The Excavation Costs in Snohomish County Washington
When it comes to starting a construction or landscaping project, excavation costs in Snohomish County, Washington can vary more than you might expect. In-depth Excavation, a trusted name across the region, helps homeowners and businesses with a wide range of excavation services, from land clearing to grading and foundation digging. Whether you’re preparing for a new home, installing drainage systems, or reshaping your yard, understanding the typical price range helps you plan better.
Here is the quick answer you were looking for. This is the general cost for an excavation project in Skagit County, Snohomish County, and King County in Washington State.
Foundation Pad for New Home Site: $1,500 to $10,000
Digging a Basement for New Construction: $1,500 to $10,000
Digging Around an Existing House: $5,000 to $15,000
In-Ground Swimming Pool Excavation: $1,000 to $5,000
Driveway, Patio, or Deck Dirt Pad Excavation: $1,000 to $2,500
Hillside Excavation or Slope Flattening: $1,000 to $5,000
Grading for Lawn Installation: $1,000 to $5,000
Rock or Ledge Removal: $1,000 to $20,000+
Read more to find the cost breakdowns.
How much does the average excavation job cost in Snohomish?
Average Cost of Excavation in Washington
First off, the cost of excavation work is usually measured by the cubic yard of soil that needs to be moved. Most projects in Snohomish County fall somewhere between $2.50 and $15.00 per cubic yard. That sounds like a wide range (and it is) because a lot can happen between a simple dig and a complicated soil removal job.
Several things influence how much you’ll end up paying. For example, softer ground like sand or loam is easier (and cheaper) to excavate than heavy clay or rocky soil. Access also plays a part: if the machines can’t get close to the worksite, extra labor and special equipment might be needed, driving up costs.
It’s also important to think about what happens after the soil comes out of the ground. Hauling and disposal fees are sometimes separate from the digging price. In areas like Snohomish, Skagit, and King Counties, local dumping regulations can add extra expenses, especially for large-scale land clearing or grading projects.
Here’s a closer look at what shapes excavation pricing and why one job might be double the price of another even when they seem similar at first glance:
Soil Type:
- If the soil is light and fluffy, it’s going to be easier and cheaper to dig up compared to tough, rocky ground.
Accessibility:
- If it’s easy to get to the spot where you need to dig, it’ll cost less. Tricky spots to reach or those with lots of stuff in the way will bump up the price.
Depth and Complexity:
- The deeper you need to go or the more complicated the digging (like needing to support the sides of your excavation), the more you’re going to pay.
On the whole, you might be looking at shelling out between $1,100 and $5,600 for your project. That’s a ballpark figure, and where you land in that range really depends on the specifics of your job.
Hourly Rates for Excavation Work
Sometimes, excavation work might be priced by the hour, especially for jobs that require a bit more finesse, like carving out a basement next to an existing home, laying down a foundation, or crafting a pool. Hourly rates can run from $100 to $300. Here are a few things that affect those rates:
- Equipment Used: Bigger or more high-tech machines cost more to run, bumping up the price.
- Project Complexity: If the job requires a lot of skill or precision, expect to pay more for those expert hands.
- Labor: More skilled operators or extra hands for digging and such will also influence the hourly rate.
Factors of Excavation Costs in Snohomish and the Pacific Northwest
Several important factors influence excavation costs in Snohomish County, much like other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Having a good grasp of these variables helps you better predict project pricing and avoid surprises down the line.
Key Factors That Affect Excavation Costs
Soil Type
The kind of soil on your site plays a big role in what you’ll pay. Softer soils like sand or loam are easier to dig through and usually cost less. On the other hand, dense clay or rocky ground takes more time and effort to excavate. Sometimes, special equipment is needed to break through tough layers, adding to both labor and machinery costs.
Depth of Excavation
Depth is another major piece of the puzzle. Shallow digs are faster and cheaper. But if you’re digging deep—for a basement, a large foundation, or certain drainage systems—costs can rise quickly. Deeper excavations often require extra steps like installing temporary supports to keep the sides from caving in, which adds time and complexity to the job.
Terrain
The natural shape of your land also matters. A flat, open site is the easiest and most affordable to work on. If your property has a steep slope, uneven ground, or lots of low spots, it can take more prep work before the digging even begins. Grading the site to make it safer and easier to excavate can add a noticeable amount to the final bill.
