or shoring
• Urban infill lots may force contractors to use smaller machinery, increasing hours on site
• Wide suburban lots with clear truck paths let crews work faster and haul soil off-site cheaply
• Disposal sites charge by ton—heavy clay costs more than lighter topsoil
• Local dumping regulations can require permits or environmental testing before removal
• Locating, hand-digging around, or moving existing lines adds labor
• Hitting an unmarked utility creates delays and potential fines
CountBricks integrates real-time utility maps and local code data in every estimate to minimize these surprises.
Residential contractors often quote excavation by cubic yard or by project. Nationally, pricing runs from $2 to $15 per cubic yard, but regional variations are huge. Based on recent CountBricks.com estimates:
• Light grading for driveways or walkways: $1,500 – $3,000
• Crawl-space footings: $4,000 – $8,000
• Full basement excavations: $8,000 – $20,000+
Remember that these numbers include typical haul-off in moderate soil. Hard rock or limited access can push costs well above these benchmarks.
Homeowners often try to ballpark excavation costs by multiplying area, depth, and a “standard” rate. That shortcut ignores:
• Moisture content: wet soil weighs more, raising disposal fees
• Bench angles mandated by OSHA safety rules
• Equipment availability and seasonal demand
Using CountBricks voice-driven estimating, you describe the scope while on site, and our AI calculates precise cubic yards, local disposal fees, and machine hours—no spreadsheet wrestling required.
1. Open the CountBricks mobile app and tap “Start Estimate.”
2. Speak naturally: “We’re removing 1,200 square feet of sod, digging a 9-foot basement, sandy soil, easy street access.”
3. The AI pulls current Tulsa equipment rates, landfill tipping fees, and labor productivity curves.
4. In under 30 seconds, you receive a line-item breakdown with material, haul-off, and machine costs. Adjust depth or add a retaining wall and see totals update instantly.
5. Export a branded PDF quote or sync to your accounting stack—no double entry.
Test it yourself at CountBricks.com/services.
• Schedule excavation during the off-peak season when equipment demand is lower
• Stockpile clean topsoil on site for later landscaping instead of paying disposal fees twice
• Combine excavation with foundation formwork in a single subcontract to cut mobilization charges
• Use CountBricks real-time materials marketplace to lock in equipment rentals before rates rise
Small garden projects can be owner-operated, but anything involving structural footings, slope stability, or utility relocation demands licensed pros. CountBricks maintains a vetted network of excavation subcontractors who understand our digital takeoff data and deliver to spec. View recent residential case studies at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• Excavation costs hinge on soil, depth, access, and disposal logistics
• National price averages are helpful, but local data is vital for accuracy
• Manual estimating leaves out hidden variables—AI tools like CountBricks close that gap
• Smart scheduling, material reuse, and bundled contracts can lower your final invoice
Ready for a definitive answer to “how much does excavation cost” on your next project? Start a free voice estimate today at CountBricks.com.
In a recent Tulsa infill project, the homeowner envisioned a 1,100-square-foot daylight basement. Traditional bids ranged from $18,500 to $24,000—too wide for comfort. Using the CountBricks AI takeoff engine, the general contractor captured on-site voice inputs and generated a detailed scope in under two minutes.
• Sandy-loam soil reduced machine wear, lowering hourly excavator rates by 12%
• A nearby recycling yard accepted clean fill at a discounted tipping fee, saving $1,400
• CountBricks flagged a buried telecom line, prompting hand-digging in that zone and preventing a costly service strike
The refined CountBricks proposal landed at $16,200, including a contingency allowance. Actual invoiced cost closed at $15,950—just 1.5% variance, far below the industry norm. The client credited the success to transparent line-items and live pricing updates during weekly site meetings.
• Confirm local disposal regulations early—some municipalities reward clean fill recycling with fee waivers
• Ask your excavator to rough-grade excess soil for landscaping berms; this cuts haul-off while enhancing curb appeal
• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to visualize cut-and-fill volumes before breaking ground, avoiding mid-project surprises
Whether you are a homeowner seeking clarity or a builder chasing tighter margins, CountBricks delivers excavation estimates that stand up to real-world conditions. Explore service tiers, schedule a live demo, or launch your first voice quote at CountBricks.com/services.
