Pittsburgh, PA · Residential & commercial
Excavation, grading & site prep in Pittsburgh, done safely and on schedule.
Site preparation, trenching, grading, land clearing and demolition for homes, builders and businesses across Allegheny County. Free estimates and written quotes.
What we do
Excavation services
Building, fixing drainage or clearing a lot? We look at the site, locate utilities and plan the dig before any machine moves.
Site prep & grading
Lots cleared, cut, filled and graded for building.
Trenching & utilities
Trenches for water, sewer, gas and electrical lines.
Land clearing
Brush, trees and stumps removed and hauled off.
Demolition
Structures, slabs and pavement taken down and removed.
Drainage solutions
French drains, swales and grading that move water away.
Foundation excavation
Accurate digs for basements, footings and slabs.
Hauling & fill dirt
Soil, rock and debris hauled; fill delivered.
Driveways & roads
Gravel drives and access roads cut and graded.
The Pittsburgh Excavating Company digs, grades and hauls on the hills of Pittsburgh and the suburbs around it, from Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park in the South Hills to Ross, Shaler and McCandless in the North Hills and out to Monroeville, Cranberry, Moon and Robinson. Here the ground is clay over layered shale and sandstone, and almost every lot has a slope to deal with.
Most jobs start with water or a wall: a basement that leaks along the uphill side, a retaining wall that has started to lean, a back yard that drains toward the house, or a sewer lateral that has failed after a century. Others start with a project, like an addition, a garage pad or a teardown. We look at the slope, the access, the rock and the drainage before we price the work.
Every dig starts with a PA One Call request at least three business days ahead, and we check the permits your municipality and the county require. Call or text to book a visit, and the quote comes in writing.
How it works
- Free estimateCall, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quoteScope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & planWe have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean upWe complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.
Reviews
Selected 5-star Google reviews
They excavated and prepared the base for a new shed. The ground feels solid and no longer slopes toward the fence.
Rated 5 stars on Google.
Service areas
Pittsburgh and the surrounding towns
Don't see your town? Call us. We likely cover it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does excavation cost in Pittsburgh?
Nationally, HomeGuide's 2026 figures run $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard, and a typical project lands at $1,100 to $5,600. Those are not our prices. Slope, rock and access change Pittsburgh jobs most, so we quote in writing after seeing the site.
How much notice does PA One Call need?
At least three business days before digging, and no more than ten for construction work. We file the request for every job.
Why does my basement leak on one side?
Usually the uphill side takes water from the slope above. A curtain drain, regrading and a working footer drain stop most of it.
Can you dig behind a leaning retaining wall?
Yes. We excavate behind it in sections so the wall can be rebuilt with drain stone and pipe.
Do I need an erosion plan for my project?
Every dig needs basic erosion control. Pennsylvania requires a written plan at 5,000 square feet of disturbance and a permit at one acre.
Which areas do you serve?
Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Ross Township, Shaler, McCandless, Cranberry Township, Moon Township and Robinson Township.
Do you locate utilities before digging?
Yes. We have underground utilities marked before any excavation starts.
Do I need a permit for excavation or grading in Pittsburgh?
Grading, trenching in the right-of-way and demolition often need permits. We check what applies to your site.
Do you haul away the dirt?
Yes. Haul-off of soil, rock and debris is included in the quote when it is needed.
Do you work for homeowners or only builders?
Both. We do small residential jobs as well as site work for builders and businesses.
Excavating questions, answered
Straight answers on cost, repairs, permits, neighbors and choosing a contractor in Pittsburgh.
Ready to get started?
Free estimate and a written quote. Call us or send the form.