Your Trusted Excavation Company in Puyallup, WA

FTS Excavation, LLC is a women-owned excavation contractor based in Puyallup, WA. We offer reliable site prep, land clearing, drainage, and demolition services throughout the South Puget Sound.

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Full-Service Excavation in Puyallup, WA

Our experienced team provides complete excavation services tailored to the needs of homeowners, builders, and municipalities. We’re known for clean work, strong communication, and dependable results across Western Washington.

Site Preparation

We clear, grade, and compact your site to create a solid foundation for construction.

Property Drainage

Our drainage solutions protect your property from standing water, erosion, and storm runoff.

Retaining Walls

We build strong, functional retaining walls that stabilize slopes and enhance usable space.

Foundations

From excavation to backfill, we handle foundation prep for homes, additions & more.

ADUs

We provide site prep for accessory dwelling units for Pierce, King, Kitsap, & Thurston Counties.

Land Clearing

Our crew removes trees, brush, and debris to get your property ready for development.

Utility Extensions

We dig and trench for water, sewer, electrical, and gas lines with care and precision.

Public Works

We proudly provide excavation services for government projects in the Puget Sound.

Excavation Services Backed by Integrity and Experience

We treat every project like it’s our own. From the initial quote to the final grade, we believe the best excavation contractors should focus on clear communication, efficient execution, and high-quality results that last.

Fully licensed and insured
Trusted by local homeowners and contractors
Skilled operators and maintained equipment
Transparent quotes and realistic timelines
Clean job sites and great follow-through

Proudly Serving South Puget Sound & Parts of King County

Based in Puyallup, WA, FTS Excavation completes projects throughout Pierce, King, Thurston, Kitsap, and Mason Counties. If you’re located anywhere in the South Sound, we’re ready to dig in.

Pierce County

King County

Kitsap County

Mason County

Thurston County

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Whether you’re building, clearing, or protecting your property, FTS Excavation brings professional service and reliable results to every job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for excavation work in Puyallup or Pierce County?

No, most excavation projects in Puyallup and Pierce County do not require permits unless it is large in size and is often included in a building permit. Retaining walls under four feet does not require permits, but it’s always a good idea to call and check with your local municipality to find out if a permit is required, especially if you’re significantly disturbing soil, altering elevation, or working near utilities. At FTS Excavation, we guide homeowners and contractors through the permitting process so you can avoid unnecessary delays or compliance issues.

How much does excavation cost for a residential project in Washington?

Excavation costs can vary depending on your project’s size, site conditions, and the services involved. In the Puyallup area, most residential excavation projects fall between $3,000 and $30,000. Costs may increase if you need over-excavation, grading, drainage, demolition, or have difficult terrain. We’re always happy to provide a transparent, detailed quote specific to your property.

How long does excavation take for a new home foundation or site prep?

For a standard residential foundation dig-out in Pierce County, excavation usually takes a week or less. Once the foundation is poured, we will be back to install footing drains and backfill. Site prep work such as trenching, compaction, or land clearing extends the timeline slightly. We use efficient equipment and experienced operators to stay on schedule and reduce downtime.

Can FTS Excavation help with both land clearing and drainage on the same project?

Absolutely. We often perform land clearing, grading, and drainage installation as part of a single project. This streamlines your schedule, reduces mobilization costs, and ensures all components work together to keep your property safe and build-ready.

What areas do you serve outside of Puyallup?

We serve clients across Western Washington, including Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Kitsap County, and Mason County. Whether you’re in a major city or a rural area, we’ve likely worked nearby and can bring our trusted excavation services to your location.

What should I do to prepare my property before excavation begins?

You’ll want to remove personal items, mark any private utilities if possible, and ensure pets or livestock are secured. We conduct a pre-construction walkthrough with you to confirm readiness, and we’ll bring marking tools and any necessary blueprints, caution tape, and landscape protection to safely plan out the job before we break ground.

Do you handle excavation for both new builds and home additions?

Yes, we provide excavation for new construction as well as additions to existing homes. Whether you’re building a new foundation, extending a driveway, or preparing for a patio, we adjust our work to fit the size and complexity of your project.

What kind of equipment does your team use for excavation and land grading?

Our fleet includes excavators, track loaders (skidsteers), loaders, compaction equipment, and dump trucks, all sized appropriately for residential and commercial jobs. We maintain our equipment regularly for safety and precision, and our trained operators can handle tight access areas and complex jobs with ease.

How does FTS Excavation protect against erosion and drainage problems?

We install drainage systems that direct water away from your foundation, lawn, or hardscaping. Depending on your property, we may install french drains, catch basins, wet wells, curtain drains, slope grades, erosion control fabric, or many other types of drainage structures. Every project includes a site-specific assessment to make sure the solution works in all seasons.

