★★★★★
“Meet Matt Millitello, a true craftsman. Knowledgeable, efficient, and reasonable. Thanks to his team, we now can call our house a home.”
Rob M.
Sewer repair & plumbing
Excavating
Need excavation, trenching, grading, or site prep in Erie County? We handle foundations, trenches, grading, and site work with our own equipment and a clear estimate before digging starts.
Serving Erie County, NYFree, Written Estimates
Excavation Specialists. Not Plumbers Who Dig.
Response speed
Most residential excavation projects are completed in 1-3 days
Licensed & insured
Fully Licensed & Insured
The Millie Difference
Why Hire an Excavation Specialist?
A lot of contractors say they do excavation, then call someone else to run the machine. That adds markup, delay, and confusion. Here's why hiring the crew that actually digs matters.
We Own Our Equipment
When you hire a plumber for sewer work, they typically subcontract excavation to someone else. Adding markup and coordination delays. We own excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and dump trucks. No middleman means better pricing and faster scheduling.
Excavation Is What We Do
A plumber digs maybe a few times a month. We dig every day. That experience translates to faster work, fewer surprises, and better results. We've seen every soil condition Erie County has to offer.
Superior Site Restoration
Companies that subcontract excavation often leave restoration as an afterthought. Because excavation IS our business, we take pride in leaving your property better than we found it: proper grading, compaction, and preparation for seeding or sod.
One Crew, Complete Control
No waiting for the excavation crew to show up while the plumber waits. No finger-pointing if something goes wrong. One crew, one point of contact, complete accountability for your project.
What Excavating Problems Do We Solve?
What This Work Looks Like
Real job photos from the kind of sewer, water, drainage, and excavation work we do across Erie County.
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Deep trench with PVC wye connecting pipes in Buffalo with exposed roots
Room Addition Foundation
Homeowners planning additions need precise excavation for new foundation footings. We excavate to the exact dimensions required by your contractor, dig below Erie County's frost line (42 inches), and ensure proper drainage around the new foundation. Our careful work provides a solid base for your addition and prevents future settling issues.
In-Ground Pool Installation
Pool excavation requires removing significant material while maintaining accurate depth and dimensions. We work with pool installers to excavate the pool hole, create level zones for the deck area, and ensure proper drainage around the pool. Our equipment can handle tight backyard access while minimizing damage to your existing landscaping.
Utility Trench Excavation
New sewer lines, water services, or electrical conduits require trenches dug to specific depths with proper slope. We carefully excavate utility trenches while protecting existing underground infrastructure. Our precision ensures your new utilities function properly and meet code requirements for depth and bedding material.
Yard Grading and Drainage
Properties with standing water, erosion, or improper slope need excavation to correct drainage issues. We remove and redistribute soil to create proper grade away from your foundation, eliminate low spots that collect water, and shape your yard for optimal drainage. This protects your foundation and creates a usable, dry yard.
Why Choose Us for Excavating?
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We Own Our Equipment
No subcontractor markup. Excavators, backhoes, and skid steers ready for your project
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Local Soil Expertise
We know Erie County's clay, rock, and high water table challenges
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Complete Restoration
Your yard restored to original or better condition, guaranteed
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Fast Turnaround
Most residential projects completed in 1-3 days
Local Conditions
Excavating in Western New York
Erie County's clay, rock, and high water tables trip up contractors who aren't from here.
Erie County frost line: 42 inches. Foundation work has to go below this depth.
Lackawanna & South Buffalo
Challenge
Heavy clay soils that hold water and become difficult to work when wet. Many properties have industrial fill from the steel mill era.
Our Approach
We schedule clay excavation for drier conditions when possible and use proper drainage techniques. We know how to identify and handle unexpected fill material safely.
Orchard Park & East Aurora
Challenge
Rocky terrain with glacial deposits. Hidden boulders can stop inexperienced crews cold.
Our Approach
We bring rock-breaking attachments and have the horsepower to handle boulders. We factor potential rock into estimates so you're not surprised.
Lakefront Communities
Challenge
High water tables near Lake Erie. Sand and saturated soils require dewatering and special techniques.
Our Approach
We use pumps and proper shoring for wet excavations. Our experience with lakefront properties means we plan for water before it becomes a problem.
Older Neighborhoods (Pre-1950)
Challenge
Aging infrastructure, unmarked utilities, and tight lot access. Many homes have abandoned oil tanks, old wells, or obsolete utility lines.
Our Approach
We're thorough with utility locates and cautious with older properties. Our compact equipment fits tight spaces without sacrificing capability.
Permits & Local Requirements
Many excavation projects in Erie County require permits. We handle the paperwork so your project stays on track and passes inspection.
