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5.0 rated, 50+ Google reviews

Excavation Contractor in Athol, ID

Your Local Excavation Contractor Serving Coeur d’Alene and Northern Idaho.

Recognized Expertise. Trusted Locally. Featured Nationally.

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20 years of experience
Locally owned, family-operated
Holmes Earth Construction, LLC BBB Accredited Business seal

Why Choose The Holmes Excavation Team?

Our clients continue to choose our team as their go-to experienced excavators. Our clients love working with us because:

  • We have over 20 years of experience
  • We always get back to our clients
  • We finish the job promptly
  • We'll treat your property like our own
  • We're upfront with our pricing
  • We're locally owned and family-operated
  • We offer a 10% referral discount as part of our referral program
  • We provide exceptional customer service
Mini excavator clearing brush and stumps on a rural property by Holmes Earth Construction
Holmes Earth Construction excavator working on a job site
Cody and Krissy Holmes with their family
Cody & Krissy HolmesOwners

Meet the Family Behind Holmes Earth Construction

We’re Cody and Krissy Holmes, the husband-and-wife team behind Holmes Earth Construction. Together, we are raising our two children and building a company founded on hard work, resilience and personal responsibility.

  • Cody leads our field operations, while Krissy manages the business and customer side of each project. Our different strengths allow us to provide both skilled, hands-on work in the field and the planning, organization and communication needed to carry a project successfully from the first conversation through completion.

  • Holmes Earth Construction was originally founded in Washington. After building our business and serving customers there, we relocated our family and primary operations to North Idaho. North Idaho is now our home base, and we are proud to be putting down roots, raising our family and building lasting relationships within the community.

  • Although our company is newer to North Idaho, we are not new to the work. We bring the experience, qualifications and standards we developed in Washington with us to every project we complete here.

  • Because our family name is on the company, this business is personal to us. We take responsibility for both the quality of our work and the way our customers are treated.

Our mission is to help people build, restore and make better use of their land through honest guidance, clear communication and dependable workmanship.
01

We bring hands-on field experience, practical problem-solving, careful planning and calm decision-making to every project. We take the time to understand the property, anticipate potential challenges and learn what the customer is ultimately trying to accomplish—not simply the dirt that needs to be moved.

02

Whether we are preparing the ground for a family’s next chapter, improving a rural property, helping someone recover after a fire or supporting a contractor on a larger construction project, our goal is to provide safe, thoughtful work that is built to last.

03

We want our customers to understand the work being performed, feel confident throughout the process and know their property is being treated with care. Above all, we aim to build lasting relationships and leave every property better than we found it.

What Our Clients Say

5.0-star rated with 50+ Google reviews. Read a few of them below.

