THE 10 BEST Excavation Services in PORTLAND, OR
| Business Name | Key Services | Best For | Address | Hours | PS Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lovaz Excavating | Excavation, Grading, Trenching, Sewer Line Work, Concrete Installation | Residential Sewer and Plumbing Projects | 14650 S Quail Grove Cir, Oregon City, OR 97045 | Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sun: Closed | 4.7/5 |
| PDX Sewer Solutions | Sewer Repair, Excavation, Camera Inspections, Pipe Jetting, Septic Decommissioning | Emergency Sewer Line Replacement | Portland, OR 97223 | Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sun: Closed | 4.8/5 |
| Will & Sons Excavation | Pool Excavation, Driveway Work, Septic Tanks, Rock Breaking, Hauling Services | Family-Owned Residential Projects | 13909 SE Oatfield Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97267 | Call for Hours | 4.6/5 |
| Lovett Services | Excavation, Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Vac Truck Services, Emergency Response | 24/7 Emergency Excavation Services | 6920 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218 | Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 24/7 Emergency | 4.5/5 |
| Superior Underground | Sewer/Water Line Replacement, Directional Drilling, Septic Systems, Site Preparation | Trenchless Technology and Utility Work | 6400 SE 101st Ave, Ste 3, Portland, OR 97266 | Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sun: Closed | 4.8/5 |
| Alpha Environmental | Storm Drain Excavation, Rock Removal, Topsoil Excavation, Environmental Testing | Environmental and Safety-Focused Excavation | 11080 SW Allen Blvd, Ste 100, Beaverton, OR 97005 | Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat-Sun: Closed | 4.6/5 |
| Axiom Plumbing & Sewers | Sewer Excavation, Utility Trenching, Plumbing Services, Drain Cleaning | Comprehensive Plumbing and Excavation | Serving Portland Metro Area | Call for Hours | 4.4/5 |
| Rider Concrete & Excavation | Concrete Work, Excavation, Retaining Walls, Site Preparation | Concrete and Excavation Combo Projects | 959 SW Red Hills Dr, Dundee, OR 97115 | Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 4.5/5 |
| The Excavators, LLC | New Home Construction, Basement Excavation, Remodels, Foundation Work | Third-Generation Family Expertise | Serving Beaverton and Portland Metro | Call for Hours | 4.7/5 |
| Coffman Excavation | Heavy Civil Projects, Site Preparation, Mass Excavation, Design Build | Large-Scale Commercial Projects | 13014 Clackamas River Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045 | Mon-Fri: Business Hours | 4.3/5 |
#1. Lovaz Excavating – Best for Residential Sewer and Plumbing Projects
Key Highlights:
- Family-owned, minority-led business with over 10 years of experience serving six Oregon counties
- Offers a 5-year warranty on plumbing and sewer work plus a 6-month warranty on concrete installations
- Provides free estimates within 2 to 3 days and matches or beats competitor rates
Lovaz Excavating has built a solid reputation across the Portland metro area. Their team specializes in excavation, grading, and trenching work for both residential and commercial clients. What makes them stand out is their commitment to warranties that give customers peace of mind long after the job is done.
This company handles everything from basement digs to driveway installations. They also take care of demolition services when you need old structures removed. Their expertise in sewer line installation and repair makes them a top choice for homeowners dealing with underground utility issues.
Based in Oregon City, they serve Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, Clark, Marion, and Multnomah counties. The company is fully licensed and insured, which means you can trust them to follow safety standards. Their transparent pricing and quick response times make the entire process smooth from start to finish.
#2. PDX Sewer Solutions – Best for Emergency Sewer Line Replacement
Key Highlights:
- Over 25 years of experience serving the Portland area with specialized sewer expertise
- Utilizes advanced trenchless repair technology to minimize property disruption
- Known for emergency response capabilities and thorough camera inspection services
PDX Sewer Solutions brings decades of knowledge to every project. Their team has seen it all when it comes to sewer problems. They specialize in sewer repair, replacement, and maintenance for both homes and businesses across the Portland region.
The company uses cutting-edge technology like trenchless sewer repair. This method saves time and reduces the mess on your property. They also offer pipe jetting services to clean out stubborn blockages and camera inspections to diagnose problems before digging begins.
Customer reviews consistently praise their professional approach and honest pricing. They explain every step of the process so you understand what’s happening. Their team arrives on time and completes work efficiently without compromising quality.
