Chicago, IL · Residential & commercial
Excavation, grading & site prep in Chicago, done safely and on schedule.
Site preparation, trenching, grading, land clearing and demolition for homes, builders and businesses across Chicagoland. Free estimates and written quotes.
What we do
Excavation services
Building, fixing drainage or clearing a lot? We look at the site, locate utilities and plan the dig before any machine moves.
Site prep & grading
Lots cleared, cut, filled and graded for building.
Trenching & utilities
Trenches for water, sewer, gas and electrical lines.
Land clearing
Brush, trees and stumps removed and hauled off.
Demolition
Structures, slabs and pavement taken down and removed.
Drainage solutions
French drains, swales and grading that move water away.
Foundation excavation
Accurate digs for basements, footings and slabs.
Hauling & fill dirt
Soil, rock and debris hauled; fill delivered.
Driveways & roads
Gravel drives and access roads cut and graded.
The Chicago Excavation Company digs, trenches, grades and hauls for homeowners, building owners and contractors in Chicago and the suburbs around it. Sewer laterals, garage slabs and footings, basement drainage, demolition cleanup and driveway base make up most of our work.
Chicago ground is flat, wet and mostly soft lake clay, with sand ridges on the North Side and shallow rock out toward Joliet. Narrow lots, gangways and alleys shape how every job is done, and many basements here fight both seepage and sewer backups.
To get started, call or text (872) 201-3760. We look at the site, the access and the water, file the locate request with DIGGER in the city or JULIE in the suburbs before digging, and send the scope and the price in writing.
How it works
- Free estimateCall, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quoteScope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & planWe have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean upWe complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.
Reviews
Selected 5-star Google reviews
For our large land clearing project, they delivered exceptional results. The crew worked efficiently, paid close attention to detail, and treated our property with great care. We’ll definitely reach out to them again for future needs.
Our excavation project was tough, but they managed it effortlessly. The crew was professional, well-prepared, and completed the job ahead of time. I’m really impressed with their work and would use them again without hesitation.
This trenching company provided a fantastic experience. They were punctual, dug the trench perfectly, and finished everything ahead of time. Highly reliable and affordable!
Reliable and efficient service. They prepared our site quickly and professionally. I would definitely choose their company again.
Outstanding work. Highly recommended for any excavation project.
Rated 5 stars on Google.
Service areas
Chicago and the surrounding towns
Don't see your town? Call us. We likely cover it.
Frequently asked questions
What does excavation cost in Chicago?
HomeGuide's 2026 national figures put excavation at $2.50 to $15.00 a cubic yard and most projects at $1,100 to $5,600. They are national ranges, not quotes from us. Soft clay, alley access and haul-off change Chicago jobs most, so we quote your lot in writing after we see it.
Who do I notify before digging in Chicago?
Inside the city, DIGGER, at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and holidays. In the suburbs, JULIE, at least two days ahead. Every one of our jobs gets its own locate ticket.
Why does my Chicago basement flood?
Either water seeps through the walls from the yard, or the sewer backs up through the floor drain in a big storm. Grading and drain tile fix the first; a plumber's backflow valve or overhead sewer fixes the second, and we dig for both.
Can you work from the alley?
Yes. Most of our city jobs load and unload from the alley, with compact machines that fit tight lots.
Do you dig for new garages?
Yes. We break out the old slab, dig out soft clay and build a compacted stone base for the new garage slab or footings.
Who can demolish a house in Chicago?
The city requires a Chicago-licensed general contractor for work that needs a demolition permit, plus utility disconnection permits, rodent baiting and a notice to the Department of Public Health.
How much does excavation cost in Chicago?
It depends on the size of the dig, soil and rock conditions, access for equipment and how much material has to be hauled away. We visit the site and give you a written quote.
Do you locate utilities before digging?
Yes. We have underground utilities marked before any excavation starts.
Do I need a permit for excavation or grading in Chicago?
Grading, trenching in the right-of-way and demolition often need permits. We check what applies to your site.
Do you haul away the dirt?
Yes. Haul-off of soil, rock and debris is included in the quote when it is needed.
Do you work for homeowners or only builders?
Both. We do small residential jobs as well as site work for builders and businesses.
Excavating questions, answered
Straight answers on cost, repairs, permits, neighbors and choosing a contractor in Chicago.
Ready to get started?
Free estimate and a written quote. Call us or send the form.