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We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

5 Must-Try Excavation Services in Ottawa for Reliable Results

Cost of Services - We looked into excavation service prices amongst different providers to bring you the best bang for your buck.

Quality of Service - We looked at portfolios and finished outputs to verify the quality of work delivered by each provider.

Experience - We examined their background, choosing those with 5 or more years of work experience to give you providers who know the ins and outs of the trade.

Customer Feedback - We researched what customers had to say about them to learn how good they were at getting the job done. We chose those with the best reputations in the excavation industry.

Awards and Recognitions - We examined the various accolades that they’ve accumulated to verify their quality of work.

As homeowners, we’ve all flirted with the idea of spicing things up in our humble abode. Whether you’re thinking of adding a new yard or even a garden, it’s important to do your due diligence before pulling the trigger. 

For my friend Ernest, this was especially intimidating since he didn’t know what to look for or even where to start. He reached out to me, which eventually led me on a quest for the best excavation services.

I’m sure that we’re not the only ones facing this dilemma, so I’ve decided to share what we found with you. Let me present the best excavation services in Ottawaーperfect for your next project!

How much do excavation services cost in Ottawa?

Excavation services in Ottawa cost around $100-$300 per hour, $600-$1200 per day, and $2000-$10,000 per project.

1. Jolly Mint Moving & Excavation

jolly-mint-moving-excavation-logo

Address: 323 Coventry Road Unit 240

Contact Details: 613-501-5926

Operating Hours: Daily – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Website

Jolly Mint offers a variety of excavation services such as laying water lines and stump removal. Their skilled operators give you high-quality service, ensuring that you get excellent value from your investment.

Their payment scheme is a real bargain. You pay only $100/hour and a $160 float fee, with the operator’s fee already included. Other companies usually charge separately for their operators.

You’re also getting their insurance coverage when you avail of their services. Their policy covers all projects, regardless of size.

However, they require a minimum 4-hour booking. This might not work for those with smaller projects who only need a quick job. 

Scheduling concerns are also evident as they’re always booked pretty tight. We recommend that you give them a call ahead of time to make sure that they’re available when you need them.

Pros

  • Expert operators
  • High-quality service
  • One-time payment
  • Insurance coverage

Cons

  • 4 hours minimum service
  • Scheduling concerns

Great excavation work

“I hired Abdel to help with some excavation work to remove rocks from our landscaping, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I contacted him for some urgent work and  he arrived the next day with his excavator and worked quickly and efficiently, ensuring that everything I needed was completed to a high standard. Abdel went above and beyond, even doing more than I expected, to make sure I was completely satisfied with the job. His dedication and professionalism were truly impressive. I highly recommend him for any excavation work ! I will definitely keep his contact information should I need moving or excavating help in the future. Thanks Abdel !”

– Marc Beauchamp, Google Reviews

Superb team

“The kindest and most honest team I have encountered, they worked tirelessly and were super optimistic and careful on top of everything!! They really take care of things like it’s their own!! 12/10 recommend!!”

– A Kari K M, Google Reviews

2. Black Tar Construction

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Address: 890 Churchill Ave

Contact Details: 888-424-5455

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Black Tar Construction has been serving Ottawa for 11 years, completing over 14,000 projects. They deliver quality excavation services through their team of 52 professionals.

We spoke with some of their past clients, who praised the team’s attention to detail and great work ethic.

Whether you’re working on something residential, commercial, or even industrial, you’re in safe and capable hands with professionals at your service. 

Should you decide to go with them, we recommend that you coordinate your schedule in advance. Their services and estimates are only available during weekends. Their prices are also not publicly available, which is something to keep in mind.

Pros

  • 11 years of experience
  • 52-person team
  • Over 14,000 completed projects
  • High-quality work 
  • Serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Great work ethic

Cons

  • Pricing details not readily available
  • Only available on weekdays

Good driveway renovation

“We decided to have Black Tar Construction redo our driveway, and the results were fantastic. Carlos and his team were extremely professional, ensuring that every aspect of the project was handled efficiently. From the moment they arrived, it was clear we were working with true professionals. The driveway was completed ahead of schedule, and the quality of the work was outstanding. The team was also very friendly and took the time to explain what they were doing and why. We are thrilled with the end result—our driveway looks better than we ever expected. We would absolutely recommend Black Tar Construction to anyone looking for quality paving work!”

