We’re your local excavation experts.
Call us for excavation services in Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany.
Reimer Home Services provides professional excavation services across Western New York. Our team handles site preparation, foundation digs, trenching, grading, and drainage work for residential properties in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and surrounding communities. We have served New York homeowners since 1921.
Whether you need a foundation excavated for a new home in Cheektowaga, utility trenches dug in Orchard Park, or drainage grading for a property in Tonawanda, our experienced operators are ready. We bring professional-grade equipment and over a century of home services expertise to every project.
Western New York’s clay-heavy soils, high water tables near Lake Erie, and code-required footing depths of 42 to 48 inches in most municipalities require contractors who understand local ground conditions. Our team works in these conditions year-round.
Call us or contact us online for a free, upfront estimate. No surprises — just honest pricing and quality work.
- We offer prompt scheduling and work to accommodate your project timeline.
- Our operators are experienced, licensed, and insured professionals.
- We handle residential excavation jobs of all sizes across Western New York.
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Excavation Services FAQ
What excavation services does Reimer offer?
Reimer Home Services offers a full range of excavation services in Western New York, including site preparation, foundation excavation, trenching, grading, utility excavation, drainage solutions, land clearing, and backfilling. We serve residential homeowners across Western New York from our locations in Cheektowaga, Rochester, Hamburg, Albany, and Schenectady.
Site Excavation & Preparation
Every construction project starts with proper site preparation. Reimer’s excavation team clears, digs, and levels your site so construction can proceed on a stable, properly prepared surface. We remove existing structures, vegetation, and debris, and excavate to the depths and grades your project requires.
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Foundation Excavation
A solid home starts below ground. Reimer’s operators excavate to the exact depth and dimensions your foundation plan specifies, accounting for Western New York’s frost depth — local building codes typically require footings to extend 42 to 48 inches below grade. We work closely with your builder to ensure the dig is precise and the base is properly prepared.
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Trenching Services
When you need underground lines for water, sewer, gas, or electrical service, Reimer provides clean, accurate trenching. We coordinate with 811 utility locating before every job and dig to the proper depth for each utility type. Our plumbing team can handle connected pipe work on the same project.
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Grading & Land Leveling
Poor grading causes water to pool around foundations, erode landscaping, and flood basements — problems that are especially common in Western New York’s clay soils. Reimer’s grading services reshape your property to direct water away from structures and toward proper drainage points. We grade for new construction, driveways, patios, and yard corrections.
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Utility Excavation
Reimer excavates for water mains, sewer lines, gas lines, and conduit runs. Underground utility work demands precision and strict safety compliance. Our team follows all New York State excavation codes and coordinates with local utility companies to protect existing infrastructure during every dig.
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Drainage Excavation
Standing water in your yard or persistent basement moisture usually signals a drainage problem. Reimer excavates for French drains, catch basins, dry wells, and regrading projects that redirect water away from your home. Our plumbing team can also address connected sewer line and drain issues on the same visit.
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Land Clearing
Before excavation begins, most sites need clearing. Reimer removes trees, brush, stumps, rocks, and construction debris so your property is ready for the next phase — whether that is a new build, a driveway installation, or a major landscaping project. We handle clearing for lots of all sizes across Western New York.
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Backfilling & Compaction
After construction or utility work wraps up, the excavated area must be properly backfilled and compacted. Reimer places fill material in controlled layers and compacts each to the required density. Skipping this step leads to settling, cracked foundations, and drainage failures down the road. We do it right so you do not have to worry about it later.
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Why choose Reimer for excavation?
Reimer Home Services has been serving Western New York since 1921. We are fully licensed, carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, and our team members are background-checked. With locations in Cheektowaga, Rochester, Hamburg, Albany, and Schenectady, we are a local company with deep roots in the communities we serve.
Over 100 years of trusted home services.
Reimer has been a part of Western New York since 1921. That is over a century of serving local homeowners and businesses. We built our reputation on three things: honest pricing, quality workmanship, and treating every customer like a neighbor. Those same principles guide every excavation project we take on today.
With a 4.9-star rating across 13,764+ reviews, our commitment to quality is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Learn about Reimer
Licensed, insured, and ready to work.
Excavation work carries real risks — underground utilities, heavy equipment, structural stability. Hiring an unlicensed operator can leave you liable for damages, injuries, or code violations.
