Millie ExcavatingWestern New York's Excavation Specialists

Foundation Excavating in Erie County, NY - foundation excavation work

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Serving Erie County, NY

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Foundation Excavating

Foundation Excavation Specialists — Precision Work That Sets Contractors Up for Success

Erie County's foundation excavation specialists. We deliver precision dimensions, below-frost-line depth, and level floors that set your contractor up for success — not "close enough" digging that causes problems during foundation work.

$3,000 - $15,000typical range

(716) 253-9275 Get a Free Quote

How much?

$3,000 - $15,000

How long?

Most residential foundation excavations take 1-3 days from start to finish

Licensed?

Fully Licensed & Insured

(716) 253-9275

Why Choose Millie Excavating?

Western New York's Excavation Specialists - Trusted by homeowners across Erie County, NY.

Years Experience

500+

Projects Completed

Cities Served

100%

Customer Satisfaction

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Excavation Specialists, Not Generalists

We're experts in excavation and utility work, not general contractors who occasionally dig.

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We Own Our Equipment

No subcontractor markup means better value and faster project completion.

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Complete Property Restoration

We don't just dig—we restore your property to original or better condition.

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Local Erie County Expertise

Deep knowledge of local soil conditions, permits, and regulations.

✓Fully Licensed

✓Fully Insured

✓Free Same-Day Estimates

✓Local Family Business

✓5-Year Warranty

Do I Need Foundation Excavating?

Building a new home and need foundation excavation

Planning a room addition that requires new foundation

Building a detached garage, pole barn, or accessory structure

Foundation repair project requires excavating around existing foundation

Converting crawl space to full basement (underpinning project)

Need site excavation and grading for new construction

Check 2+ items to see if you need our services. Not sure? Call for a free consultation.

Transparent Pricing

What Does Foundation Excavation Cost?

Foundation excavation costs depend on project size, depth, and site conditions. These estimates reflect typical ranges for Erie County residential projects. We provide free on-site estimates with detailed written quotes.

Garage or small structure foundation

Detached garage, shed, small pole barn foundation

$3,000 - $5,000

Room addition foundation

Single-room to large addition excavation

$4,000 - $7,000

Full basement excavation (new home)

Complete basement dig with hauling

$8,000 - $15,000

Foundation repair excavation

Expose existing foundation for repair access

$2,500 - $6,000

Crawl space to basement conversion

Excavate below existing structure (underpinning)

$10,000 - $20,000+

Backfill services (after foundation)

Return to backfill and grade after walls cured

$1,500 - $3,000

Want an accurate quote for your specific project?

Get Your Free Estimate

Signs You Need Foundation Excavating

Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need professional foundation excavating services.

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Planning a home addition that requires new foundation work

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Building a new garage, pole barn, or accessory structure

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Foundation repair project requires excavating around existing foundation

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Converting crawl space to full basement (basement underpinning)

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Building a new home and need foundation excavation

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Foundation settling or damage requires replacement sections

The Millie Difference

Why Hire Foundation Excavation Specialists?

Foundation excavation isn't just digging a hole — it's precision work that determines whether your foundation contractor has an easy job or a nightmare. Here's why excavation specialists outperform general contractors and landscapers:

Precision Is Our Standard

We don't do "close enough." Exact dimensions mean your foundation forms fit perfectly, walls are square, and floors are level. Precision excavation eliminates costly rework, delays, and frustration for your contractor. We measure twice, dig once, and verify with lasers.

Frost Line Expertise

Erie County requires footings below the 42-inch frost line to prevent frost heave that cracks foundations. We verify local code requirements and dig to proper depth every time. Too shallow, and your foundation will move. We get it right the first time.

Contractor Coordination

We work as partners with your builder, not just another subcontractor. We coordinate timing to excavate just before it's needed, communicate about any unexpected findings, and ensure the site is ready for foundation work. Smooth handoffs keep your project on schedule.

Complete Excavation Services

We don't disappear after digging. We excavate, grade the floor, haul away material, and return for backfill after your foundation is complete. One excavation contractor handling everything means better coordination and accountability.

