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Frequently Asked Questions

Excavation FAQ: Straight Answers From the Dig Crew

Every question below is one homeowners and builders actually ask us — answered plainly, with links to deeper guides where the topic deserves one.

How much does pool excavation cost in Los Angeles or Ventura County?

Most standard-access digs including haul-off run roughly $4,000–$12,000 in 2026, driven by pool size, rock, and access. See the full cost guide for size-by-size ranges.

How long does it take to dig a pool?

1–3 working days for most digs; rock, tight access, or hillside engineering can extend that. Full timeline in the dig-day guide.

How much room do you need to get equipment into my backyard?

8–10 feet is ideal; compact machines handle 5–6 foot gates; conveyors and crane digs cover everything smaller — details in the access guide.

How much dirt comes out of a pool dig, and where does it go?

A 16×32 pool yields 90–120 cubic yards — 10–15 truckloads — hauled to approved disposal or reuse sites with our own trucks. Haul-off is included in our dig quotes.

What happens if you hit rock?

We switch to breaker attachments and work through it. Around Simi Valley, Chatsworth, and the Conejo Valley we often predict rock before digging — and any rock pricing is agreed in writing before dig day, never sprung on you after.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes — California CSLB License #752427 (C-12 Earthwork & Paving), bonded and insured, with workers' compensation coverage. Verify any contractor's license free at cslb.ca.gov.

Do you work for pool builders as a subcontractor?

Yes — digs to print, COIs with additional-insured on request, and reliable scheduling. See the pool builder program.

Do I need a permit for my project?

Pool digs ride on the pool's building permit; serious dirt-moving and hillside work typically need grading permits. The permit guide covers LA and Ventura county basics.

What is DigAlert and why does it delay my start date?

California law requires notifying DigAlert 811 at least two working days before excavation so utilities get marked. It's free, it's mandatory, and it's why no honest excavator starts 'tomorrow.'

Can you dig a pool on a hillside lot?

Yes — hillside pools are engineered structures and we excavate to the structural plan, including caisson/grade-beam over-digs and crane access where needed.

Do you remove old pools too?

Yes — partial fill-ins and full removals with engineered backfill. See pool demolition & removal.

What areas do you cover?

Ventura County and Los Angeles County from our Simi Valley yard — Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Moorpark, Camarillo, Santa Clarita, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. All service areas.

How do I get a quote?

Call or text (805) 217-3863, or send the job details through the contact page. We do free site visits and put quotes in writing.

Do you handle ADU site prep?

Yes — pad grading, utility trenching, and access solutions for backyard ADUs are a growing share of our work across both counties.

Why choose a local Simi Valley crew over a big outfit?

You get the owner on your job, trucks that aren't brokered, local ground knowledge that keeps bids honest, and a 25+ year local reputation — check our reviews on Yelp.

Ready to break ground?

Free site visits and same-week estimates across Ventura & Los Angeles counties. Call, text, or send the job details.

Call (805) 217-3863  Request a Free Estimate