Frequently Asked Questions

HomeBlue's Minneapolis figures put a machine with operator at about $220 to $380 per hour, roughly $1,700 to $3,000 for a full day, with hauling at $400 to $600 or more per truckload. A new-home basement dig runs about $4,300 to $7,600 and a no-basement foundation dig about $2,600 to $4,500, before boulders, debris or hauling.

We dig, move and haul soil: basements and footings, trenches for sewer and water lines, grading and drainage, demolition of garages and houses, and digs for pools and patios. We also backfill, compact and restore the site afterward.

Yes, but it costs more and goes slower. Frost has to be broken or thawed, spoil freezes, and backfill must not go in frozen. Emergency sewer and water repairs happen year-round; planned projects are usually cheaper from late spring through fall.

Many do light grading and small digs. Basements, footings, service line trenches, teardowns and deep or large digs usually need an excavation contractor with bigger equipment, trench protection and hauling trucks.

Yes. Minnesota requires notice to Gopher State One Call before excavation so underground utilities are marked. We request locates for every job we do.

Sand has little cohesion, especially when wet. Trench walls in outwash sand must be sloped back or shored, and federal safety rules require protection for trenches deeper than five feet.

A garage teardown or sewer lateral dig is often one to two days. A new-home basement dig is about two to three days of machine time by HomeBlue's estimates, longer with hauling, boulders or frost.

Below the frost depth required by the Minnesota building code for your county. Your plans and the building department set the exact depth.

Yes, at higher cost. Frost has to be removed and the bottom protected from freezing.

Most are moved with the bucket. Large ones are broken or hauled per the quote.

We dig the over-dig and place backfill; tile and waterproofing are usually by the foundation or waterproofing contractor.

Yes, cutting into the slope to the builder's plan.

Often, yes. Requirements vary by city; we check for your address.

It must be tested and removed by a licensed abatement contractor before demolition.

Only briefly while loading. We keep it passable and clean.

Yes, unless you want it left.

Yes, but frozen ground slows foundation removal and backfill. We talk through timing.

Usually one day, plus slab removal.

Ownership rules vary by city. In many Twin Cities communities the property owner is responsible for the lateral; we confirm for your address.

Yes, with frost breaking. It costs more but emergencies cannot wait.

Deep enough to stay below frost per code and the utility's rules.

Yes, we restore or coordinate repair of anything we disturb.

We route around large roots where possible, and some lines can be bored instead.

Often it is the cheapest fix for leaks during snowmelt and storms. Cracks or high groundwater may also need interior work.

Not if they are pitched to drain and end at a free-flowing outlet.

It depends on the city. We check before choosing an outlet.

Late spring through fall, once the ground has thawed and dried.

Usually because the grade slopes toward it or the well has no drain. Regrading and a drain tie-in fix most cases.

It depends on the truck; tandem dump trucks commonly haul around 10 to 14 cubic yards. We quote by the load or by the yard.

Often for grading. Under slabs and driveways, clean compacted fill is better.

Seasonal road weight limits can reduce load sizes for a few weeks.

Yes.

Yes, by the load.

Yes, sorted and hauled to the right site.

Deeper than in milder climates because of frost. The hardscape installer or manufacturer specifies it, and we dig to that depth.

Usually with compact equipment. We measure gates and side yards first.

No, we do the excavation and spoil handling for the pool installer.

Late spring through fall, after frost leaves the ground.

Yes, and haul the old material away.

Yes, for the paving or concrete contractor.