Hiring an excavation contractor in Massachusetts
Gradeline lists 1,062 excavating and site work contractors in Massachusetts across 14 counties. This guide covers the Massachusetts rules that affect a dig: licensing, frost depth and 811 notice through Dig Safe Massachusetts.
What to know before you hire in Massachusetts
4.5★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Massachusetts contractors average 4.5 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (215 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
Yes
Check the state license
Massachusetts requires a contractor license (MA Construction Supervisor), issued by Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards. Get the number in writing before you sign.
48 in
Footings go below the frost line
Frost reaches about 48 inches in Massachusetts. Any bid for footings, foundations, or buried lines should dig at least that deep. If the depth is not written in the quote, ask.
3 days
Utilities get marked before digging
Massachusetts law requires 3 business days notice to 811 (Dig Safe Massachusetts) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
40%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 40% of listed Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Massachusetts?
At least 3 working days. Dig Safe Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a state contractor license (MA Construction Supervisor) for this work, regulated by Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards. Look up the license number before you sign a contract.
How deep do footings need to be in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
The frost line in Massachusetts is around 48 inches, so the ground freezes hard in winter. Most digging happens from spring through fall, once the thaw dries sites out.