★★★★★
I can’t recommend Cody and Holmes Earth Construction enough. From start to finish, working with Cody was a seamless experience. He does truly exceptional, high-quality work and takes tremendous pride in what he does. What sets him apart is his transparency and communication, no hidden surprises or guessing games. On top of that, his advice throughout the project was invaluable; he genuinely looks out for the best outcome for your property rather than just trying to sell a job. If you need excavation, dirt work, or site prep in the Athol area, Cody is the guy to call. Top-notch work and a great guy to work with!
— Christian Mitchell, Google review
★★★★★
It's too bad only five stars are available, Cody and the team at Holmes Earth Construction deserve more. Professional, knowledgeable, and committed to putting their customers first. We had a very complex homesite to build on, but Cody pointed out potential issues early enough so that they did not cause the type of delay that could push a build months off schedule. Additionally, they put me in touch with other trades in the area who were equally competent, very important when you don't know anyone in the area. Highly recommend their service.
— Mark Blom, Google review
★★★★★
I just paid to have my 600' shared driveway graded and graveled prior to my neighbor hiring Cody to so some earthen work. During the job Cody had to move heavy equpment on and across this long driveway. I was concerned that this expensive driveway was going to be ruined. But with out me asking, Cody kept that driveway in top condition during the whole project. I wish all contractors cared about their impact to neighbors as much as he did! Thank you Cody and I hope to hire you in the future and will share this wonderful experience with others.
— Juan Haley, Google review
★★★★★
If there were 10 stars to give, Cody would get them all & then sum.
Our mess all started on a Monday afternoon. We were in a real fix. We had no water or 220, so there was no stove or heat. Cody was recommended to us by Josh from Sequim Valley Electric (another great guy) who had deteremed our 220 was out. Why we didn't have power to our well, heat & stove. Josh recommed Cody for the escavation that we would need done. But he was working on another job & said he wouldn't be able to come, but he would call around. We called several others without luck! Everyone was tied up for weeks, if not months. I called Cody back & begged him to help us out. He said if he could, he wouldn't be able to come until Friday sometime. Long story short, he came out Wednesday after clearing it with his other client. Cody & his helper Steve worked their butts off, and we had water Thursday evening. He did an amazing job for us. I can't ever thank him enough. If you need an amazing escavator & a great guy, Cody is your man!!
— Ester De Weese, Google review
★★★★★
I own and run an engineering geology business in Western Washington. I have used Cody Holmes, Holmes Earth Construction many times for excavation jobs. Cody is an excellent communicator and operator and gets the job done quickly and efficiently for the price he quotes. Cody is safe and reliable and I highly recommend Holmes Earth Construction for your excavation needs. Dave Parks, Principal Geologist, Crescent Environmental LLC, Port Angeles, Washington.
— David Parks, Google review
★★★★★
Outstanding arborist and excavator! Compared to other tree companies, Cody saved me thousands. He took down only the hazard trees that really needed to go and opened up my waterfront view without butchering trees or destabilizing my bank. With the money I saved I got extra clearing and grubbing that I wanted to do for years. On time, within budget and quality work. What more can you ask for?
— Paul Geisert, Google review
★★★★★
We've worked with Holmes Earth Construction on a few different projects and have always been happy with the results. Most recently, they helped us turn a swampy low spot on our property into a solid, dry base for an ADU. Cody does a great job at listening to your goals and ideas and helping you figure out the best way to get there.
— Chris Edwards, Google review
★★★★★
I own an electrical contracting company in Sequim. We have worked with Cody and Holmes Earth Construction on a few projects. We were sad to see him leave the area. They have great communication which make coordinating and collaberating easier. They are professional and reasoneable. Their customers were always happy that their projects went along smoothly. As a professional, working with compenent contractors also reflects on your own business. Thanks for making our job easier!
— Andrea Hana, Google review
★★★★★
Cody's professionalism, skill, extensive knowledge and personal approach to our project set to rest any apprehenision we had in tackling excavation work on our property. He's incredibly adept at operating his equipment, especially in difficult terrain conditions. Cody looked to work with the ecology and environments within our 5 acres, methodically cutting and clearing only what was required to attain our objectives. Without hesitation, we recommend Holmes Earth Construction, and look forward to continuing our relationship with Cody with future projects.
— Warren J Wilson, Google review
★★★★★
Cody was fantastic to work with from start to finish. He truly went above and beyond putting in a gravel driveway and parking pad, and was able to stay within our budget and time frame despite the project being trickier than anticipated. He is a wealth of knowledge about building in the area, as well as being super personable and an all around great person to know!
— Gianna King, Google review
★★★★★
I can't say enough about the good job that Cody provided. He was quick to respond and get us a quote. He was then very responsive to our time schedule and was able to fit us in to his schedule. His expertise and knowledge of his equipment and local trees and the environment was phenomenal. He always had time to explain the process and offer advice towards future development issues. He came in under his quote!
— Ronald LeMay, Google review
★★★★★
Cody's crew are remarkable !
Attention to detail tops,
Communication tops,
Skill level, definitely worth every penny.
Cody has done the first three phases on our home estate project and we will definitely be using Earth Works Construction for the next 42 phases.
Thank you Cody.
Sincerely,
Casey Osborn, Sequimite since 99.
— Casey Osborn, Google review
★★★★★
Hired Holmes Earth Construction after interviewing 5 companies. He made the most sense about anticipating costs and expectations. It's the best decision I've made on my home build. He's worked with neighbors on the impacts, objectively advised me on decisions regarding developing my property. Don't go with anyone else.
— Richard Purcell, Google review
★★★★★
Cody did a wonderful job for preparing a building site. He gave us a fair price, was always upfront with us about some of the issues he encountered and left the site in good shape for the builders. We appreciated his work ethic and the advice he gave us. We will certainly use him again if the need arises.
— Susan Jansen, Google review
★★★★★
Cody was great to work with. He helped bring our vision to life for our 5 acre property which involved selective clearing (oftentimes difficult due to saving as many trees as possible), roadbuilding and trenching. He has an eye for detail and suggested alternative ways to do things when it made more sense but was always mindful of what we wanted as customers and our goals. We would definitely work with Holmes Earth Construction again!
— Brian, Google review
★★★★★
Cody did great work on a large clearing project, communicated throughout the process, and had some great ideas on ways to maximize the budget efficiency. You can tell he cares about delivering the best result and not just doing the job as asked. I look forward to the next project--actually starting the building--and will be calling him first for any earthwork needs in the future.
— Matt Austin, Google review
★★★★★
Cody and Steve worked tirelessly to make sure the job was done, staying late and coming early, addressing all concerns and doing a great job of communicating along the way. We were so impressed by Cody's diligence, attention to detail and the level of integrity he brought to the project.
— Tod Jones, Google review
★★★★★
We are extremely satisfied with the work Cody and his team did for us! Everyone we interacted with were top-notch professionals. We appreciate how Cody and Krissy consistently looked for ways to save us money and get us the best pricing possible. We’ll definitely call them again for any future projects!
— Amy Haas, Google review
★★★★★
We were well satisfied with the French drains Cody put in to take care of our standing water and runoff problems. He was very easy to work with. Affordable, efficient, and the backhoe he used on our job was surprisingly quiet. I recommend him.
— Mark Sloan, Google review
★★★★★
Couldn’t be happier. Very professional, timely service, excellent communication, and stayed within our budget. Will be hiring them again!
— Summer Skye, Google review

