Hiring an excavation contractor in Maine
Gradeline lists 730 excavating and site work contractors in Maine across 16 counties. This guide covers the Maine rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through Dig Safe Maine.
What to know before you hire in Maine
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Maine contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (102 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
48 in
Footings go below the frost line
Frost reaches about 48 inches in Maine. 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
Maine law requires 2 business days notice to 811 (Dig Safe Maine) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
29%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 29% of listed Maine 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 Maine contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Maine?
At least 2 working days. Dig Safe Maine 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 Maine?
In Maine, footings typically need to extend below the frost line, which is around 48 inches here. A local contractor will confirm the code requirement for your site.
When is the best time of year to dig in Maine?
The frost line in Maine is around 48 inches, so the ground freezes hard in winter. Most digging happens from spring through fall, once the thaw dries sites out.
