One of the first questions people ask when planning an excavation project in Southern Illinois is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that it depends on the scope — but we can give you real numbers to work with.
At DADDS Excavating in Mount Vernon, IL, we give free on-site estimates for all excavation work. This guide will help you understand what goes into pricing so you know what to expect before we even show up.
Average Excavation Costs in Southern Illinois
Excavation in the Midwest is typically more affordable than national averages because of favorable soil conditions and competitive local labor rates. Here's what most projects cost in the Mount Vernon area:
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Site Clearing & Grading (small lot) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Foundation Excavation (new home) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Basement Dig-Out | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Pond Construction | $3,000 – $12,000 |
| Pool Excavation | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Driveway Prep & Grading | $500 – $2,500 |
| Land Clearing (per acre) | $1,400 – $5,000 |
| Trenching (utility/drainage) | $500 – $3,000 |
These are ranges — your actual quote will depend on site conditions, access, and the scope of work. That's why we always come out and look before we give a number.
What Affects Excavation Cost
1. Soil Type & Conditions
Southern Illinois soil is generally favorable — mostly loam and clay mix. Rocky soil or areas with underground obstructions cost significantly more to excavate because equipment works slower and wears faster.
2. Size & Depth of the Dig
More dirt moved equals more cost. A shallow grading job is far less expensive than a deep basement or pond excavation. Most contractors price by the cubic yard or quote a flat project rate based on estimated volume.
3. Site Access
Can a full-size excavator get to the dig site? If not, smaller equipment takes longer and adds cost. Tight lots, steep grades, or tree-heavy areas all affect how quickly we can work.
4. Dirt Disposal
If the excavated material can stay on-site (backfill, grading), that's less expensive. If it needs to be hauled away, add trucking and disposal costs to your budget.
5. Time of Year
Winter ground can slow excavation, particularly after hard freezes. Spring and summer are peak seasons — booking early gets you on the schedule faster.
How Excavation Contractors Charge
Most excavation work in Southern Illinois is bid one of two ways:
- Flat project rate — one price for the whole job based on scope. Most common for residential work and what DADDS typically uses.
- Hourly rate — machine and operator billed by the hour, typically $100–$200/hr depending on equipment size. Common for smaller or unpredictable jobs.
Do You Need a Permit for Excavation in Illinois?
For most residential excavation in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, permits depend on what you're building. Foundation work for new construction typically requires a building permit. Simple grading, pond digging, or site clearing on private property usually does not. When in doubt, call your county building department — or ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Get a Free Estimate in Mount Vernon, IL
DADDS Excavating & Demolition — family-owned, owner-operated. When you call, you talk directly to us.
📞 Call (618) 214-3609Why Choose DADDS Excavating in Mount Vernon, IL?
We're owner-operated and family-owned. When you call (618) 214-3609, you're talking directly to us — not a call center. We serve Mount Vernon, Benton, Marion, Centralia, West Frankfort, and all of Southern Illinois within 45 miles. We give honest quotes, show up when we say, and leave your site clean.
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