Earthworks and Excavation prepare a site for foundations and slabs: clearing, cutting, filling, trenching, compacting and removing spoil. Send one request and independent excavation contractors reply with availability and prices.
Describe your project once to get earthworks and excavation quotes.
Request a QuoteWhat the Work Includes
- Site clearing. Vegetation, topsoil and rubble.
- Bulk excavation. Platforms and basements by machine.
- Trenching. Foundation and service trenches.
- Fill and compaction. Imported or engineered fill in layers.
- Compaction testing. Density tests where specified.
- Spoil removal. Loading and carting away.
Suitable Projects
New house sites, raft foundation platforms, extensions, basements, pools, retaining wall cuts, driveways and commercial platforms.
Available Systems
- Machine excavation. TLBs and excavators for most sites.
- Hand excavation. For tight access or near services.
- Engineered fill. Imported material compacted to a specification.
How the System Is Chosen
Soil, rock, groundwater, access and the engineer's fill specification decide the method and equipment.
Project Process
- Survey. Levels and set-out.
- Services check. Locate underground pipes and cables.
- Excavate. Cut to levels.
- Fill and compact. Layers to specification.
- Test. Compaction tests where required.
- Remove spoil. Carted away to a legal dump site.
Earthworks and Excavation Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| TLB hire with operator | R550 - R950 per hour |
| Excavator hire with operator | R900 - R1,800 per hour |
| Bulk excavation by machine | R120 - R350 per m³ |
| Foundation trenches by hand | R250 - R600 per m³ |
| Compacted fill in layers | R250 - R550 per m³ |
| Spoil removal, 6 - 8 m³ load | R1,800 - R4,500 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded and excluding VAT. They reflect typical South African market rates for this kind of work. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Confirm VAT, delivery, steel, concrete and what each quotation includes.
Get prices for your project rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation.
Request a QuoteWhat Affects Cost and Timelines
- Rock. Hard rock needs breakers and costs much more.
- Water. Groundwater may need pumping.
- Access. Small machines or hand work on tight sites.
- Distance to dump. Carting distance sets removal cost.
What to Send for an Accurate Quote
- Your name, email and phone or WhatsApp number.
- Your town or suburb.
- The service you need.
- The approximate size, such as floor area in m² or wall length and height.
- A short project description and your preferred start date.
- Whether you have approved plans, engineer's drawings or a soil report.
Plans, drawings and photos can be shared with the contractor you choose once you are in contact.
Earthworks and Excavation FAQs
How much does excavation cost?
Machine excavation is roughly R120 to R350 per m³, and TLB hire R550 to R950 per hour with an operator, excluding VAT.
Do I need compaction tests?
For engineered fill under rafts and slabs, the engineer often requires them.
What if we hit rock?
Most quotes price rock separately. Ask how rock is measured and charged.
Can spoil stay on site?
Sometimes, for landscaping. Otherwise it must go to an approved dump site.
Related Services
Raft Foundations South Africa passes your request to independent earthworks contractors. Foundation and slab designs are project-specific, so confirm the design with a registered engineer and get a written quotation before you pay a deposit.
Earthworks and Excavation. Describe your project once and get the best quote, fast.
Request a QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Give your location, the service, the approximate project size and a short description. With your consent, your enquiry is passed only to independent contractors suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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