What makes your excavation process safer or more reliable than others in the area?

We follow strict safety protocols, always call 811, have daily safety meetings, communicate clearly, and bring decades of experience to every job. We evaluate the site before we begin, operate with precision around utilities and structures, and clean up thoroughly. Homeowners and contractors in Puyallup trust us to do the job right the first time.

Can you help remove old concrete or structures before a hardscape or landscaping job?

Yes, we offer demolition services, including concrete removal, slab demolition, and disposal of old patios or driveways. Once removed, we level and prep the area so it’s ready for new landscaping, retaining walls, or other improvements.

Are your excavation services available year-round in Western Washington weather?

We operate all year, including winter, as long as the ground is workable and safe for equipment. If extreme weather delays your project, we stay in contact and reschedule as quickly as possible to keep things moving forward.

What should I look for when hiring an excavation contractor?

Choosing the right excavation contractor ensures your project starts off right. Most homeowners look for licensing, insurance, experience, and a strong local reputation. FTS Excavation checks all those boxes and more: we’re fully licensed and insured in Washington, offer clear estimates, and have a proven track record throughout the Puget Sound region.

How deep can excavation go for a residential project?

Most residential excavation projects range from 3 to 10 feet deep, but can even get as deep as 20’ or more. The depth depends on what’s being installed, whether foundations, underground utility lines, or basements, as well as local frost lines and code requirements. Sometimes ground water can be an issue. We are equipped to pump out the ground water as we dig using well points so that we can effectively and safely dig to great depths. We use trenching and shoring when depths are four feet and below and follow all regional standards to keep your site compliant and safe.

Do you offer free quotes for excavation services in Puyallup?

Yes, we provide free estimates for all excavation work. Every quote includes a site evaluation, service breakdown, and honest pricing so you know exactly what to expect before we start.

Can excavation damage my property or nearby structures?

When handled by professionals, excavation should not damage your home or adjacent structures. We plan carefully around utilities, use the right equipment for your property, and apply protective methods to minimize impact on the surrounding landscape.

What types of drainage systems do you install?

We install French drains, trench drains, swales, dry wells, and custom drainage channels. We recommend the best option based on your yard’s slope, drainage issues, and water flow patterns to protect your foundation, driveway, and landscaping long-term.

How do I know if I need land grading or just drainage work?

If your yard has pooling water or uneven terrain, you may need both grading and drainage. Grading changes the slope to direct runoff, while drainage systems remove excess water from low areas. We assess your site and recommend a comprehensive solution based on the layout and problem areas.

Do you work directly with general contractors or just homeowners?

We regularly work with both. General contractors appreciate our reliability, communication, and ability to stay on schedule. Homeowners trust us for honest advice and clean, efficient work. No matter who you are, we’ll meet you where you’re at and make the process easy.

What’s the difference between site prep and land clearing?

Land clearing involves removing trees, brush, and debris from the property. Site prep takes it further with grading, compaction, trenching, and foundation-ready leveling. At FTS Excavation, we often handle both steps in one seamless project.

How early should I book excavation services before my project starts?

You should book excavation services at least 2 to 6 weeks before your desired start date. We work hard to accommodate project timelines, but scheduling ahead ensures we can complete site prep, drainage work, or foundation excavation when you need it. Early booking also allows time for permitting and site evaluations in Pierce and King County.

What happens if bad weather delays my excavation project?

If weather delays your excavation, we stay in close contact and reschedule your project as quickly as possible. Western Washington weather can be unpredictable, especially during fall and winter. As a reliable excavation contractor in Puyallup, we monitor conditions closely and adjust the timeline while keeping you updated every step of the way.

Can you assist with public works excavation projects in Pierce County?

Yes, FTS Excavation has experience supporting public works projects throughout Pierce County, King County and beyond. We handle site preparation, utility extensions, RRFB crosswalks, drainage systems, and grading for municipal projects like parks, sidewalks, stormwater management, and road improvements. Our team is licensed, insured, and familiar with local standards for public sector work.

Is erosion control included in excavation services for foundations and ADUs?

Yes, we include erosion control planning as part of foundation and ADU excavation and all site development services. Proper erosion protection is critical when preparing sites for home foundations, additions, or accessory dwelling units. Our excavation company uses techniques like slope grading, temporary barriers, and drainage installation to keep your project stable and compliant.

Do you help with septic system excavation or replacements?

Yes, we are certified and provide excavation services for new septic systems, drainage fields, and septic system replacements. Septic excavation requires careful soil assessment and precise trenching, especially in areas like Puyallup where groundwater levels can vary. Our experienced team ensures your system is installed properly and passes local inspections.