Key Takeaways
- CyanBuild's AI reads excavation plans and cut/fill volumes automatically.
- Price with your local $60-150/hr rates — no spreadsheet.
- Typical Excavation costs: $2-8/CY/bulk excavation, $6-18/LF/trenching, $0.50-2.50/SF/grading, $8-25/CY/haul off.
- Visual proof per item means a defensible, reviewable estimate.
How CyanBuild handles Excavation takeoff
Excavation takeoff covers cuts, fills, trenching, hauling, and grading by volume with equipment and haul factors. CyanBuild detects and counts cut/fill volumes and other excavation elements from your PDF, measures areas and runs, and lets you price each line with local rates.
Excavation cost reference
| Item | Typical range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk excavation | $2-8/CY | |
| Trenching | $6-18/LF | |
| Grading | $0.50-2.50/SF | |
| Haul off | $8-25/CY |
Common Excavation tasks
- Cut/fill volumes
- Trenching for utilities
- Grading and compaction
- Haul and disposal
Materials CyanBuild tracks for Excavation
- Aggregate base
- Geotextile
- Sand and fill
- Erosion control
Excavation takeoff: manual vs CyanBuild
| Capability | Manual takeoff | CyanBuild AI |
|---|---|---|
| Cut/fill volumes | Count/measure by hand | Detected and counted |
| Pricing with your rates | Spreadsheet | Built in |
| Cross-trade rollup | Separate files | One estimate |
| Audit trail | Paper or PDF | Visual proof per item |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CyanBuild handle Excavation takeoff?
Upload your Excavation plans as PDF. CyanBuild's AI detects and counts cut/fill volumes and other excavation elements, measures areas and runs, and hands you a reviewable takeoff you can price with your local $60-150/hr rates.
What does Excavation work cost?
Typical Excavation ranges: $2-8/CY for bulk excavation; $6-18/LF for trenching; $0.50-2.50/SF for grading; $8-25/CY for haul off. Labor runs about $60-150/hr (equipment + operator).
What materials are included in a Excavation takeoff?
Common Excavation materials: Aggregate base, Geotextile, Sand and fill, Erosion control.
Can CyanBuild estimate Excavation labor and materials separately?
Yes. Excavation takeoff separates material quantities from labor hours so you can price each with your own rates and review the build-up line by line.
Is there Excavation-specific estimating software?
Yes — see our Excavation estimating software page for the estimating workflow, and the how-to-estimate guide for a step-by-step Excavation cost build-up.