The Biggest Little City

Excavation Contractors in Reno, NV

From downtown infill to foothill subdivisions on alluvial fans, with fire, faults and hardpan in the mix.

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Digging Across a Fast-Growing City

Excavation contractors in Reno work across a city that has grown fast and in every direction. The population went from 225,221 in 2010 to 264,165 in 2020, and the Census Bureau estimated 283,621 by 2025. The city now covers about 111.7 square miles, from older blocks along the Truckee River downtown to subdivisions climbing toward Peavine and the Carson Range. That spread means very different digs depending on the address.

Older blocks near the river

Closer to downtown, lots are smaller and homes older. Work there tends to be sewer and water service replacements, garage and ADU pads squeezed into back yards, and regrading where decades of landscaping have pushed soil against foundations. Access through alleys and narrow side yards decides what size machine can get in.

Newer neighborhoods on the fans

Southwest, northwest and south Reno have spread up alluvial fans built of sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders. Rock is common in footing and pool digs, and slopes complicate drainage. The USDA soil series named for Reno has a cemented duripan 20 to 40 inches down, which can turn a routine trench into slow going.

Wildfire edges

The Caughlin fire in 2011 destroyed 26 homes, the Washoe Drive fire in 2012 destroyed 29, and the 2024 Davis Fire burned 14 structures and forced 20,000 evacuations, all in southwest Reno. Homes on the brushy edge of the city are where defensible space clearing makes the biggest difference.

Quakes in the west end

In 2008 an earthquake swarm centered on the Somersett area of west Reno peaked around magnitude 4.9 and damaged many homes. Hillside grading there gets extra attention to cut slopes and compaction.

Typical Reno jobs

Sewer lateral and water service trenches
ADU, garage and shop pads
Hardpan and boulder removal for pools and footings
Defensible space clearing on the urban edge
Side-yard RV pads and gravel parking

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What to Know in Reno

Rapid growth. Reno grew 17.3% from 225,221 residents in 2010 to 264,165 in 2020, and the 2025 Census estimate is 283,621.
Freezing nights. Under 1991-2020 normals Reno averages 7.35 inches of precipitation, 20.9 inches of snow and about 122 days at or below freezing.
2008 swarm. A 2008 earthquake swarm centered on Somersett in west Reno peaked at about magnitude 4.9 per the USGS and damaged many homes.
Cemented subsoil. The USDA Reno soil series has a very strongly cemented duripan 20 to 40 inches below the surface, described as extremely hard and firm.

Our Services in Reno, NV

Reno Questions

Can a machine fit into my Reno back yard?

Often. Compact excavators and skid steers fit through gates around 5 to 6 feet wide. If access is tighter, we look at removing a fence panel or using smaller equipment.

Will I hit hardpan in Reno?

Many parts of the valley have it, but not every lot. A test hole is the surest way to know before a big dig.

Do you clear brush on hillside lots in southwest Reno?

Yes. We clear to your fire or HOA plan and cut rather than grub on slopes to keep soil in place.

Do you handle ADU pads in Reno?

Yes. We excavate and compact the pad and footings to the plans and coordinate with your builder.

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