Excavation
Residential, commercial and municipal excavation throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
Request a Quote →Excavation Services in the Upper Valley
From homeowners and local businesses to municipalities, state agencies and federal contractors, Thompson Site Services brings dependable excavation, experienced operators and the same attention to detail to every project.
Residential
Site work and excavation for homeowners, new construction and property improvements.
Commercial
Excavation and site work for businesses, contractors and commercial properties.
Municipal
Site and infrastructure work for towns, municipalities and public projects.
State
Experienced support for state projects and public infrastructure work.
Federal
Capable site work for federal contractors and qualifying government projects.
Thompson Site Services provides excavation for residential, commercial, and municipal projects throughout White River Junction, Hartford, Norwich, Hanover, and Lebanon. From site prep for a new home to grading and utility trenching for a commercial build, our crews bring the right equipment and local experience to every job, no matter the size or the town.
Understanding Excavation
Excavation is the starting point for almost every construction project, from digging a new foundation to grading a driveway, trenching for utilities, or preparing a site for a septic system. Getting it right the first time matters, because mistakes in grading or drainage at this stage are expensive to fix once concrete, pipe, or pavement is in the ground.
The Upper Valley adds its own complications. Much of the region sits on ledge and rocky soil, and terrain can be steep or uneven even on a small residential lot. Before any digging starts, we call Dig Safe (811) to have underground utility lines marked, which is required by law and protects both your property and ours. Most excavation projects also need a permit, whether that's a local permit under New Hampshire's excavation statute or requirements set by your Vermont town, and we help identify what applies before work begins.
How We Get It Done
Site Visit & Assessment
We walk the property, evaluate soil, slope, drainage and existing utilities to plan the job.
Permitting & Utility Locates
We help identify what permits your town requires and call Dig Safe (811) to mark underground lines.
Excavation & Grading
Our crews cut, grade and shape the site to the exact specifications for your project.
Drainage & Compaction
We address water flow and compact the soil so the finished site is stable and ready to build on.
Cleanup & Walkthrough
We clean up the site and walk the finished work with you before moving on.
When to Call Us
- Building a new home, garage, or addition and need the site cleared and graded
- Standing water or drainage problems on your property
- Planning a new driveway, parking lot, or access road
- Preparing a site for a septic system, foundation, or underground utilities
- Grading needed after storm damage or erosion
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical excavation project take?
Small residential jobs like a driveway or foundation site can often be completed in a few days. Larger commercial or municipal projects may take several weeks depending on scope, weather and site conditions.
Do I need a permit to excavate on my property?
In New Hampshire, most excavation work requires a local permit under state law, and Vermont towns have their own local requirements as well. We can help you understand what applies to your specific project.
What happens if you hit ledge or rock during excavation?
The Upper Valley has a lot of ledge and rocky soil. We have the equipment and experience to handle rock removal when it comes up, though it can affect timeline and cost, which we'll flag as soon as we see it.
Will you call to have utility lines marked before digging?
Yes. We contact Dig Safe (811) ahead of every excavation project to have underground utility lines marked, which is required by law and protects your property and ours.
Built to Get the Job Done.
Fully Insured
Fully insured for the work we take on, giving you peace of mind from the start of the project through completion.
Emergency Response
When something can't wait, we're ready to respond. Fast action for washouts, storm damage and urgent site issues.
Experienced Team
Hands-on experience across excavation, concrete, septic, utilities, demolition and complex site work.
Local Experts
Based in the Upper Valley with firsthand knowledge of local properties, terrain and the challenges that come with them.
Our Team on the Job
Ready to Start Your Project?
Please complete the form below with as much detail as possible. A member of our team will contact you once we have a chance to review your project. The more details, the more accurate the information we can provide will be. Thank you for your interest in working together and we look forward to working together soon! -The TSS Team