Excavation & Yard Prep Services in Portland, OR
DemoXterior provides residential excavation and site preparation throughout Portland, OR ,specializing in grading, leveling, trenching, and yard prep for homeowner-scale projects. Whether you’re preparing land for a new patio, fixing drainage issues, or leveling your yard for landscaping, we bring the right equipment and expertise to complete the job efficiently.
We’re not a large commercial excavation company — we focus exclusively on residential properties where precision, property care, and tight access matter most. From backyard grading to utility trenching, our compact equipment and detail-oriented approach make us the ideal choice for Portland homeowners.
Our approach is designed for Portland’s unique properties — older homes with narrow access, sloped terrain, limited staging areas, and close neighbors. Because we’re fully owner-operated, you get consistent communication, quality workmanship, and true accountability on every job.
DemoXterior Our Excavation Services
Grading & Leveling
Fix Uneven Ground, Correct Slopes, Prepare Sites
Professional grading and leveling to create usable, properly draining outdoor spaces. We fix problem slopes, prepare flat areas for construction, and ensure proper drainage away from your home.
Perfect for:
- Patio and deck preparation
- Shed and outbuilding sites
- Backyard leveling projects
- Drainage correction
- Creating usable yard space
Yard Preparation
Get Your Land Ready for Landscaping or Construction
Complete site preparation for landscaping, hardscaping, or new construction projects. We remove old materials, level the ground, and create a clean foundation for your next phase.
Perfect for:
- Sod installation prep
- Garden and landscaping projects
- Gravel or paver pathways
- Artificial turf installation
- Backyard renovations
Trenching Services
Utility Lines, Drainage, Irrigation & Footings
Small to medium trenching for residential utility installations, drainage improvements, and foundation support. Precise digging that avoids existing utilities and landscaping.
Perfect for:
- Irrigation system installation
- French drain installation
- Utility line prep
- Downspout drainage
- Foundation footings
Soil Removal & Hauling
Remove Excess Dirt, Old Fill & Unwanted Soil
Complete soil removal and disposal for projects requiring excavation, site lowering, or clearing old landscape beds. All excess soil is hauled away and disposed of properly.
Perfect for:
- Excess dirt removal after grading
- Old raised bed removal
- Contaminated soil removal
- Site lowering projects
- Fill dirt removal
Site Prep for Construction
Foundation Work for Sheds, Patios, ADUs & More
Complete site preparation for new construction projects. We excavate, level, and prepare foundations for residential structures with precision and proper drainage considerations.
Perfect for:
- Shed and garage foundations
- Patio and deck bases
- ADU (accessory dwelling unit) prep
- Carport and covered area sites
- Play structure installations
Detailed Service Sections
Grading & Leveling Services
Transform Uneven Yards Into Usable Space
Portland properties often have challenging terrain — steep slopes, uneven settling, poor drainage, or ground that’s difficult to use. Professional grading creates level, properly draining areas for outdoor living, landscaping, or construction.
What We Do:
- Correct slopes and uneven terrain
- Create flat, stable areas for patios and structures
- Establish proper drainage away from foundations
- Prepare sites for concrete slabs
- Level backyard play areas
- Fix low spots that collect water
Benefits:
- Prevents water pooling and drainage issues
- Creates usable outdoor living space
- Provides stable foundation for construction
- Improves property aesthetics and functionality
- Increases property value
Typical Timeline: 1-3 days depending on yard size and scope
Yard Preparation Services
Yard Preparation Services
Before installing sod, building a patio, or starting a landscaping project, the ground needs proper preparation. We remove old materials, level the surface, and create the ideal foundation for your next phase.
What We Do:
- Remove old sod, weeds, and vegetation
- Clear and level the topsoil layer
- Remove rocks, roots, and debris
- Grade for proper drainage
- Compact soil for stable bases
- Prep for sod, seed, or hardscaping
Benefits:
- New lawn installation (sod or seed)
- Garden bed creation
- Paver patio preparation
- Gravel pathway installation
- Artificial turf prep
- Backyard makeovers
what’s Included:
- Complete debris removal and hauling
- Proper grading and leveling
- Soil compaction when needed
- Clean, ready-to-use surface
Typical Timeline: 1-2 days for standard residential yards
Trenching Services
Precision Digging for Utilities, Drainage & Irrigation
Small to medium trenching for residential projects requiring underground installations. We dig precise trenches while protecting existing utilities, landscaping, and property features.
What We Do:
- Irrigation line trenching
- French drain installation trenches
- Utility line preparation (water, electric, gas prep)
- Downspout drainage trenches
- Foundation footing trenches
- Conduit and cable trenches
Benefits:
- Call 811 for utility location (required by law)
- Hand-dig near marked utilities for safety
- Machine trench in safe areas
- Maintain proper depth and slope
- Backfill and compact after installation
Typical Trench Specs:
- Depths: 6 inches to 4 feet
- Widths: 6-18 inches typical
- Lengths: Up to several hundred feet
- Slopes: Proper drainage angles maintained
Safety First: We always verify utility locations before digging and use hand tools near marked lines. Your property’s existing infrastructure is protected throughout the process.