Common Foundation Excavating Problems We Solve

Real-world scenarios where our expertise makes the difference.

What This Work Looks Like

Real projects and real excavation — the kind of work we'll perform on your property.

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Foundation Excavating in Erie County, NY - sewer line repair and installation

New Home Foundation Excavation

Building a new home starts with proper foundation excavation. We work from surveyor stakes and building plans to excavate the basement or crawl space to exact specifications. This includes excavating below the frost line (42 inches in Erie County), creating level floor areas, providing adequate overdig for forming and waterproofing access, and coordinating with utility trenches. Precision is critical - the foundation must be square, level, and correctly positioned on the lot. Our careful excavation gives your foundation contractor the perfect starting point for quality work.

Room Addition Foundations

Adding onto your home requires foundation excavation that matches existing foundation elevations and integrates with your current structure. We excavate to the proper depth for footings below the frost line, ensure the excavation floor is level and compacted, and provide working room around the perimeter for forming and foundation work. Critical considerations include not undermining your existing foundation, maintaining proper drainage around both old and new foundations, and coordinating timing with your contractor. Precise excavation ensures your addition sits level with existing floors and integrates structurally with your home.

Foundation Repair Excavation

Foundation repairs often require excavating around the exterior to access damaged walls, install support systems, or apply waterproofing. This work is delicate - we must excavate carefully to avoid further disturbing compromised foundations. We expose the foundation to the depth needed for repairs, provide safe working access for foundation contractors, and ensure proper shoring if required. After repairs are complete, we backfill properly with compacted material and grade for drainage. This excavation work is essential for foundation repairs but requires experience and care to avoid causing additional problems.

Garage and Accessory Structure Foundations

Detached garages, pole barns, sheds, and other accessory structures require proper foundation excavation just like homes. We excavate for slab foundations, frost wall foundations, or pier foundations depending on your structure type. The excavation must be level, properly sized with working room, and deep enough to prevent frost heaving. For structures with concrete floors, we ensure proper subgrade preparation and slope for drainage. Even though these are smaller projects than home foundations, the same precision and code compliance applies. Proper foundation excavation ensures your garage or barn sits level and lasts for decades.

Why Choose Us for Foundation Excavating?

Professional service backed by years of experience and the right equipment for the job.

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Precision Excavation

Exact dimensions, level floors, square corners — no contractor rework needed

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Below Frost Line Guaranteed

42"+ depth for Erie County — proper depth prevents frost heave

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Contractor Coordination

We work with your builder's schedule and specifications as partners

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Complete Service

Excavation, grading, hauling, AND backfill when foundation is ready

Call to Discuss Your Project

Local Expertise

Foundation Excavation Challenges in Erie County

Western New York presents specific challenges for foundation excavation. Our local experience means we anticipate and handle conditions that surprise out-of-area contractors.

Erie County Frost Line

Challenge

New York State building code requires footings below the frost line to prevent frost heave. In Erie County, this means 42+ inches minimum depth. Shallow footings will crack and shift.

Our Approach

We verify local code requirements for your municipality and excavate to proper depth with margin for footing thickness. No guessing — we know the requirements and meet them.

Variable Soil Conditions

Challenge

Erie County has everything from heavy clay to sandy soil to bedrock close to surface. Different soil types affect excavation approach, bearing capacity, and drainage requirements.

Our Approach

We assess soil conditions during excavation and communicate findings to your contractor. Clay requires different compaction than sand. Rock requires different equipment. We adapt and deliver.

Glacial Boulder Deposits

Challenge

Glaciers left large boulders scattered throughout Erie County soil. These can appear unexpectedly during excavation, blocking progress and requiring removal.

Our Approach

Our full-size excavators can extract large boulders that would stop smaller equipment. We handle rock removal efficiently without derailing your project timeline.

High Water Table Areas

Challenge

Areas near Lake Erie, creeks, and low-lying land have high water tables. Excavating in these areas can hit groundwater that floods the hole and complicates foundation work.

