If you’re installing a new fence, a pergola or another large structure, you will probably need to dig post holes. It’s a job that can seem simple enough – all you need to do is dig a hole and you’re sorted, right? – but there’s often more than meets the eye to post hole digging. 

Enough that there are professional post-hole digging services that offer their expertise for the job. Using an excavation specialist can ensure that your project goes ahead without a hitch. 

Benefits of hiring a post-hole digging service

When it comes to digging post holes, it’s tempting to do it yourself. In general, you’ll find that there are many benefits of using a professional post-hole digging service that make it a better choice. 

Price

The main reason people shy away from hiring professionals for their post-hole digging needs is that it costs more. Should everything work out exactly as planned, then this is true. But most jobs will encounter unforeseen challenges that professionals are equipt to deal with. 

Doing your own post-hole digging can be cheaper upfront than using a professional but if your hole isn’t dug to the exact specifications you need, then you can quickly find yourself out of pocket for larger issues that it causes. 

For instance, if the hole isn’t dug deep enough, the fence will be weaker and will degrade faster. It will also be prone to frost heave and you can find the rest of your fence can be damaged as a result.

They have the best tools for the job

A professional post-hole digging service will have all the right equipment necessary for the job. With their equipment, they can dig post-holes accurately to the perfect depth and they’ll be able to do it faster and more efficiently than someone without these tools. 

When compared to hiring tools and doing the job yourself, you can quickly find yourself paying more and taking longer for the same job. With the risk that the job might not be done right. 

They are insured

A professional service should have insurance that will cover any problems that arise. Should damage occur to your property, the job needs to be redone, or other unforeseen issues occur, you won’t be out of pocket or responsible. This can give you peace of mind and protection during the process. 

They can ensure that the job is done accurately 

Professional services have a wealth of experience in their area. Most post-holes form the foundation of the structure being built and issues in the foundation spread to every other area.  

Post-holes need to be dug to specific measurements and they are often required to conform to regulations. Depending on your location, you may also find that your post-holes may go over water pipes or electrical lines. Professionals will have all the information necessary to advise you on the best places to dig. 

Saves you time and energy

The simplest benefit of hiring a professional post-hole digging service is that it saves you time and energy. Digging post-holes is hard work if you’re using shovels and picks. If you hire the right equipment, it can be expensive regardless of whether you hire a professional or not. 

Do I need permission or any permits to dig post-holes?

This will depend on the specific state and council laws in your area but be aware that digging can require permissions or permits. In general, post-hole digging usually doesn’t go deep enough to require these permissions but it’s always a good idea to check beforehand. 

It’s also a good idea to call the Dial Before You Dig service to find out where pipes and cables are located on your property.

It’s also worth noting that many of the excavation diggers, ones that you might be thinking of hiring with an auger attachment for your work, require the operator to have a specific license to use them.

Cost of post-hole digging services

The cost of post-hole digging will change depending on the requirements of your job. Your post-hole digging professionals will likely consider the: 

• Amount of holes needed
• Depth of the work
• How easy the site is to access 
• The terrain and type of soil 
• If you require them to remove the excess dirt 
• Size of the job
• Any complexities to your job. 

Professional post-hole digging services will usually have a minimum cost, often called a float. The minimum cost to hire a professional post-hole digger will usually be in the range of $170 -$230, this will usually include the first few holes. 

After the initial set of post-holes, they can charge anywhere between $10 - $30 for additional holes. 

These prices may vary from location to location and will usually be more expensive if specialised equipment is needed. Some examples include:

• $95/hour for a bobcat or small two-tonne excavator
• $100/day for a rock grab attachment
• $180/day for an auger attachment
• $500/day for a diamond blade rock saw attachment

Hiring a professional for post hole digging

An excavation specialist is an ideal professional to do all of your post-hole digging as they are fully trained and qualified to operate post-hole diggers. They will come to your property with the necessary equipment and carry out the work safely and efficiently. 

Before hiring your excavation specialist, ensure that they hold the necessary qualifications, licenses, and insurance and that they give you an accurate quotation for the work to be carried out.

Some questions to ask your post-hole digger include:

• Are you appropriately qualified and registered or licensed?
• Do you hold valid insurance (professional indemnity and public liability insurance)?
• Do you have experience with this type of job?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long will my job take?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?

We recommend getting 3 quotes from local excavation services so you can compare prices and find the best company for your project.