Hiring an excavation contractor in New Jersey
Gradeline lists 668 excavating and site work contractors in New Jersey across 21 counties. This guide covers the New Jersey rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through New Jersey One Call.
What to know before you hire in New Jersey
4.5★
Know what a good rating looks like here
New Jersey contractors average 4.5 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (124 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 New Jersey. 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
New Jersey law requires 3 business days notice to 811 (New Jersey One Call) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
33%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 33% of listed New Jersey 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 New Jersey contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in New Jersey?
At least 3 working days. New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
In New Jersey, 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 New Jersey?
Spring through fall is the main excavation season in New Jersey. A frost line around 36 inches makes winter digging slower, and the spring thaw leaves sites soft.