#3. Will & Sons Excavation – Best for Family-Owned Residential Projects
Key Highlights:
- Full-service excavation company offering everything from pools to driveways and septic work
- Provides free, no-obligation estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Uses up-to-date equipment and proven work methods for residential and commercial projects
Will & Sons Excavation takes pride in their teamwork approach. When you hire them, you’re working with a company that treats your project like their own. They handle jobs of all sizes with the same level of care and attention.
Their services include rock breaking and removal, which is crucial for Portland’s sometimes rocky terrain. They also offer hauling services to remove excavated materials from your property. This comprehensive approach means you don’t need to hire multiple contractors for one project.
The company is known for competitive rates and time-efficient practices. They understand that delays can be costly, so they stick to deadlines. Their commitment to customer satisfaction shows in their willingness to provide free estimates upfront.
#4. Lovett Services – Best for 24/7 Emergency Excavation Services
Key Highlights:
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency excavation needs
- Full-service company offering excavation, plumbing, drain cleaning, and vac truck services
- Licensed, bonded, and insured with a strong focus on customer protection
Lovett Services understands that excavation emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Their around-the-clock availability makes them a lifeline when you’re dealing with urgent sewer line breaks or drainage problems. They’ve been serving the Portland area for years with reliable emergency response.
The company offers multiple services under one roof. This means you can call them for excavation work and plumbing repairs without coordinating between different contractors. Their vac truck services handle messy cleanups efficiently.
Customers appreciate their honest communication and fair pricing. They won’t surprise you with extra charges halfway through a job. Their team explains issues clearly and offers solutions that fit your budget while maintaining high safety standards.
#5. Superior Underground – Best for Trenchless Technology and Utility Work
Key Highlights:
- Over 15 years of specialized experience in underground utility installation and repair
- Pioneering use of trenchless technology, directional drilling, and vacuum excavating
- Family-owned and operated by two brothers with hands-on industry knowledge
Superior Underground focuses on preserving your lawn and landscape while completing excavation work. Their trenchless technology allows them to install underground utilities with minimal surface disruption. This approach saves your yard from unnecessary damage.
The company excels at water line and sewer line replacement. They’re licensed and certified in Oregon to install and repair septic systems. Their services include designing layouts for new construction and repairing existing systems.
Based in Southeast Portland, they serve the entire metro area and Southwest Washington. They offer site preparation, foundation dig-outs, and minor grading work. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer education sets them apart from larger, less personal companies.
#6. Alpha Environmental – Best for Environmental and Safety-Focused Excavation
Key Highlights:
- Over 20 years of environmental consulting and remediation experience
- Specialized in storm drain excavation, rock removal, and proper drainage solutions
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured with strong company values and safety protocols
Alpha Environmental brings environmental expertise to excavation work. They understand that digging isn’t just about moving dirt. It’s about creating proper drainage patterns and ensuring structural integrity for whatever you’re building.
Their team handles various excavation materials including topsoil, earth, and rock formations. Rock excavation is particularly challenging, but they have the specialized equipment to handle it. They also tackle storm drain excavation to help with flooding issues.
Located in Beaverton, they serve residential and commercial customers throughout the greater Portland area. Their comprehensive approach includes environmental testing when needed. This makes them ideal for projects where soil quality or contamination might be a concern.
#7. Axiom Plumbing & Sewers – Best for Comprehensive Plumbing and Excavation
Key Highlights:
- Serving Portland metro since 2014 with integrity-driven sewer and excavation services
- Combines journeyman plumbers with skilled excavating contractors for complete solutions
- Offers customized solutions tailored to your home, budget, and specific objectives
Axiom Plumbing & Sewers delivers dual expertise in both plumbing and excavation. This combination is valuable because many excavation projects involve plumbing work. Having one team handle both saves time and prevents communication issues between different contractors.
They serve Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties. Their team listens to your goals before recommending solutions. This customer-first approach ensures you get exactly what you need without unnecessary upselling.
The company has built a reputation for high-quality workmanship and great customer experiences. They provide efficient service while maintaining the highest industry standards. Their excavation work for sewer line replacement is particularly well-regarded in the Portland area.
#8. Rider Concrete & Excavation – Best for Concrete and Excavation Combo Projects
Key Highlights:
- Open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM for maximum convenience
- Specializes in combining concrete work with excavation services for complete projects
- Serves Portland and surrounding areas with family-owned dedication
Rider Concrete & Excavation offers the unique advantage of handling both excavation and concrete installation. This is perfect for projects like driveways, patios, or retaining walls where you need excavation followed by concrete work. One contractor means better coordination and faster completion.
Based in Dundee, they travel throughout the Portland metro area. Their extended hours make them accessible when other contractors might be closed. This flexibility helps accommodate your busy schedule.
