Excavation Contractors South Africa connects you with independent contractors who dig and remove material for a specific structure: foundations, basements, pools, tanks and pits. Describe the excavation once and compare prices.
Give the size and depth of your excavation to get quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Excavation Contractors Includes
- Setting out. Excavation marked from plans or pegs.
- Digging. To the specified depth, width and side slopes.
- Support. Shoring or battering where depth and soil require it.
- Removal. Spoil loaded and carted, or stockpiled for backfill.
- Backfill. Placed and compacted after the structure is built, if included.
Where It Is Used
- Residential. Strip foundations, pools, septic and water tanks.
- Commercial. Basements, lift pits and service yards.
- Industrial. Machine bases, sumps and pits.
- Civil. Manholes, culverts and headwalls.
Equipment and Methods
- TLB. Foundation trenches and small pits.
- Mini excavator. Tight access and work near existing buildings.
- 20-ton excavator. Basements, pools and large volumes.
- Hydraulic breaker. Rock or old concrete in the way.
Excavation Contractors Prices
Ballpark prices so you can check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Machine excavation in soft soil, per m³ | R80 - R250 |
| Excavation in hard material, per m³ | R250 - R600 |
| Rock by hydraulic breaker, per m³ | R450 - R1,500 |
| House foundation trenches, per metre | R120 - R350 |
| Cart away spoil, per 10 m³ load | R1,800 - R3,800 |
| TLB with operator, per hour | R450 - R850 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, excluding VAT. They reflect typical South African contractor and plant hire rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no provider is bound by them. Confirm what each quotation includes, such as transport, diesel, operator, tip fees and minimum hours.
Get prices for your site rather than a range. Send one request and compare replies.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Depth. Deeper digs need bigger machines and support.
- Ground. Rock and groundwater add time and equipment.
- Access. Narrow gates and existing buildings limit machine size.
- Spoil. Removal and tip fees can exceed the digging cost.
What to Include in Your Request
- Plans or dimensions: length, width and depth.
- What the excavation is for.
- Soil type or any rock you have seen.
- Access width and distance from the road.
- Whether spoil must be removed or kept.
- Preferred start date and photos.
Site and Access Considerations
- Underground services. Locate electricity, water and telecoms lines first.
- Neighbouring structures. Deep digs near boundaries may need an engineer's lateral support design.
- Groundwater. Pumping may be needed to keep the excavation dry.
- Inspection. Foundation excavations are inspected before concrete is poured.
Excavation Contractors FAQs
How much does excavation cost per m³?
Soft soil is roughly R80 to R250 per m³. Rock and removal costs are extra.
Do excavation contractors remove the soil?
Most can, but confirm whether removal and tip fees are in the price.
When is shoring needed?
When the depth and soil make the sides unsafe. A competent person must assess every excavation.
Can you excavate for a pool in a small garden?
Yes, with a mini excavator and bobcat, though removal may take more trips.
Related Services
Request excavation contractors quotes through Earthworks South Africa and compare rates, scope and availability from each provider.
Earthworks South Africa is a lead-generation and quote-comparison service. We do not own machinery, employ operators or carry out earthworks. Your enquiry is matched with independent providers who quote and do the work, and your contract is with the provider you choose. Ask for a written quotation that states the scope, quantities, rates, exclusions and timing before you pay a deposit.
Excavation Contractors South Africa. Describe your job once and compare replies from independent providers.
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