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Best Excavating Contractors in Altoona, IA (2026)

37 excavating contractors ranked by CR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Altoona: DeFreece Land Services, CR Score 57/100; 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Best for emergencies (open 24/7): Total Comfort Group, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 37.

  3. 2

    Most-reviewed: Total Comfort Group, 507 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 37 ranked; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Contractors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

37 Altoona excavating contractors are ranked here by CR Score, from ten published factors. 3 are open 24/7, 13 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 37 rated businesses.

Most of this list also appears on the Excavating contractors in Des Moines ranking. See Excavating contractors in Des Moines

Top 10 excavating contractors in Altoona at a glance

Top 10 excavating contractors in Altoona at a glance
RankBusinessCR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1DeFreece Land Services574.8★ (37)Des Moines, 19 mi away24/7Overall
2Total Comfort Group554.7★ (507)Clive, 22 mi away24/7Emergencies, Most reviews
3Torgerson Excavating INC554.5★ (48)Des Moines, 7 mi away——
4Nicholson Excavating LLC554.4★ (11)Pleasant Hill, 5 mi awaySat—
5Elder Corporation544.1★ (46)Pleasant Hill, 4 mi away——
6Zippy Drain544.8★ (260)Clive, 22 mi away24/7—
7Priority Excavating LLC544.3★ (11)Des Moines, 7 mi away——
8McAninch Corporation544.4★ (28)Des Moines, 6 mi away——
9L&D Hydroseed545.0★ (6)Des Moines, 12 mi awaySat · Sun—
10Beyond Dirt Construction LLC535.0★ (9)Norwalk, 14 mi awaySat—

The 37 best excavating contractors in Altoona, ranked

Ordered by CR Score, a 0–100 score from ten published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

  1. Ranked #1 in Altoona

    #1 DeFreece Land Services

    Based in Des Moines, 19 mi away

    57/100CR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    View profile for DeFreece Land Services(515) 499-2151

  2. #2 Total Comfort Group

    Based in Clive, 22 mi away

    55/100CR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 507 Google reviews, the most in Altoona.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 507 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    30033 Zippy Dr, Dallas Center, IA 50063
    View profile for Total Comfort Group(515) 471-3333

  3. #3 Torgerson Excavating INC

    Based in Des Moines, 7 mi away

    55/100CR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.5★ from 48 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 48 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1714 NE 61st Pl, Des Moines, IA 50313
    View profile for Torgerson Excavating INC(515) 270-4625

  4. #4 Nicholson Excavating LLC

    Based in Pleasant Hill, 5 mi away

    55/100CR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.4★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    326 Christie Ln, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
    View profile for Nicholson Excavating LLC(641) 781-0019

  5. #5 Elder Corporation

    Based in Pleasant Hill, 4 mi away

    54/100CR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.1★ from 46 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 46 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5088 E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
    View profile for Elder Corporation(515) 266-3111

  6. #6 Zippy Drain

    Based in Clive, 22 mi away

    54/100CR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 260 Google reviews.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 260 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    30033 Zippy Dr, Dallas Center, IA 50063
    View profile for Zippy Drain(515) 471-3334

  7. #7 Priority Excavating LLC

    Based in Des Moines, 7 mi away

    54/100CR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.3★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 7 of 10 factors; credentials, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 11 Google reviews
    Address
    773 NE 47th Pl, Des Moines, IA 50313
    View profile for Priority Excavating LLC(515) 244-3111

  8. #8 McAninch Corporation

    Based in Des Moines, 6 mi away

    54/100CR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.4★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 28 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4001 Delaware Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
    View profile for McAninch Corporation(515) 267-2500

  9. #9 L&D Hydroseed

    Based in Des Moines, 12 mi away

    54/100CR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–5 PM
    View profile for L&D Hydroseed(641) 990-9223

  10. #10 Beyond Dirt Construction LLC

    Based in Norwalk, 14 mi away

    53/100CR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat 7 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8648 Blue St Suite B, Norwalk, IA 50211
    View profile for Beyond Dirt Construction LLC(515) 250-9277

  11. #11 Central Iowa Dirt Works

    Based in Johnston, 11 mi away

    53/100CR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 7 of 10 factors; credentials, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    5158 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131
    View profile for Central Iowa Dirt Works(515) 491-7756

  13. #13 Huber Grading Inc

    Based in Des Moines, 11 mi away

    52/100CR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1410 NW Main St, Elkhart, IA 50073
    View profile for Huber Grading Inc(515) 367-7407

