Hiring an excavation contractor in Louisiana
Gradeline lists 420 excavating and site work contractors in Louisiana across 52 counties. This guide covers the Louisiana rules that affect a dig: licensing, frost depth and 811 notice through Louisiana One Call.
What to know before you hire in Louisiana
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Louisiana contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (72 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
Yes
Check the state license
Louisiana requires a contractor license (LA Excavation (by parish)), issued by Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Get the number in writing before you sign.
2 days
Utilities get marked before digging
Louisiana law requires 2 business days notice to 811 (Louisiana One Call) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
39%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 39% of listed Louisiana 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 Louisiana contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Louisiana?
At least 2 working days. Louisiana One Call 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.
Do excavation contractors need to be licensed in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires a state contractor license (LA Excavation (by parish)) for this work, regulated by Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Look up the license number before you sign a contract.
Does frost depth affect excavation in Louisiana?
Louisiana winters are mild, so the frost line rarely sets footing or foundation depth.
When is the best time of year to dig in Louisiana?
Digging is possible year-round in Louisiana. Winter rarely freezes the ground hard.
