Elevated Dirt Works · Free On-Site Estimates
Foundation Excavation in Missoula, MT
We dig and backfill foundations for new homes, additions and shops across Missoula and the Bitterroot, working to your builder's plans and schedule.
Foundation Excavation in Missoula and the Bitterroot
A foundation is only as good as the hole it sits in. If the dig is too shallow, too narrow or left open in the rain, the footing crew loses days and the concrete costs more. We dig to the plan, leave room to work and get out of the way.
Elevated Dirt Works digs and backfills foundations for homeowners and general contractors from Lolo to Missoula and down the Bitterroot. That covers full basements, crawlspaces, frost walls, additions and garage or shop footings. We run compact excavators and a tracked skid steer, so we can work on tight lots and in backyards where a big machine can't reach.
We're licensed, bonded and insured, and we're on the City of Missoula's list of excavation contractors with current business licenses. Whether it's an addition behind an existing house or a bare lot that needs site prep and grading first, the process below is the same.
What's Included
- Layout check against your staked corners and plans
- Excavation for basements, crawlspaces and frost walls
- Over-dig for forming room around the footings
- Footing grade set to the builder's elevation
- Stockpiling topsoil and spoils on site or hauling off
- Gravel for drainage around the footing where specified
- Backfill in lifts with compaction once walls are ready
- Rough grade to slope water away from the house
How It Works
- Free on-site estimate
We walk the lot, look at access and review your plans and elevations.
- Locates and layout
We call Montana811 before we dig, then confirm the stakes and the depth with you or your builder.
- The dig
We open the hole to depth with working room around it and set the footing grade.
- Hand-off to the concrete crew
Footings and walls go in, and any perimeter drain and waterproofing get done.
- Backfill and rough grade
We backfill in compacted lifts and slope the ground away from the foundation.
Digging and Backfilling Foundations
Over-dig. The hole has to be wider than the foundation. Form crews need space to stand, set forms and later apply waterproofing. We dig enough extra room that nobody is working against a dirt wall, and we slope or bench the sides where depth calls for it.
Footing grade. The bottom of the hole should be flat, undisturbed and at the elevation on the plan. Digging too deep and filling back loose dirt makes a soft spot under the footing. We check grade as we go so the bottom stays firm.
Drainage. Most foundations get a perimeter drain at the footing, wrapped in gravel, that carries water to daylight or a sump. That work happens after the walls go up and before backfill. We coordinate with your builder so the gravel and pipe are in before we push dirt back.
Backfill timing. Backfilling too soon can push a fresh wall out of line. The walls need to cure, and on basements the floor or bracing usually has to be in place first. Ask your builder or engineer when it's safe. Then we place fill in layers and compact each one, which keeps the ground from settling against the house later.
Final slope. The dirt next to the house should fall away from it. We leave a rough grade that sheds water, ready for topsoil and landscaping.
What Affects the Cost
Size and depth
A full basement moves far more dirt than a crawlspace or frost wall.
Access
Tight lots, slopes and backyard additions can call for smaller machines and more time.
Rock and ground conditions
Big rock or wet ground slows digging and can change how we handle backfill.
Spoils
Keeping dirt on site is cheaper than hauling it away.
Drain gravel and fill
Imported gravel and fill material add to the job.
Season
Frost and snow can add work or push the start date.
The on-site estimate is free. Call (406) 239-1799
Elevated Dirt Works has been my go to for all excavation needs. EDW is always a pleasure to work with in the busy and challenging world of building and construction. EDW is truly elevated above the rest when it comes to scheduling and communication. Confident, patient and trustworthy is what you can expect from EDW. Doing business with EDW is a pleasure from start to finish.
Greg DuPontTradeworks ConstructionFoundation Excavation Across Western Montana
We work from our base in Lolo across Missoula County and the Bitterroot Valley.
Ravalli County / Bitterroot Valley
Foundation Excavation FAQs
Do you work with general contractors?
Yes. A lot of our foundation work is for builders, and we work to their schedule and plans. We also dig for homeowners acting as their own general contractor.
Can you dig in the winter?
It depends on frost, snow and access. Call and we'll tell you what's realistic for your site.
Who handles utility locates?
We call Montana811 before any dig, as the law requires. Private lines like a well line or buried power to a shop aren't covered by 811, so tell us where those run.
Do you also run the water and sewer lines?
Yes. We can dig and bed your water and sewer lines while the machine is on site. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.
Ready to Break Ground?
Call for a free on-site estimate. Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.