Built One Project at a Time

  1. Holmes Earth Construction was founded in Washington in 2021 after Cody and Krissy decided to combine Cody’s field experience with their shared work ethic and build a company of their own.

  2. What began as a small family business grew through determination, customer referrals and relationships with homeowners, contractors, suppliers and other industry professionals. Along the way, the company developed the experience and resources to perform residential excavation, rural property improvements, commercial sitework and complex cleanup and restoration projects.

  3. Today, North Idaho is both our family’s home and the home base for Holmes Earth Construction. We are committed to becoming a trusted, long-term part of the local community while continuing to build our reputation one project and one relationship at a time.

  4. As our company grows, our foundation remains the same: direct owner involvement, honest communication, quality workmanship and personal responsibility for every project carrying the Holmes name.

Cody Holmes, co-owner of Holmes Earth Construction

Cody Holmes

Co-Owner, Lead Equipment Operator and Certified Arborist

Cody brings years of hands-on experience in excavation, heavy-equipment operation, tree work and site development. His experience includes land clearing, grading, roads and driveways, building pads, drainage, underground utilities, septic installation, demolition, retaining work, hazardous-tree removal and difficult-access projects.

As a certified arborist, Cody brings additional knowledge of tree health, hazardous-tree assessment, land clearing and the relationship between trees, soil, drainage and surrounding improvements. This allows him to look at the entire property and recommend solutions that consider both immediate construction needs and long-term site conditions.

Cody also has experience working in high-stress and safety-sensitive situations where risk awareness, clear judgment and calm decision-making are essential. That experience carries into complex excavation, hazardous-tree work, fire-damaged properties and projects where conditions can change quickly.

He holds a Class A Commercial Driver’s License and an Idaho Basic Septic Installer license. Cody takes pride in operating equipment efficiently, protecting the customer’s property and completing work correctly—not merely quickly.

Krissy Holmes, co-owner of Holmes Earth Construction

Krissy Holmes

Co-Owner and Business Operations Manager

Krissy manages customer communication, estimating, proposals, contracts, scheduling, billing and project coordination. She helps customers understand what is included in their project, what circumstances may affect the final cost and what information is needed before work begins.

Her role is to keep the details organized and maintain clear communication between customers, Cody, subcontractors, suppliers and other professionals involved in the project. Krissy’s focus on transparency, documentation and follow-through helps customers feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Our Services in Athol, ID

Excavation Services by Holmes Earth Construction in Athol, ID
Site Prep01

Excavation
Services

Are you ready to add a new shed or drain system to your property in Athol, Coeur d’Alene or elsewhere in North Idaho? Do you dream of adding a new driveway to your home?