  14. #14 Latitude 41

    Based in Ankeny, 8 mi away

    51/100CR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 119 Google reviews.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 119 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    375 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021
    View profile for Latitude 41(515) 518-1555

  15. #15 Jesse's Lawn & Snow

    Based in Des Moines, 14 mi away

    51/100CR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.8★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 7 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat 10 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    View profile for Jesse's Lawn & Snow(515) 480-2532

  17. #17 Vanderpool Construction Inc

    Based in Indianola, 19 mi away

    50/100CR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.3★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1100 N 14th St, Indianola, IA 50125
    View profile for Vanderpool Construction Inc(515) 961-4682

  19. #19 RW Excavating Solutions

    Based in Des Moines, 9 mi away

    50/100CR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 2.8★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 2.8★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    13293 S 88th Ave W, Prairie City, IA 50228
    View profile for RW Excavating Solutions(515) 994-2648

  21. #21 J Pettiecord Inc

    Based in Altoona

    49/100CR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 24 Google reviews.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1200 Prairie Dr, Bondurant, IA 50035
    View profile for J Pettiecord Inc(515) 263-8900

  22. #22 Sandstone Management, LTD

    Based in Des Moines, 10 mi away

    49/100CR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 2.5★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 2.5★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    20 Vine St, Carlisle, IA 50047
    View profile for Sandstone Management, LTD(515) 989-0557

  23. #23 United Rentals - Trench Safety

    Based in Grimes, 16 mi away

    49/100CR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.8★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4010 SE Capitol Cir, Grimes, IA 50111
    View profile for United Rentals - Trench Safety(515) 986-5944

  24. #24 Kelly Cortum Inc

    Based in Norwalk, 17 mi away

    49/100CR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and trade focus: 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Excavating contractor”.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    340 Wright Rd ste e, Norwalk, IA 50211
    View profile for Kelly Cortum Inc(515) 981-5491

  25. #25 Travis Trucking LLC

    Based in Norwalk, 14 mi away

    49/100CR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 29 Google reviews.

    Based on 8 of 10 factors; credentials and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 6 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8648 Blue St, Norwalk, IA 50211
    View profile for Travis Trucking LLC(515) 250-9277

How we ranked Altoona excavating contractors

We scored 37 Altoona excavating contractors on ten factors, weighted as shown. A business is ranked when its trade is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A business with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 3, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

CR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Altoona data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Credentials15%Active state license, bond and workers’ comp on fileNot yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed business on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, 24/7 or same-dayMeasured
Trade focus10%How clearly the business does this trade (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The business has claimed its ContractorsRanked profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The business links to ContractorsRanked from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured
ContractorsRanked reviews10%Verified customer reviews collected by ContractorsRanked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

Excavating contractors in Altoona: frequently asked questions

Who is the best excavating contractor in Altoona?

By CR Score, the highest-ranked excavating contractor in Altoona, IA is DeFreece Land Services with a CR Score of 57/100. It has 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Total Comfort Group (#2) and Torgerson Excavating INC (#3) follow. We ranked 37 excavating contractors on ten factors, last updated November 3, 2026.

How many excavating contractors are there in Altoona?

ContractorsRanked ranks 37 excavating contractors serving Altoona, IA. 1 of them is based in Altoona; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which excavating contractors in Altoona are open 24/7?

3 ranked excavating contractors in Altoona post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are DeFreece Land Services (#1), Total Comfort Group (#2) and Zippy Drain (#6). Hours come from each business's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which excavating contractors in Altoona work on weekends?

13 of 37 ranked excavating contractors post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are DeFreece Land Services (#1), Total Comfort Group (#2) and Nicholson Excavating LLC (#4). Posted hours are office hours; crews may book weekend jobs separately.

What Google rating do Altoona excavating contractors have?

The median Google rating among 37 rated excavating contractors in Altoona is 4.8★, with a median of 11 reviews. Total Comfort Group has the most, 507 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does ContractorsRanked rank excavating contractors?

Each excavating contractor gets a 0–100 CR Score from ten published factors, led by reputation (25%), credentials (15%), review volume (10%) and trade focus (10%). A business with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only businesses with a confirmed trade and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do excavating contractors outside Altoona count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Altoona city center, our service radius for excavating contractors. Each listing shows where the business is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the CR Score, so a nearby business gets a small edge.

Can excavating contractors pay to rank higher on ContractorsRanked?

No. The CR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured businesses may appear above the list, labelled Featured and showing their honest rank.

Update log for Altoona

  1. November 2026: CR Scores recalculated for 37 excavating contractors serving Altoona.

More excavating contractors and Altoona pages

Other trades in Altoona