Reimer carries full general liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, and all required New York State licenses. Every team member is background-checked.
- Experienced operators with professional-grade equipment.
- Fully licensed and insured for excavation work in New York.
- Background-checked team members you can trust on your property.
What residential excavation services are available?
Reimer provides residential excavation services throughout Western New York, including foundation digs, driveway and patio preparation, pool excavation, septic system work, drainage installation, and landscape grading. We serve homeowners in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Grand Island, Williamsville, Rochester, Albany, and surrounding communities.
- New home site preparation — clearing, grading, and excavating for foundations, accounting for WNY’s code-required footing depths
- Addition and garage foundations — precise excavation for expansion projects on existing properties
- Driveway and patio excavation — preparing a stable sub-base for new concrete, asphalt, or paver installations
- Pool excavation — digging for in-ground pool installations with proper drainage and setback compliance
- Septic system excavation — excavation for new septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drain fields
- Drainage solutions — French drains, regrading, catch basins, and water diversion systems
- Landscaping excavation — retaining walls, terracing, and major landscape grade changes
Your home is your most important investment. We treat every residential job with the same care and precision we would bring to our own properties.
Call to schedule a free on-site estimate.
What does the excavation process look like?
A typical excavation project with Reimer follows five steps: on-site consultation, permit coordination and utility marking, site preparation, excavation work, and backfilling with cleanup.
Step 1: Consultation and estimate. We visit your property to assess the terrain, soil conditions, access points, and project scope. Then we provide an upfront, written estimate. No hidden fees.
Step 2: Permits and utility marking. Before digging, we coordinate permits with your local municipality and call 811 to have underground utilities marked. New York State law requires utility locating before any excavation. We handle this coordination for you.
Step 3: Site preparation. We clear trees, brush, structures, or debris as needed. This keeps the project on schedule and ensures safe working conditions.
Step 4: Excavation work. Our operators use professional-grade equipment to dig to the exact specifications your project requires. Whether it is a foundation dig or a utility trench, we work efficiently and precisely.
Step 5: Backfilling and cleanup. We backfill in controlled layers, compact each to the required density, and grade the site. We leave your property clean and ready for the next phase.
What about excavation safety and permits?
Excavation in New York requires compliance with state and local safety regulations, including mandatory 811 utility locating before any digging. Most foundation, grading, and utility excavation projects also require a building or grading permit from your local municipality. Reimer handles all safety protocols and can assist with permit coordination.
Call 811 before any digging. New York State law requires that underground utilities — gas, water, electric, and communication lines — be marked before excavation begins. Reimer coordinates 811 requests as a standard part of every project.
Permits and inspections. In Western New York, most municipalities — including Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, Orchard Park, and others — require permits for foundation work, significant grading changes, and utility installations. Our team is familiar with the local permitting process and can help you understand what your project needs.
Insurance and liability. Reimer carries comprehensive general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. When you hire us, you and your property are fully protected throughout the project. We can provide certificates of insurance upon request.
Trench safety. OSHA requires protective systems for any trench 5 feet deep or more. Our operators follow OSHA trenching and excavation standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) on every job.
Where does Reimer provide excavation services?
Reimer provides residential excavation services across Western and Upstate New York from five office locations. Our primary service areas include the Buffalo metro area, the Rochester metro area, and the Albany/Capital District region.
- Buffalo and surrounding areas — Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Hamburg, Grand Island, Williamsville, Amherst, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, and Depew
- Rochester and surrounding areas — Fairport, Brockport, Avon, Ontario, Canandaigua, and the greater Monroe County area
- Albany and surrounding areas — Clifton Park, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Troy, and the Capital District
Our Cheektowaga location at 2575 Broadway St serves the core Buffalo area. Our Rochester location at 52 Marway Cir serves the Finger Lakes region. Our Albany-area offices in Clifton Park and Schenectady serve the Capital District.
No matter where you are in our service area, Reimer is ready to help.
What does excavation include?
Excavation is the process of removing soil, rock, and other materials from a site to prepare it for construction, utility installation, or grading. A typical excavation project includes site clearing, digging or trenching to specified depths, grading the terrain, backfilling with appropriate material, and compacting the fill. At Reimer, we handle every phase of excavation from initial site assessment through final cleanup.
How much does residential excavation cost in Western New York?
Residential excavation costs vary based on project size, soil conditions, depth, and site accessibility. In Western New York, costs can be affected by clay-heavy soils and frost line depth requirements. Reimer provides free, upfront estimates so you know your exact cost before work begins. Call (716) 272-2371 to schedule yours.
Do I need a permit for excavation in New York?
In most cases, yes. Foundation work, significant grading changes, and utility installations typically require a building or grading permit from your local municipality in Western New York. Permit fees and requirements vary by town. Our team can help you determine what permits your specific project needs and assist with the application process.
How long does a typical excavation project take?
Timelines depend on the scope of work, weather, and ground conditions. A small utility trench may take a single day. A full foundation excavation for a new home typically takes two to five days. Larger site preparation projects can take a week or more. We provide a clear timeline during your initial consultation, and we communicate proactively if conditions change.
When is the best time for excavation in Western New York?
Late spring through fall is ideal for most excavation work in our region, when the ground is fully thawed and conditions are relatively dry. However, Reimer performs many types of excavation year-round. Western New York building codes require foundation footings to extend 42 to 48 inches below grade — depending on your municipality — which affects foundation depth requirements and can impact winter excavation timelines. We will advise on the best approach for your project and timeframe.
What should I do before excavation starts on my property?
Before work begins, call 811 to have underground utilities marked (we can coordinate this for you). Move vehicles, outdoor furniture, and personal items away from the work area. Ensure any required permits are in place. Remove or secure pets. Our team walks you through everything during the pre-project consultation so there are no surprises on dig day.
Why should I hire a professional excavation contractor instead of doing it myself?
Excavation involves working near underground gas, water, and electrical lines. It requires heavy equipment that demands trained operators. Improper excavation leads to foundation failures, drainage problems, utility strikes, and OSHA violations. A professional contractor like Reimer carries full insurance, follows state and federal safety codes, and has the equipment and experience to complete the job correctly and safely.
What areas does Reimer serve for excavation?
Reimer provides residential excavation services across Western New York from five office locations. Our primary service areas include the Buffalo metro area (Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Hamburg, Grand Island, Williamsville, Amherst, Lockport, and Niagara Falls), the Rochester metro area (Fairport, Brockport, Avon, Ontario, and greater Monroe County), and the Albany and Capital District region (Clifton Park, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and Troy). Call (716) 272-2371 to schedule a free estimate.
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Maintenance Plans
Since 1921, our team of Western NY’s top notch service specialists have been serving the area and caring for thousands of customers. At Reimer, we do everything in our power to ensure that your home comfort system works efficiently and effectively every time you turn it on.
- Multi-Point System Inspection
- Calibrate System for Efficiency
- Ensure Proper Airflow
- Maintain System Warranties
- Reduces Unexpected Breakdowns
- Evaluate Filtration & Indoor Air Quality
- Routine Maintenance Leads to Reduced Utility Bills and Extends the Life of your System(s)
Ready to get started?
Here’s how our excavation process works.
1
Call us for a free estimate.
Give us a call at (716) 272-2371 or contact us online. We will schedule a time to visit your property, assess the project, and provide a written estimate with no hidden fees.
2
We’ll prepare the site and get to work.
Once you approve the estimate, Reimer handles permitting, 811 utility locating, and site preparation. Our operators then complete the excavation using professional-grade equipment — efficiently and to your project’s exact specifications.
3
We’ll finish up and leave your site clean.
After excavation, we backfill, compact, and grade the site. We clean up all equipment and debris. Your property is ready for the next phase of construction or improvement. Backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Over
100YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
Excavation, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services in Western New York.
For decades, local homeowners have trusted Reimer Home Services with everything from furnace repairs and drain cleaning to excavation and site work. We are your full-service home and property team — headquartered right here in Western New York with five locations serving Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and communities in between.
You can count on our team to be there when you need us. Call us and let us know how we can help.
We’re your local home services team…
We’re here for local homeowners.
Proud to serve Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and all of Western New York.
From Niagara Falls to Orchard Park, Rochester to Saratoga Springs, and all points in between — Reimer is Western New York’s trusted excavation and home services team. We know the local soil conditions, the permitting requirements, and the weather challenges that make excavation in our region unique. No matter where you are in our service area, you can count on Reimer.
Click the link below to see all the communities we serve, and to contact us for service.
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Our team works with all makes and models.