– Gregory Turner, Google Reviews

Mess-free work

“Black Tar Construction was amazing to work with! Carlos and his team arrived on time and got straight to work. They worked quickly but didn’t cut any corners. Carlos ensured that every step of the process was executed perfectly, from the initial preparation to the final touches. Our driveway looks brand new, and we’ve already gotten several compliments from neighbors. The crew was professional, friendly, and left the area clean once they were done. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and will be recommending Black Tar to everyone we know.”

– Norbert Zúbrik, Google Reviews

3. Stone Etc

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Address: Osgoode Main Street

Contact Details: 

  • 613-818-9759
  • 613-818-5756

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Website

Stone Etc is a locally owned and operated company ready for whatever challenge you have. From tight access jobs to large-scale projects, they’ve got the equipment to get things done.

This company is all about variety. You can choose from 5 excavators that come with their own operator. This will cost you $95-$110/hour, inclusive of insurance. A variety of excavator attachments are also available for different jobs.

And I get it, these are great perks. However, it’s worth noting that different attachments come with extra fees. 

Their services are also hard to book, requiring you to schedule months in advance. This might not be ideal for those who want to start their projects right away.

Pros

  • 5 excavators to choose from
  • Various excavator attachments available
  • Insured excavations
  • Available for advanced bookings

Cons

  • Additional fees for different attachments
  • Long booking time
  • Scheduling issues

Great customer service

“Nothing but good things to say about these guys. They did a job for me 3 yrs ago. Job was done quickly and for a fair price and everything looks great to this day.

Recently had an issue that required them to come back and pull out and reinstall a small section so I could repair something underneath and not only did they come back quickly, they didn’t ask me for a penny.

These guys stand by their work and are a rare gem in today’s home improvement market!”

– Steve Agostinho, Google Reviews

All in one experience

“We had an excellent experience with Stone etc. They completely transformed our backyard and made it our private oasis. From the demolition of our old shed, resurfacing of our yard, trench digging, laying patio stones or new sod they provided top notch service. Raymond even fixed problems that other trades left behind. Do not hesitate to hire them for your next job.”

– Jason Brown, Google Reviews

4. SMC Demolition

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Address: 2979 Carling Avenue

Contact Details: 613-927-9317

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Website

SMC Demolition has some of the best professionals in the excavation industry. Their certified and experienced team is more than capable of handling your excavation needs. Pair this with their consistently upgraded machines and you’ve got a recipe for a job well done!

When you book them, they get right to planning how to turn your vision into a reality. With clear personalized timelines and project goals, you know what’s happening and when it’s happening.

They’re also transparent when it comes to the clean-up process. Known for their eco-friendly material removal, they recycle waste material and remove hazardous ones from job sites. 

This company’s process is very meticulous. They don’t overlook any details from planning to clean-up to ensure high work quality. 

However, this means that their projects take longer to complete. This might be a drawback for clients who need to meet tight deadlines.

Pros

  • Certified and experienced team
  • Consistently upgraded machines
  • Personalized timeline and project goals
  • Eco-friendly material removal

Cons

  • Longer project completion times

Best quotation

“I had a great experience with them. On time, gave us a quote that beat several others. I recommend this place and for future jobs will definitely come be coming back!”

– James Walters, Google Reviews

Great experience

“Best company ever, great customer service, professionals, great pricing as well”

– Khaled Walid, Google Reviews

5. Nepean General Contractors

nepean-general-contractors-logo

Address: 42-1554 Carling Ave

Contact Details: 613-894-8683

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website

Nepean General Contractors is a small but skilled team of licensed local craftsmen who have a passion for building. Their small numbers might mean slower completion times but the quality is like no other.

Living by their “do it once and do it right” mantra, they take time to understand your needs and give you tailored solutions. They have small and large excavators with different attachments that can handle a wide range of excavation tasks.

For over 35 years, they’ve been offering their quality excavation services at competitive prices. They’re cheaper compared to other companies and do the job just as wellーperfect for those who want the best bang for their buck! 

Combine that with spotless job clean-ups and workmanship warranties and you’ve got a top-notch service at your command.

Pros

  • Licensed local craftsmen
  • High-quality work
  • Variety of excavators and attachments
  • 35 years of experience
  • Competitive prices
  • Spotless job clean-ups
  • Workmanship warranties

Cons

  • Limited personnel
  • Slower completion times

Nice team

“A professional and communicative team. They were fast, efficient and did a great job. I’d be happy to use them again or recommend a friend.”

– Karyn Hughes, Google Reviews

Great service at a great price

“Excellent service and price. Work was completed on schedule, and on budget. Friendly staff and easy to work with.”

–  Alex McCardle, Google Reviews