Hiring an excavation contractor in Arkansas
Gradeline lists 576 excavating and site work contractors in Arkansas across 63 counties. This guide covers the Arkansas rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through Arkansas 811.
What to know before you hire in Arkansas
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Arkansas contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (112 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
12 in
Footings go below the frost line
Frost reaches about 12 inches in Arkansas. Any bid for footings, foundations, or buried lines should dig at least that deep. If the depth is not written in the quote, ask.
2 days
Utilities get marked before digging
Arkansas law requires 2 business days notice to Arkansas 811 before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
33%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 33% of listed Arkansas contractors run their own site. Judge them on reviews, photos, and years in business rather than web polish, and get at least three written quotes.
Get quotes from Arkansas contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Arkansas?
At least 2 working days. Arkansas 811 takes locate requests statewide and has underground utilities marked before any excavation. Hitting an unmarked gas or power line can injure the crew and lead to costly repairs.
How deep do footings need to be in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, footings typically need to extend below the frost line, which is around 12 inches here. A local contractor will confirm the code requirement for your site.
When is the best time of year to dig in Arkansas?
Most of the year works in Arkansas. Occasional winter freezes can firm up the top few inches of soil, but the 12-inch frost line clears quickly.
