how much to excavate backyard

When it comes to home improvement projects, backyard excavation is often a necessary step. Excavating your backyard can help you create a flat surface for gardening or building a swimming pool, or provide access to underground utilities. But how much does it cost to excavate your backyard? In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence the cost of backyard excavation and help you understand the average costs you can expect to pay.

Factors that influence the cost

Several factors can influence the cost of backyard excavation. Here are the main ones:

Size of the backyard

The size of your backyard heavily influences the cost of excavation. The larger your backyard, the more work will be required to excavate it, and the more equipment will be needed. The prices for excavation services are usually calculated based on the square footage of the area you want to excavate, so the bigger your backyard, the higher the cost.

Type of soil

The type of soil in your backyard can also affect the cost of excavation. Harder soils, such as gravel or clay, are more difficult to excavate and may require more equipment and manpower, leading to a higher cost. Softer soils, such as sand, may be easier to excavate and may not require as much equipment or labor.

Access to the backyard

The accessibility of your backyard can also influence the cost of excavation. If your backyard is easy to access, the cost of excavation may be lower, but if it’s difficult to access, the cost may be higher. Backyards that are difficult to access may require specialized equipment or extra labor, which can increase the cost of excavation.

Average cost of backyard excavation

With the above factors in mind, let’s take a look at the average cost of backyard excavation. The average cost for excavating a backyard can range from $1,500 to $8,000, with an average cost of about $4,000. However, keep in mind that this cost can vary greatly depending on the size of your backyard, the type of soil, and the accessibility of the area.

Other costs to consider

When calculating the cost of backyard excavation, it’s important to consider other costs that may arise during the project. These may include:

Permits

Depending on the area you live in, you may need to obtain permits before you can start excavating your backyard. Permit fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Disposal fees

After your backyard has been excavated, you’ll need to dispose of the soil and debris. Depending on your location, disposal fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Landscaping costs

Once your backyard has been excavated, you’ll likely need to do some landscaping to restore the area. This may include filling in holes, planting grass or other vegetation, or adding new features like a patio or deck.

Conclusion

Excavating your backyard can be a big investment, but it can also greatly improve the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor area. Before getting started, be sure to consider the factors that can influence the cost, such as the size of your backyard, the type of soil, and the accessibility of the area. By doing so, you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of costs and plan your project accordingly.