- Foundation excavation typically requires a building permit from your municipality
- Work near property lines may require surveys or setback verification
- Utility connections require coordination with the city or town DPW
- All excavation requires Dig Safely NY (811) utility marking. We handle this
- Some projects need erosion control plans, especially on slopes or near waterways
- Commercial projects often have additional site plan requirements
How Does Excavating Work?
Here's how it works.
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Elevated view of multiple backfilled drainage trenches in Buffalo backyard
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Site Assessment
We evaluate your property and mark utilities
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Excavation
Precise digging to required depth and dimensions
3
Material Removal
Hauling away excess soil and debris
4
Final Grading
Level and grade for proper drainage
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Site Restoration
Restore landscaping and clean up
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your ProjectWhat to Expect
Here's how the project typically goes.
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Timeline
Most residential excavation projects are completed in 1-3 days. Simple trenches or small ponds can be done in a single day, while larger projects like foundation excavation for additions typically require 2-3 days. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property.
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Disruption
Excavation involves heavy equipment like excavators and backhoes on your property. Expect noise during working hours (typically 7am-5pm), temporary disturbance to your lawn, and restricted access to work areas. We use track mats when possible to minimize lawn damage and keep a tidy job site. There will be piles of excavated soil until hauling is complete.
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Your Prep
Clear the work area of any decorations, furniture, or valuable items. Mark any underground utilities you know about (irrigation, private utility lines, propane tanks). Remove vehicles from driveways if we need access. If you have pets, plan to keep them indoors during excavation. Consider notifying neighbors about the temporary construction activity.
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Communication
We walk the site with you before starting to review the plan and answer questions. During the project, our crew leader keeps you informed of progress and any unexpected findings (like rocky soil or unmarked utilities). We provide updates if weather or site conditions affect the timeline. Upon completion, we review the finished work with you to ensure satisfaction.
Excavating FAQs
Excavating pricing depends on the type of project, dig depth, soil conditions, access for equipment, material removal or import, restoration needs, and permit requirements. Millie evaluates the site, explains the scope, and provides a written quote based on the actual work involved.
Yes, we advise on permit requirements and coordinate with Erie County municipalities throughout the process. Foundation work, projects near property lines, and utility connections typically need permits. We help navigate applications, schedule inspections, and ensure compliance so your project stays on track.
Most residential projects take 1-3 days from start to finish. Simple trenches or small ponds can wrap up in a single day, while foundation excavation for additions usually requires 2-3 days. Weather, soil type, and unexpected underground conditions can affect the timeline.
Good-quality soil can be spread elsewhere on your property for grading or landscaping purposes. Otherwise, we haul it to an approved disposal site and handle all the logistics. If you have future landscaping plans, we can also stockpile usable material on-site for later use.
Some temporary disruption is unavoidable with heavy equipment, but we take steps to minimize it. We use plywood and track mats to protect high-traffic areas and existing landscaping. After excavation, we grade and restore all affected areas so your yard is ready for seeding or sod.
We contact Dig Safely New York (811) before every project to mark all underground gas, electric, water, and communication lines. For unmarked utilities like irrigation systems or private utility components, we use private locating services. This critical step prevents costly and dangerous utility strikes.
Yes, we excavate year-round in Western New York, including through frozen ground. Winter work requires more powerful equipment and takes longer, so costs may be slightly higher. We monitor weather and frost depth to ensure feasibility. Most customers prefer spring through fall when conditions are ideal and restoration is easier.
We own all our equipment. No subcontractor markup or scheduling delays. Our years of Erie County experience mean we understand local clay, rock, and high water table challenges. We deliver precise excavation, communicate clearly throughout, and restore your property to excellent condition when the job is done.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from homeowners and businesses we've worked with across Erie County.
5.0-star reputation and real customer feedbackRead Google reviews
★★★★★
“Millie Excavating was extremely helpful and quick with communication and getting the problem solved. Very affordable and easy to work with.”
David C.
Sewer repair
★★★★★
“We got multiple estimates and these guys explained everything clearly, gave us a fair price, and did the work exactly as promised.”
Andrew M.
Sewer line repair
If the live review feed does not load on your device, use the Google reviews link above or call (716) 253-1527 and we'll walk you through recent project examples.
Why Does Excavating Matter?
Proper excavation is the foundation of any successful construction or landscaping project. Precise dimensions ensure your new structure sits level and stable. Correct depth prevents frost heave and foundation movement. Good excavation also addresses drainage, preventing future water problems that could undermine your investment. Hiring experienced excavators saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and gives contractors the perfect starting point for quality work.
Excavating Throughout Erie County
Serving all of Erie County.
Need Excavating?
Tell us what is going on. We will look at the job, explain the work, and give you a clear price before digging starts.
(716) 253-1527