Excavation Contractor in Santa Cruz County

Freedom Earthworks provides excavation for foundations, utilities, drainage, retaining walls and site improvements throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties. We plan site access and spoils handling, protect the surrounding areas, and backfill and compact so the next phase has a solid base. Because we also handle grading, utilities, concrete and paving, one contractor can carry your project from excavation to finished surface. Licensed A General Engineering and C-12 contractor, CSLB #1105929.

Excavation Services

  • Building pad and footing excavation

  • Utility and drainage trenching

  • Retaining-wall cuts

  • Mass and detail excavation

  • Over-excavation and recompaction

  • Backfill and compaction

  • Spoils handling and hauling coordination

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Hillside excavation and wall drainage for a retaining wall project on the Central Coast

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What we excavate for

  • Foundations and footings
  • Sewer, water, storm drain and utility trenches
  • Retaining wall cuts and footings
  • Driveway and parking area cuts
  • Removal of old concrete, asphalt and unsuitable soil

How we work

  1. Call 811 so underground utilities are marked before digging.
  2. Excavate to the lines and depths on the plans, or as agreed on smaller jobs.
  3. Shore or slope trenches as safety rules require.
  4. Backfill with suitable material and compact in lifts.
  5. Restore the surface or leave it ready for the next trade.

Site considerations

  • Access: narrow driveways, gates, slopes and overhead lines decide which equipment fits.
  • Soil and rock: hard rock slows digging and may need different equipment.
  • Groundwater, especially in winter, can require pumping.
  • Spoils: excess soil has to be stockpiled or hauled away.

What affects cost and schedule

  • Volume and depth of excavation
  • Rock, groundwater and access
  • Hauling and disposal of material
  • Backfill material and compaction requirements
  • Permits and inspections

Frequently asked questions

Do you work for general contractors?

Yes. We take on excavation and sitework as a subcontractor as well as for owners directly.

Can you work on a tight hillside lot?

Often, with smaller equipment. We look at access during the site visit.

Related: Grading · Underground utilities and sewer · Retaining walls · Drainage · Santa Cruz County

Request an excavation estimate or call (831) 440-6042. Our team at Freedom Earthworks will personally review your request and contact you to discuss your project.