The company takes on residential and commercial projects of various sizes. Whether you need a small patio or a large commercial foundation, they have the equipment and expertise. Their comprehensive service eliminates the hassle of managing multiple contractors.
#9. The Excavators, LLC – Best for Third-Generation Family Expertise
Key Highlights:
- Third-generation family business with decades of excavating experience and knowledge
- Wide variety of equipment to accomplish projects ranging from small to large scale
- Serves Portland metro area from Beaverton, traveling as far as Sandy and the coast
The Excavators, LLC represents generations of excavation expertise passed down through a family. This deep knowledge base means they’ve encountered nearly every type of excavation challenge. They bring this experience to every new project.
Their services include new home construction excavation, basement work, and remodeling projects. They handle foundation excavation with precision. Customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they treat your excavation like it were their own property.
Located in Beaverton, they’re willing to travel where needed throughout Oregon. Their extensive equipment fleet allows them to tackle almost any job size. They also provide sewer repair services during excavation when issues are discovered.
#10. Coffman Excavation – Best for Large-Scale Commercial Projects
Key Highlights:
- Premier contractor for heavy civil projects in the Northwest since 1979
- Specializes in fast-tracking complex projects while maintaining highest safety standards
- Extensive experience with Portland’s most challenging and high-profile construction projects
Coffman Excavation operates at a different scale than most residential contractors. They handle major civil engineering projects, site preparation for large developments, and infrastructure work. Their experience dates back over 40 years, giving them unmatched knowledge of Portland’s construction landscape.
The company excels at design-build projects where they work closely with architects and engineers. They handle mass excavation, street and road construction, and utility installation for major developments. Their capabilities also include emergency response and environmental remediation.
Based in Oregon City, they’ve completed many of Portland’s landmark projects. While they focus on commercial and municipal work, their expertise and equipment make them capable of handling any large-scale excavation need. Their collaborative approach has built an extensive network of repeat customers.
How Much Does Excavation Cost in Portland, Oregon?
Excavation costs in Portland vary significantly based on your project type and scope. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per cubic yard for residential excavation work. The total project cost typically ranges from $500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity.
Hourly rates for excavation specialists usually fall between $40 and $180 per hour. If you encounter difficult soil conditions with excessive rocks or heavy clay deposits, expect to pay an additional $200 to $1,200. Pool excavation averages around $2,500 but can range from $450 for small projects to $4,500 for larger pools.
Several factors influence the final price. These include the depth and volume of excavation needed, soil type and conditions, accessibility of your property, and whether permits are required. Projects requiring utility relocation will cost extra, typically $15 to $25 per linear foot for moving gas lines. Always get multiple estimates from licensed contractors. Most reputable companies offer free quotes, giving you a clear picture before work begins.
Do I Need a Permit for Excavation Work in Portland?
Yes, most excavation projects in Portland require permits from the city. Site development permits are mandatory for clearing, grading, groundwork for subdivisions, landslide repair, and certain tree cutting activities. You’ll need permits for excavations that create cuts steeper than specific gradients or exceed certain depths.
The permitting process protects you and your neighbors. Permits ensure your excavation meets safety standards and won’t cause drainage problems or structural issues. They also verify that underground utilities are properly located before digging begins, preventing dangerous and costly accidents.
Your excavation contractor should help you obtain the necessary permits. Most experienced companies have handled the permitting process many times and know exactly what documentation the city requires. The Portland Bureau of Development Services reviews these applications along with environmental services when stormwater management is involved. Getting permits might seem like extra hassle, but it’s essential for legal compliance. Unpermitted work can result in fines and may cause problems when you try to sell your property. Work with a licensed contractor who understands local requirements.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Excavation Contractor in Portland?
Choosing the right excavation contractor requires careful attention to several key factors. First, verify that they hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board license. This license proves they meet state requirements for insurance, bonding, and professional standards. Never hire an unlicensed contractor regardless of how good their price seems.
Experience matters significantly in excavation work. Look for contractors who have completed projects similar to yours. Ask to see photos of previous work or speak with past customers. Companies with deep local knowledge understand Portland’s soil conditions, weather patterns, and specific permit requirements.
Check their insurance coverage carefully. Your contractor should carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you if someone gets injured on your property or if damage occurs during excavation. Get detailed written estimates from at least three contractors. The estimate should break down costs for labor, equipment, materials, and permits. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true. Extremely low bids often indicate shortcuts or hidden fees that appear later. Finally, evaluate their communication style and professionalism. Good contractors return calls promptly, answer questions clearly, and explain the work process. They should provide a written contract spelling out the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms.