Residential Excavation
in Middle Tennessee
From basement digs to pond construction, we move earth with precision. Owner-operated equipment, veteran discipline, and over a decade of dirt work across Coffee County and beyond.
Get Your Free EstimateResidential Excavation Done Right
Excavation is the foundation of every construction project in Middle Tennessee. Before a single footer gets poured or a pipe gets laid, the ground has to be moved, shaped, and prepared to exact specifications. S and S Excavation and Hauling provides residential excavation services across Manchester, Tullahoma, Winchester, and surrounding communities — digging foundations, trenching utilities, building ponds, and shaping terrain for homeowners and contractors who need the job done right the first time.
We operate our own equipment and the owner is on every job site. That means the person who assessed your soil conditions and quoted your project is the same person running the excavator. There is no communication gap between the estimator and the operator because they are the same individual. This matters when you are digging around existing utilities, working near established structures, or shaping grade within tight tolerances for a new home foundation.
Our excavation work spans everything from simple trenching for a residential water line to full basement excavations for new construction. We handle pond excavation for property owners who want stock ponds, irrigation ponds, or recreational fishing ponds on their Middle Tennessee acreage. We dig septic system trenches, French drain channels, retaining wall footings, and driveway cuts through hillsides. Every project starts with a site assessment and ends with the dirt exactly where it needs to be.
What We Excavate
Foundation Excavation
We dig crawl space and full basement foundations to the exact depth and dimensions specified by your builder. Middle Tennessee’s clay-heavy soils and limestone shelf require an experienced operator who knows when to dig and when to switch to rock removal methods. We bench and step foundations on sloped lots to match your engineer’s plans.
Pond Excavation
Stock ponds, recreational fishing ponds, and irrigation ponds are a specialty across Coffee County and Bedford County properties. We excavate to your target depth and shape the banks for stability and access. We work with soil types common to the region — red clay that holds water well and limestone substrates that may require additional sealing considerations.
Utility Trenching
Water lines, sewer connections, electrical conduit, and gas piping all require precision trenching to specified depths. We dig clean, straight trenches with proper bedding material at the bottom and backfill carefully to avoid settling. For complex runs near existing utilities, we hand-locate before digging. See our dedicated site utilities service for larger installations.
Septic System Excavation
Septic tank holes, drain field trenches, and distribution box excavations are a routine part of our residential work. We dig to the dimensions specified by your septic installer and maintain proper grade for gravity flow. Middle Tennessee’s variable soil percolation rates mean each site requires careful attention to depth and slope.
Driveway and Road Cuts
Building a driveway through hilly terrain requires cutting and filling to create a stable grade. We excavate hillsides for driveway access, install culverts at drainage crossings, and shape ditches for proper water management. From rural farm lanes to residential driveway approaches, we handle the earthwork that gets you from road to house.
Drainage Solutions
Standing water, wet crawl spaces, and soggy yards all start with excavation. We dig French drain channels, swales, catch basin connections, and re-grade yards to direct water away from structures. Proper drainage excavation prevents foundation damage and keeps your property dry through Tennessee’s wet seasons.
Our Excavation Process
Site Assessment
We visit your property, review your plans, assess soil conditions, check for existing utilities, and identify access routes for equipment. You receive a detailed quote with timeline and cost before we mobilize.
Utility Location
We call Tennessee 811 and mark all underground utilities before breaking ground. For properties with private lines not covered by 811, we hand-probe and use caution excavation methods to avoid damage.
Excavation Work
Our operator digs to the specified dimensions, maintaining proper grade and depth throughout. Spoil material is stockpiled on-site for backfill or hauled off depending on your project requirements. We work around weather and soil moisture conditions.
Backfill and Cleanup
After your contractor completes their work, we return for backfill operations. We compact fill material in lifts to prevent future settling and clean up the site. If you need follow-up grading, we handle that in the same mobilization.
Excavation Projects
Why Choose S and S for Excavation
Owner on Every Job
The person who quotes your excavation is the same one operating the machine. No crews, no subcontractors, no layers of management. Direct accountability from estimate through final backfill.
Precision Dig Work
Foundations, utility trenches, and pond banks all require exact dimensions. We dig to your specs — right depth, right width, right grade. Rework costs money, and we do not create rework situations.
Middle Tennessee Soil Knowledge
We know where the limestone shelf sits across Coffee County. We know which areas have expansive clay that swells when wet. This soil knowledge means we plan for conditions before they become problems on your project.
Full-Service Earthwork
Excavation is rarely the only thing a project needs. We also provide site prep, land clearing, and final grading — all from the same operator with the same equipment, saving you coordination time and mobilization costs.
Veteran Work Ethic
Military service taught discipline, accountability, and finishing what you start. We show up when we say we will, we work the hours required to meet your timeline, and we leave your property better than we found it.
Fair, Fixed Pricing
Our quotes are based on the site assessment, not estimates pulled from a pricing sheet. You know the cost before we start. If conditions change during the dig, we communicate before proceeding — never after billing.
Excavation FAQs
How much does residential excavation cost?
Cost depends on the scope of work — a simple utility trench is far less than a full basement dig. Soil conditions, depth, access, and haul-off requirements all factor into pricing. We provide free on-site estimates so you get an accurate number for your specific project. Call (931) 636-7713 to schedule.
How deep can you excavate?
Our equipment handles excavations up to 15+ feet deep depending on soil stability and safety requirements. For deeper excavations, we implement proper benching and shoring per OSHA standards. Foundation digs, pond excavations, and basement digs are all within our standard capabilities.
What happens if you hit rock?
Limestone is common across Middle Tennessee. When we encounter rock, we assess whether it can be removed with the excavator bucket, requires a hydraulic breaker, or needs alternative methods. We communicate rock conditions and any cost implications immediately — there are no surprise invoices.
Do you handle backfill after the project?
Yes. We stockpile suitable spoil material on-site during excavation and return for backfill operations after your contractor completes their work. We compact fill in lifts to prevent settling. If additional fill material is needed, we source and deliver it as part of the project.
Can you excavate in wet conditions?
Light moisture is manageable, but saturated soils create unsafe conditions and poor compaction results. If conditions are too wet for quality work, we wait for the ground to dry rather than push through and deliver substandard results. We build weather windows into our scheduling.
How far in advance should I schedule excavation?
During peak construction season (spring through fall), booking 2-3 weeks out is recommended. Winter months typically have more availability. For time-sensitive projects, call us at (931) 636-7713 and we will work to accommodate your schedule.
Do you work with builders and contractors?
A significant portion of our excavation work comes from builders, general contractors, and plumbers across Manchester, Shelbyville, and McMinnville. We coordinate directly with your project team, follow your plans and specs, and maintain the schedule your project requires.
Need Dirt Moved
From simple trenches to complex foundation digs, S and S Excavation handles residential excavation projects across Middle Tennessee. Veteran-owned, owner-operated, and built on precision.