Hiring an excavation contractor in Utah
Gradeline lists 789 excavating and site work contractors in Utah across 27 counties. This guide covers the Utah rules that affect a dig: frost depth and 811 notice through Utah 811.
What to know before you hire in Utah
4.5★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Utah contractors average 4.5 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (126 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 Utah. 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
Utah law requires 2 business days notice to Utah 811 before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
39%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 39% of listed Utah 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 Utah contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Utah?
At least 2 working days. Utah 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 Utah?
In Utah, 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 Utah?
Spring through fall is the main excavation season in Utah. A frost line around 36 inches makes winter digging slower, and the spring thaw leaves sites soft.
