How pricing works
The exact amount is in writing and comes after a free site visit. Here's which model each job is priced on, and what makes it cost more or less.
Four ways to price
Most listings just say “price negotiable”. That helps no one. Here's which model we use for which job — so at least you know what to ask when you call someone else too.
| Model | When it applies | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly, with operator | Short jobs where the volume isn't known in advance. | Trenches, small digs, help on another build. |
| Per machine shift | A full day on one site. Works out cheaper than hourly. | Foundations, levelling, yard clearing. |
| Per cubic meter excavated | Large digs with a clear volume from the plans. | Pools, basements, bulk excavation. |
| Per dump truck load | Separate from the dig, by number of loads. | Hauling soil and waste, delivering materials. |
What makes it cost more
Rock below the first meter, groundwater, old foundations in the ground, an entrance under three meters, working among existing utilities, nowhere to put the soil.
What makes it cost less
Room to leave the soil on the property, an open yard, several services in one visit, work outside the busy season, setting out already done.
What we don't do
We don't give a firm price over the phone without a site visit. We don't start without an agreed place for the soil. We don't dig with unknown underground utilities.
How much soil will come out
The most common surprise on a dig isn't the price of digging, it's the number of truckloads. Work them out in advance — it takes twenty seconds.
Questions we get every week
Why won't you give a price over the phone?
Because the same hole costs twice as much in clay as in rock, and you can't see that through the phone. We can give a range, but a firm price only after a site visit. The site visit is free.
Will the machine fit in my yard?
The mini excavator is 98 centimeters wide and fits through most yard gates. Measure the entrance at its narrowest point and tell us the number — we'll answer right away.
Where does the excavated soil go?
If there's room on the property, it stays there for backfill, which saves money. If not, we haul it away by dump truck, priced per load. That's decided at the site visit, not on the day of the work.
Do I need a permit to dig?
To dig on your own property, usually not. For work that affects a street, sidewalk or someone else's property — yes, and it's obtained before we start. At the site visit we tell you which case is yours.
What if you break a pipe or cable?
The machines are insured. Before digging we ask about known utilities, and if in doubt the first meters are dug by hand. A broken pipe because of an unknown route is a risk we discuss in advance.
Do you work in winter?
Yes, as long as the ground isn't frozen more than twenty centimeters deep. Winter is cheaper because the schedule is open. In winter we also clear snow.
The site visit is free and takes twenty minutes
Tell us what needs digging and how wide the entrance is. If you send a photo of the yard too, we can tell you over the phone whether the machine fits.
Mon–Sat, 07:00–19:00