Our Approach

We assess water table conditions and can provide dewatering solutions. We communicate water issues immediately so your contractor can plan appropriate waterproofing and drainage.

Permits for Foundation Excavation

Foundation work requires building permits in Erie County. We coordinate with your permit schedule and ensure excavation meets code requirements for inspections.

Building permits are required for foundation work in all Erie County municipalities
We coordinate excavation timing with your permit approval and construction schedule
Inspections are typically required before pouring footings — we ensure excavation is ready
We excavate to code-required depth and dimensions for inspection approval
We provide clear access for building inspectors as needed
We contact Dig Safely NY (811) before excavation to mark all utilities

How We Do It

Our proven 5-step process ensures quality results every time.

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Foundation Excavating in Erie County, NY - excavating equipment and machinery

Layout

Mark foundation footprint and utilities

Excavation

Dig to required depth and dimensions

Grading

Level and compact the excavation floor

Preparation

Prepare for footings and foundation

Support

Provide access for concrete and supplies

Ready to get started?

Schedule Your Project

What to Expect

Here's how the project typically goes.

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Timeline

Most residential foundation excavations take 1-3 days from start to finish. Small garage foundations can be completed in a day, while full basement excavations for new homes typically require 2-3 days. This includes excavation, rough grading of the floor, and hauling away excess material. Backfilling after foundation walls are complete adds another 1-2 days. Weather, soil conditions, and access affect timing. We coordinate our schedule with your contractor to ensure excavation is completed just before it's needed.

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Disruption

Expect heavy equipment on your property including excavators and dump trucks for hauling soil. There will be significant noise during working hours, large piles of excavated soil temporarily stored on site, and a large hole where your foundation will be. For addition excavations, equipment will be close to your home. Access roads and driveways may see heavy truck traffic. The disruption is substantial but temporary - once excavation is complete and foundation work begins, the job site becomes more organized and less chaotic.

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Your Prep

Ensure survey stakes or foundation layout marks are clearly visible - we depend on these for accuracy. Mark any underground utilities, septic systems, or irrigation in the work area. Clear the excavation area of any items you want to preserve. Provide clear access for our equipment and for trucks hauling away soil. If excavating near your existing home, remove or protect items that could be damaged by vibration or dust. Notify neighbors about the temporary construction activity and truck traffic.

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Communication

We start with a pre-construction meeting to review the plans, confirm excavation dimensions and depth, and answer questions. We verify survey stakes and utility locations before starting. During excavation, we keep you and your contractor informed about progress and any unexpected findings like rock, unstable soil, or groundwater. We notify you when excavation is complete and ready for the foundation contractor. If backfilling is included, we coordinate timing after foundation walls are ready. Clear communication ensures smooth coordination between excavation and foundation work.

Our Fleet

Professional Foundation Excavation Equipment

We own the heavy equipment needed for foundation excavation of any size. No rentals, no subcontractors — just experienced crews with the right tools for precise, efficient work.

Full-Size Excavator

Our primary tool for foundation excavation. Deep reach for basement depths, powerful enough to handle rock and boulders, precise control for accurate dimensions. Essential for efficient material removal.

Best For

Basement excavation, deep foundations, boulder removal

Mini Excavator

Compact machine fits through 36-inch gates for backyard additions. Lower ground pressure protects existing landscaping. Perfect for tight spaces where full-size equipment can't access.

Best For

Room additions, tight access sites, foundation repair

Dump Trucks

Multiple trucks for efficient soil hauling. Coordinated removal keeps excavation moving without waiting for trucks to return. We handle material disposal at approved sites.

Best For

Efficient material removal, coordinated hauling

Compaction Equipment

Vibratory plate compactors and jumping jacks ensure proper subgrade compaction. Essential for stable foundation support and quality backfill that doesn't settle.

Best For

Subgrade preparation, backfill compaction

Laser Level System

Precise depth and grade verification throughout excavation. Ensures level floors, proper depth at all points, and accurate dimensions. No guessing — laser accuracy.