Typical Timeline: 1-2 days for most residential trenching projects
Soil Removal & Hauling
Remove Excess Dirt and Unwanted Fill
Excavation and grading projects often generate excess soil that needs removal. We haul away all unwanted dirt, old fill, contaminated soil, or debris, leaving your property clean and ready.
What We Remove:
- Excess dirt from grading and excavation
- Old raised garden bed soil
- Poor-quality fill or clay
- Tree removal dirt and roots
- Mixed demolition and excavation debris
All soil is hauled to appropriate facilities — clean soil goes to recycling centers, contaminated material to proper disposal sites. Loading, transportation, and disposal fees are all included.
Typical Timeline: Same-day to 2 days depending on volume
Site Prep for Construction Projects
Foundation Preparation for Residential Structures
Before building sheds, patios, ADUs, or any residential structure, the site needs proper preparation. We excavate, level, and create stable foundations with proper drainage and compaction.
What We Prepare Sites For:
- Sheds, garages, and storage buildings
- Patios and outdoor living areas
- Deck foundations and supports
- ADUs (accessory dwelling units)
- Hot tubs, play structures, and carports
Our Process: We excavate to proper depth, establish proper drainage slopes, compact the base for stability, and create a level, contractor-ready surface. All excess material is removed.
What You Get:
- Level, stable building site with proper drainage
- Compacted base preventing future settlement
- Clean surface ready for concrete or construction
- Coordination with your contractors as needed
Typical Timeline: 2-4 days depending on project size
Why Choose DemoXterior for Demolition?
Owner-Operated Quality
Direct Communication & Accountability The owner handles your estimate, scheduling, and on-site work. No subcontractors, no rotating crews — just consistent quality and direct communication from the person who cares most about your project.
Built for Portland’s Residential Properties
Compact Equipment for Tight Access Most Portland homes have narrow driveways, fenced yards, side yards, and limited staging areas. We bring compact excavators and skid steers that fit through standard gates and work efficiently in tight spaces where larger companies can’t operate.
Property Protection
Careful, Controlled Work We protect existing landscaping, driveways, utilities, and structures throughout the excavation process. Plywood protection for lawn crossings, hand-digging near utilities, and systematic work to minimize disruption.
Complete Service
From Excavation to Cleanup All excess soil, debris, and materials are hauled away. We don’t leave piles for you to deal with. Your property is left clean, graded, and ready for the next phase.
Equipment We Use:
- Compact excavators (fits through 36″ gates)
- Small skid steers for grading
- Walk-behind equipment for ultra-tight areas
- Compact dump trailers for debris removal
Safe, Controlled Demolition
We protect surrounding areas, identify and work around utilities, contain dust and debris, and follow systematic demolition procedures to avoid damage to areas you’re keeping.
Fast, Reliable Scheduling
Quick Project Turnaround Most excavation projects are scheduled within days and completed within 1-5 days depending on scope. We don’t make you wait weeks like larger commercial companies.
Common Portland Excavation Projects
Backyard Leveling:
Homeowners with sloped or uneven backyards hire us to create flat, usable areas for patios, play spaces, or outdoor living.
Drainage Solutions:
Fixing water pooling issues, establishing proper slopes away from foundations, or installing French drain systems.
Patio & Deck Preparation:
Excavating and leveling sites for new concrete patios, paver patios, or deck foundations.
Shed & Garage Foundations:
Preparing level, stable sites for new storage buildings, workshops, or detached garages.
Landscaping Prep:
Removing old sod, leveling yard areas, and preparing for new lawn installation or garden beds.
ADU Site Preparation:
Excavating and grading for accessory dwelling units, including foundation prep and utility trenching.
Demolition + Combined Services
Many projects benefit from combining demolition with our other services:
– Select image for details –
Working in Portland Neighborhoods
We understand the unique challenges of residential excavation in Portland’s established neighborhoods:
Utility Safety:
- Call 811 before every project
- Hand-dig near marked utilities
- Protect existing infrastructure
Property Protection:
- Plywood protection for lawn crossings
- Minimize equipment footprint
- Careful work near existing features
Neighbor Consideration:
- Reasonable work hours
- Noise minimization
- Debris containment
- Clear communication
Environmental Care:
- Proper soil disposal
- Erosion control during work
- Protection of trees and vegetation
Permits & Regulations
Most residential excavation doesn’t require permits, but there are exceptions:
Usually No Permit Needed:
- Yard grading and leveling
- Small trenching for irrigation
- Soil removal
- Site prep under certain depths
May Require Permits:
- Excavation near property lines
- Work affecting drainage patterns
- Deep excavations (over 4-5 feet)
- Sites with steep slopes or erosion concerns
- Work in environmentally sensitive areas
Always Required:
- Call 811 for utility location before digging
- Erosion control in some situations
- Tree protection in certain zones
We can guide you on Portland’s specific requirements for your project.
Serving Portland, OR and Nearby Areas
Licensed · Insured · Bonded · CCB #260108 · DemoXterior provides demolition services throughout the Portland metro area, including:
- Portland, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Gresham, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
- Beaverton, OR
- Clackamas, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Milwaukie, OR
- St. Helens, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Lake Oswego, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Happy Valley, OR
- Newberg, OR
- Fairview, OR
- Scappoose, OR
- Troutdale, OR
- Oregon City, OR
- Forest Grove, OR