Obstructions
Hidden obstacles below the surface can cause unexpected delays. Things like buried rocks, thick tree roots, old pipes, or pieces of demolished structures make the excavation process trickier. Removing these obstacles usually takes extra time, specialized tools, and sometimes even hand labor, all of which raise the total project cost.
Average Costs of DIY Excavation in Snohomish
While DIY excavation might seem like a cost-saving option, it’s crucial to consider the hidden costs and potential risks:
Equipment rental:
- Renting the necessary equipment can be expensive, especially for larger projects.
Safety expertise:
- Operating heavy machinery safely requires proper training and experience, which DIY might lack, potentially leading to accidents or injuries.
Costs of DIY Excavation:
- Disposing of excavated materials can incur additional costs, especially for larger projects.
Permitting:
- Obtaining necessary permits can be complex and time-consuming for DIYers.
Excavation Costs by Project in Snohomish County:
Here are estimated costs for common excavation projects in Snohomish County:
Foundation Pad for New Home Site: $1,500 to $10,000
Digging a Basement for New Construction: $1,500 to $10,000
Digging Around an Existing House: $5,000 to $15,000
In-Ground Swimming Pool Excavation: $1,000 to $5,000
Driveway, Patio, or Deck Dirt Pad Excavation: $1,000 to $2,500
Hillside Excavation or Slope Flattening: $1,000 to $5,000
Grading for Lawn Installation: $1,000 to $5,000
Rock or Ledge Removal: $1,000 to $20,000+
Do you have a project in Snohomish County waiting to be unearthed?
Whether you’re building your dream home, crafting a beautiful landscape, or tackling a complex construction project, In-Depth Excavation is the trusted partner to bring your vision to life.
We understand that excavation is more than just moving dirt. It’s about precision, expertise, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
That’s not all, Here is some more reasoning for why In-Depth Excavation is the right choice for your project:
Experienced and qualified personnel:
- Our team boasts extensive experience and the necessary certifications to handle any excavation project with safety and efficiency at the forefront.
Commitment to safety and sustainability:
- We prioritize the safety of everyone involved and minimize environmental impact through sustainable practices.
Comprehensive services:
- We handle all aspects of your excavation project, from planning and permitting to completion and environmental compliance.
Don’t settle for cookie-cutter solutions. At In-Depth Excavation, we take the time to understand your unique needs and develop a customized plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Get a free consultation and quote today! Let’s discuss how In-Depth Excavation can help you unearth the potential of your property. We aim for satisfaction with every project and have accomplished high rates of customer satisfaction, and as always Your hole is our goal.
Company: In-Depth Excavation
Phone Number: (425)-367-1521
Website: In-Depth Excavation (indepthex.com)
Address: 14751 N. Kelsey St. SE Suite #105
Google My Business: Snohomish – Google Maps
Soil Type: Softer soil is cheaper to dig than hard or rocky soil.
Depth of Excavation: Deeper excavations require more equipment and time, increasing the cost.
Terrain: Uneven or sloped terrain requires specialized equipment or additional work, leading to higher costs.
Presence of Obstructions: Rocks, trees, or underground utilities require additional work and can significantly increase costs.
While DIY might seem cheaper, it comes with hidden costs and risks:
Equipment rental: Renting the necessary equipment can be expensive, especially for larger projects.
Safety expertise: Operating heavy machinery safely requires proper training and experience, which DIYers might lack.
Waste disposal: Disposing of excavated materials can be costly, especially for large projects.
Permitting: Obtaining necessary permits can be complex and time-consuming for DIYers.
Foundation Pad: $1,500 – $10,000
Basement Excavation: $1,500 – $10,000
Digging Around a House: $5,000 – $15,000
Pool Excavation: $1,000 – $5,000
Driveway/Patio/Deck Pad: $1,000 – $2,500
Hillside Excavation: $1,000 – $5,000
Grading: $1,000 – $5,000
Rock Removal: $1,000 – $20,000+
Contacting a professional excavation company in Snohomish County is the best way to get a reliable and accurate estimate for your project. They can assess your specific needs and consider all factors that might influence the cost.
