Excavation in San Francisco

Grading shapes the surface; excavation digs into it. A skid steer is great at spreading, leveling, and light cut-and-fill near the surface, but a mini excavator is what you want for trenches, footings, deep holes, and anything that needs to go down rather than across. Many operators bring both machines to a single job.

Most mini-excavator work runs $90–$150 per hour with operator, while trenching is often quoted at $5–$15 per linear foot in normal soil. A small footing or foundation dig typically lands around $1,000–$3,000. Rock, high water tables, deep digs, and hauling spoil off-site all push costs up.

Yes — and any good operator handles it for you. California law requires a free 811 'call before you dig' utility locate at least two business days before breaking ground, on public or private property. It prevents strikes on gas, electric, and water lines. Never hire someone who skips it.

Usually. Compact excavators in the 1.5–3 ton class fit through a standard ~36-inch gate and run on rubber tracks that spread weight to limit damage to lawns and driveways. For tight urban and finished-yard jobs, that small footprint is the whole advantage over a backhoe or full-size excavator.

It depends on the work. A private drainage trench often doesn't, but utility connections, septic systems, retaining structures, and anything in a creek setback or steep-slope area usually do. Your operator can tell you what's typical locally, but always confirm with your county or city before digging.