Best For

Depth verification, floor leveling, precision work

Foundation Excavating FAQs

In Erie County, foundation excavations are typically 4-8 feet deep depending on several factors. Footings must be placed below the frost line (42 inches) to prevent frost heaving. For full basements, we excavate to provide adequate headroom - usually 8 feet deep to allow for 8-foot basement ceilings plus footer and floor thickness. Crawl space foundations are shallower, typically 3-4 feet. Local building codes, soil conditions, and the planned structure all affect required depth. We ensure every excavation meets code requirements and engineering specifications.

Yes, we specialize in excavating for room additions, garage foundations, sunroom foundations, and other structural additions to existing homes. This requires precise work to match existing foundation elevations, avoid damaging existing structures, and provide proper access for concrete and construction crews. We coordinate with your contractor to ensure the excavation is completed at the right time in the construction sequence and meets all specifications for a successful addition project.

Most residential foundation excavations take 1-3 days depending on size and conditions. A garage foundation can often be excavated in one day, while a full basement for a new home or large addition typically requires 2-3 days. Factors affecting timing include excavation size and depth, soil conditions (clay vs. sandy soil vs. rock), access constraints, and weather. We work efficiently to keep your project on schedule while ensuring precise, code-compliant excavation.

We have several options for excavated soil. Good quality topsoil can be stockpiled on your property for later use in grading and landscaping around the finished foundation. Subsoil (clay, hardpan) is typically hauled away to an approved disposal site. For large projects, we may use some excavated material for rough grading but still need to haul away significant quantities. We discuss your preferences during estimation and coordinate hauling to minimize disruption. Proper material management keeps the job site organized and safe.

Precision is critical for foundation excavation. We work from stakes set by surveyors or builders that mark the exact foundation footprint. We measure carefully from these stakes to excavate to the correct dimensions with proper overdig (typically 2-3 feet beyond the foundation walls) for working room. We use laser levels and grade checking equipment to ensure proper depth and level floor. Before concrete crews arrive, we verify all dimensions and make any needed corrections. This precision ensures footings and walls fit properly and the finished foundation is square, level, and built to plan.

Yes, we can excavate for foundations year-round in Western New York, though winter excavation presents challenges. Frozen ground is difficult to excavate and requires more powerful equipment and time. We can't pour concrete in freezing temperatures, so winter foundation excavation is typically done for projects with heated enclosures or spring construction starts. Many customers prefer to excavate in warmer months when conditions are ideal and concrete work can proceed immediately. We assess weather forecasts and frost depth to determine the best approach for winter projects.

Yes, we provide backfilling services after your foundation walls are cured and waterproofing is complete. Proper backfilling is critical - we place material in lifts and compact each layer to prevent future settling. We grade the backfill to slope away from the foundation for drainage. If footer drains were installed, we take care not to damage them during backfilling. We can also provide final grading and topsoil placement to prepare for lawn and landscaping. Complete excavation and backfilling services keep your project moving efficiently.

Erie County has areas with bedrock close to the surface or large boulders in glacial soil. If we encounter rock that can't be excavated with our equipment, we may need to bring in rock hammers or arrange blasting (with proper permits). Unexpected conditions like old foundations, buried debris, or high groundwater can also affect excavation. We communicate immediately about any unexpected findings, explain the options and costs, and work with you and your contractor to find solutions that keep the project moving. Transparency about obstacles builds trust and prevents surprises.

Why Foundation Excavating Matters

Foundation excavation is the literal groundwork for your entire structure. Proper excavation ensures your foundation sits at the correct elevation, is level and square, has adequate drainage, and meets all building codes. Mistakes in excavation dimensions, depth, or floor level cause expensive problems during foundation construction and can affect your entire project. Excavating below the frost line prevents frost heaving that cracks foundations. Proper drainage prevents water problems that undermine foundations over time. Professional foundation excavation may seem like just digging a hole, but it requires precision, experience, and coordination that sets the stage for a successful construction project and a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

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