Hiring an excavation contractor in Pennsylvania
Gradeline lists 2,985 excavating and site work contractors in Pennsylvania across 67 counties. This guide covers the Pennsylvania rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through PA One Call.
What to know before you hire in Pennsylvania
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Pennsylvania contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (462 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 Pennsylvania. 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
Pennsylvania law requires 3 business days notice to 811 (PA One Call) before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
31%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 31% of listed Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
At least 3 working days. PA 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 Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
Spring through fall is the main excavation season in Pennsylvania. A frost line around 36 inches makes winter digging slower, and the spring thaw leaves sites soft.