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Survey stakes and flagging marking out a cleared building lot for assessment
Planning04

Site
Assessment

A site assessment for land is a detailed evaluation of a property to identify potential environmental risks associated with its use.

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Areas We Serve

Holmes Earth Construction provides professional excavation, site preparation, property development, general contracting, land clearing, grading, and wildfire mitigation services in Coeur d’Alene and throughout Northern Idaho. Our team helps residential and commercial property owners prepare land for new construction, improve drainage, clear overgrown lots, and protect properties through strategic fire prevention solutions. With a focus on precision, safety, and reliable results, Holmes Earth Construction is your trusted partner for excavation and land development services in North Idaho.

Hover or tap a location on the map to learn more.

Washington State service area Spokane, Deer Park and Newport. Every town is also a link in this panel.
Where We Started

Washington State

Spokane, Deer Park and Newport.

We Offer Underbrush Removal Services

Protect Your Property From Wildfires

208-910-9170

Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Cody Holmes, co-owner of Holmes Earth Construction

Still have questions?

Talk to Cody directly about your property and what it needs.

208-910-9170 Get a Quote
What is Holmes Earth Construction, LLC?

Holmes Earth Construction, LLC is a trusted provider of earthwork, land clearing, grading, and excavation services. With 20 years of experience and a dedicated team, we specialize in delivering quality solutions tailored to meet residential, commercial, and industrial project needs.

Are Holmes Earth Construction, LLC licensed and insured?

Yes, Holmes Earth Construction, LLC is fully licensed and insured, ensuring that all projects are carried out safely and in compliance with industry standards. Our commitment to professionalism and accountability gives our clients peace of mind throughout the project.

How long do typical projects take?

Project duration varies depending on the scope and complexity. Small to medium earthwork or excavation projects typically take a few days to a couple of weeks, while larger, more complex jobs may require additional time. We work closely with clients to provide accurate timelines customized to each project.

Do you offer land clearing and grading services?

Absolutely. Land clearing and grading are core services offered by Holmes Earth Construction, LLC. Whether preparing a site for construction or improving drainage, we ensure the land is properly cleared and graded to optimize site conditions.

How can I contact Holmes Earth Construction, LLC?

You can reach us through our website contact form or by phone. Our team is readily available to answer any inquiries, discuss project requirements, or schedule consultations.

What types of excavation projects do they handle?

Holmes Earth Construction, LLC handles a wide range of excavation projects, including site preparation, foundation digging, trenching, pond excavation, and utility installation. Our skilled operators utilize modern equipment to complete projects efficiently and safely.

Where does Holmes Earth Construction, LLC operate?

We proudly serve clients across Northern Idaho and Washington State Areas. Our team is equipped to manage projects of various sizes throughout these areas.

What factors affect the cost of earthwork services?

Costs depend on several factors including project size, site conditions, equipment required, accessibility, and the scope of services needed. We provide transparent pricing and detailed estimates to help you make informed decisions.

What services does Holmes Earth Construction, LLC offer?

Our comprehensive services include earthwork, land clearing, site grading, excavation, trenching, pond and drainage system installation, and more. We aim to be your full-service partner for all earthmoving and site preparation needs.

Can you help if I'm not sure exactly what excavation work I need?

Yes. We regularly help property owners evaluate their site, identify challenges, and recommend practical solutions that align with their long-term goals.

How early should I contact you before starting my project?

Reaching out early allows us to review your property, discuss timelines, and help you prepare for permitting, site access, and scheduling.

How do you keep customers informed during a project?

Communication is a priority. We provide updates throughout the project so you know what has been completed, what comes next, and whether any changes are needed.

What happens if unexpected conditions are discovered during excavation?

Excavation sometimes uncovers unforeseen conditions. When that happens, we explain the situation, present available options, and work with you to determine the best solution before proceeding.

How do you ensure project costs stay predictable?

We provide clear estimates, explain project scope upfront, and communicate promptly if unexpected site conditions require adjustments.

Can you coordinate with other contractors?

Absolutely. We regularly work alongside builders, engineers, electricians, landscapers, and other professionals to keep projects moving smoothly.

How do you approach challenging properties?

Every property is unique. We evaluate site conditions, identify potential challenges early, and recommend practical solutions that help your project move forward efficiently.

Tell Us About Your Property.

Send a few details and we will get back to you. Tell us what you are planning, your timeline and anything that would help us understand the site.