Frequently Asked Questions

HomeBlue's Pittsburgh estimates put a machine with operator at roughly $190 to $340 per hour, about $1,500 to $2,700 for a full day, with hauling at $400 to $600 or more per truckload. HomeAdvisor's national range for typical excavation projects is $1,659 to $6,713. Steep access, rock and hauling distance move the price, so we quote after seeing the site.

Yes, in many places. The Pittsburgh coal seam outcrops on Mount Washington and was mined under the city and suburbs for two centuries, often by room-and-pillar methods that left voids. State mapping shows some municipalities, such as Bethel Park, as entirely undermined. Before deep digs or heavy fill, we ask what is known about your property.

It can if done carelessly. The USGS found that people speed up sliding around Pittsburgh by overloading slopes, cutting at their base and changing drainage. We keep cuts at the toe of a slope small and short-lived, avoid piling spoil at the top, and route water away from the hillside.

In the Pittsburgh Water service area, the owner is responsible for the entire lateral, while the utility maintains the main and the wye connection. Suburban sewer authorities set their own rules, which we check for your address.

Yes. Pennsylvania's one-call law covers homeowners too, with notice due 3 to 10 business days before digging. When we do the job, we file the request.

Late spring through early fall is usually best for grading and hillside work. Winter digging is possible, but frozen ground slows machines and saturated clay after thaws is unstable on slopes. Urgent sewer and water repairs happen year-round.

Often, but not always. Compact excavators can climb surprising grades and fit through narrow openings. Where nothing can get in, some work is done by hand or with small tracked carriers. We look at access during the visit.

Flatter, usually. How flat depends on the slope, the room on the lot and whether a retaining wall is part of the plan. We show you the options and costs.

Not without care. The USGS found overloading slopes is one way people trigger slides here. Fill near a slope crest must be keyed, compacted and drained, and sometimes should not go there at all.

Small jobs often do not, but larger grading or work on steep slopes can. We check with your municipality.

HomeGuide puts an average backyard regrade at $1,000 to $5,000; HomeAdvisor lists $400 to $6,500. Steep access and hauling raise the price.

Often on ridgetops, where bedrock can be only 20 to 40 inches down. Our price explains how rock is handled.

If your area is known to be undermined and the plan includes a deep basement or heavy fill, an engineer's review is worth it. We tell you when we think so.

HomeBlue's Pittsburgh estimate is about two and a half days of machine time in normal soil. Slopes, rock and tight access add time.

We do, once walls cure and waterproofing and drains are in.

Yes, the whole lateral, according to Pittsburgh Water; the utility maintains the main and the wye. Suburban authorities can differ.

It varies with the slope and the main's depth. Lines toward the street are often deep enough to need trench protection.

Sometimes. A different route or a partial trenchless repair by the plumber can help. We look at the options.

Yes, from the curb box to the house, with restoration afterward.

Often, if the water is moving through the soil. A curtain drain above the wet area intercepts it. We confirm the source first.

Drainage is one of the main factors the USGS identified. Keeping a slope from saturating helps, but an active slide needs an engineer.

To a stable outlet: a permitted storm connection, a protected discharge at the slope bottom, or a dry well on gentler ground.

HomeGuide lists $10 to $35 per linear foot for exterior drains.

It can if roots are stripped from steep ground. We clear only what the plan needs and stabilize bare soil quickly.

Pennsylvania requires erosion controls for earth disturbance, and larger areas need a plan reviewed by the county conservation district.

Yes. Tell us, and we will cut and stack logs instead of hauling them.

HomeGuide lists $1,200 to $8,000 per acre depending on density.

It can if the garage wall was holding soil back. We plan support or regrading before demolition.

Usually for buildings. We check with your municipality.

Older materials may need testing and licensed removal first.

A fill-in is cheaper, while full removal leaves ground you can build on. We explain the tradeoffs.