Hiring an excavation contractor in Michigan
Gradeline lists 2,017 excavating and site work contractors in Michigan across 82 counties. This guide covers the Michigan rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through MISS DIG 811.
What to know before you hire in Michigan
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Michigan contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (458 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 Michigan. 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
Michigan law requires 3 business days notice to MISS DIG 811 before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
35%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 35% of listed Michigan 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.
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Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Michigan?
At least 3 working days. MISS DIG 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 Michigan?
In Michigan, 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 Michigan?
The frost line in Michigan is around 48 inches, so the ground freezes hard in winter. Most digging happens from spring through fall, once the thaw dries sites out.
