Hiring an excavation contractor in Missouri
Gradeline lists 1,233 excavating and site work contractors in Missouri across 95 counties. This guide covers the Missouri rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through Missouri One Call.
What to know before you hire in Missouri
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Missouri contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (209 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
36 in
Footings go below the frost line
Frost reaches about 36 inches in Missouri. 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
Missouri law requires 2 business days notice to 811 (Missouri One Call) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
32%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 32% of listed Missouri 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 Missouri contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Missouri?
At least 2 working days. Missouri 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.
How deep do footings need to be in Missouri?
In Missouri, footings typically need to extend below the frost line, which is around 36 inches here. A local contractor will confirm the code requirement for your site.
When is the best time of year to dig in Missouri?
Spring through fall is the main excavation season in Missouri. A frost line around 36 inches makes winter digging slower, and the spring thaw leaves sites soft.
