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Top Driveway Excavation Pros in Metro Detroit
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Driveway excavation in Metro Detroit: what to expect
Driveway excavation is the groundwork under a new asphalt, concrete or gravel drive: removing the old surface, digging out soft soil, grading for drainage and building a compacted stone base. Most driveway failures in Metro Detroit, such as sinking, cracking and potholes, trace back to a thin base over wet clay that heaves with freeze-thaw cycles.
A good contractor digs deep enough to reach firm soil, uses a geotextile fabric where the clay is soft, and installs and compacts crushed stone in layers before paving. New driveways on rural lots may also need a culvert under the approach where there is a roadside ditch. For the finished surface, see paving contractors or concrete driveways.
What a proper job includes
- Layout of the drive, approach and drainage direction
- MISS DIG 811 ticket before digging
- Removal and disposal of old asphalt, concrete or gravel
- Excavation of soft soil to firm subgrade
- Geotextile fabric where the subgrade is soft
- Crushed stone base installed and compacted in layers
- Grade set for runoff away from the house and garage
What drives the price
- Driveway length and width
- Removal and disposal of the existing surface
- Dig depth needed to reach firm soil
- Base stone thickness and fabric
- Approach work, curb cuts or a culvert
- Access for trucks and machines
- Right-of-way permit requirements
Rebuild Detroit does not publish price ranges. Get written quotes for the same scope and compare.
Permits and licensing in Michigan
The driveway approach, curb cut and any sidewalk crossing are in the public right-of-way and need a permit from the city or road agency. In Detroit that is a right-of-way permit from the DPW City Engineering Division; elsewhere, check with the city or county road agency. Work on private property may need a local permit, so confirm with the building department. Michigan law requires notice to MISS DIG 811 at least three business days before digging, and gas and water services often run under driveways.
Paid residential excavation above a threshold set by state law requires a LARA license, such as a Maintenance & Alteration license listing Excavation or Concrete.
Verify: LARA license lookup MISS DIG 811 and safe digging (MPSC) Soil erosion permits (EGLE) How We Vet
How to compare quotes
- Ask how deep they will dig and how thick the stone base will be.
- Confirm whether fabric is included over soft clay.
- Ask who pulls the right-of-way permit for the approach.
- Confirm removal and disposal of the old drive is in the quote.
- Check the LARA license and ask for proof of insurance.
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Driveway Excavation FAQ
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