Excavation Contractor in Thornhill, ON

Thornhill is one of the trickier areas in the GTA to excavate — tight lots, mature trees, narrow side yards, and a heritage core that demands careful work. OCM Excavation & Construction has 35 years of Thornhill experience and the right equipment for it. Mini excavators that fit through 36-inch gates, full-size machines when access allows, and crews who know how to keep your neighbours happy while we work. Licensed, insured-certified. Call 416-317-3090 for a free quote.

Excavation Work We Do in Thornhill

• Basement and addition excavation — common in older Thornhill homes being expanded rear or down.
• Walkout basement digs — lots of grade variation on Thornhill streets makes walkouts feasible.
• Tight-access excavation — our mini excavators handle backyards that full-size machines can’t touch.
• Land grading and drainage — we correct the chronic ponding issues in flat Thornhill backyards.
• Utility trenching — water service upgrades, sewer replacements, weeping tile installations.
• Post hole drilling — deck footings, fence posts, pergolas, all to 4-foot frost depth.

How Much Does Excavation Cost in Thornhill?

A standard basement dig in Thornhill runs $5,500 to $14,000 — the higher end when soil must be wheelbarrowed out due to no truck access. Backyard grading is typically $3,000 to $7,500. Trenching for a water service averages $4,500 to $10,000. Mini excavator day rates run $1,200 to $1,800 with operator. Every quote is firm once we see the site.

Why Thornhill Homeowners Trust OCM

We’ve worked Thornhill from the heritage stretch along Yonge to the newer pockets near Centre and Bathurst. We know the cross-jurisdiction quirks — whether your address falls under Vaughan or Markham — and we pull the right permits with the right city. Our trucks are sized for narrow Thornhill streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for excavation in Thornhill?

Yes for foundations, additions, pools, and retaining walls. The permit goes through Vaughan or Markham depending on which side of Yonge you’re on. Heritage properties in Old Thornhill may need heritage approval first.

Can you get equipment into a Thornhill backyard?

Almost always. Our smallest mini excavator is 30 inches wide and our standard mini is 36 inches. For really tight spots we’ll crane the machine in. Send us a side-yard photo and we’ll confirm.

How long does a Thornhill basement excavation take?

2 to 4 days for typical access. Add a day or two if soil has to be hauled through a narrow side yard with a mini.

Are you familiar with Thornhill’s heritage district rules?

Yes. Old Thornhill is a Heritage Conservation District. We coordinate with heritage planners and know how to work within those restrictions.

Do you protect lawns and driveways during Thornhill jobs?

Yes. Plywood over driveways, track mats on lawns, plywood walkways through the dig zone. Thornhill clients pay for a good job and we don’t leave the property looking trashed.

Thornhill backs directly onto South Richmond Hill through Richvale, so soil conditions and permit timelines are similar across the boundary.

Get a Free Thornhill Excavation Quote

Call 416-317-3090 or request a quote. We’ll be at your Thornhill property within the week, walk the job, and email you a clear written number.

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