Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Excavation Services in Northern Michigan
Tri-County Excavating has been a trusted name in Northern Michigan's construction industry since 1989. Founded by Ben Sackrider and led by owner Phil Vandermus since 2001, our company combines decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. We specialize in residential and commercial excavating, site development, road building, seawall construction, and shoreline protection, employing 20-25 skilled professionals who bring expertise to every project. Our fleet of heavy equipment ensures timely completion of jobs ranging from small residential sites to large-scale municipal projects.As one of the few local companies specializing in seawalls, we deliver durable solutions tailored to Michigan's unique terrain. Our partnership with engineering firms enables comprehensive design and planning support for clients. With a focus on recycling construction waste since 2000, we maintain our status as a green contractor while providing materials of superior quality. Our team's dedication to excellence, combined with 30+ years of local knowledge, positions us as a leader in excavation services across Northern Lower Michigan and parts of the Upper Peninsula.
Services
Residential Excavation
Septic Systems
Site Development
Road Building
Land Clearing
Snow Plowing
Demolition
Shoreline Protection
Underground Utilities
Material Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of Northern Michigan excavation experience
- Specialize in seawall construction and shoreline protection
- 20+ skilled employees with diverse construction expertise
- Environmentally responsible practices since 2000
- Modern equipment fleet for efficient project completion
Services
Residential Excavation
We provide comprehensive residential excavation services including basement digging, foundation preparation, and crawl space creation. Our experienced team handles lot grading, garage excavations, and site preparation for new home construction. Using modern equipment, we ensure precise grading and proper drainage solutions for Northern Michigan's unique soil conditions.
Septic Systems
Our septic system installation includes gravity, pump, and pressurized systems tailored to property needs. We handle complete water and sewer line installations for residential properties, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our experts design systems that accommodate varying soil types and groundwater conditions in Northern Michigan.
Site Development
We specialize in commercial and industrial site development, including dirt balancing, road construction, and lot preparation. Our services cover clearing and grubbing for subdivisions, creating cul-de-sacs, and preparing construction sites for commercial buildings. We integrate underground utility installation with surface grading for complete site readiness.
Road Building
Our road construction services include municipal street reconstruction, new road development, and driveway installation. We handle curbs, sidewalks, and underground water/sewer infrastructure. We work with multiple materials including gravel, limestone, concrete, and asphalt to create durable surfaces for residential subdivisions and commercial properties.
Demolition
We safely demolish commercial and residential structures, including warehouses and garages. Our services include debris removal and site preparation for new construction. We handle both complete building demolition and selective dismantling projects, ensuring proper disposal of materials while preparing sites for redevelopment.
People
Phil Vandermus
Owner
Owner Phil Vandermus has led Tri-County Excavating since 2001 after joining in 1995 as Estimator/Project Engineer. With over 25 years in the industry, he oversees daily operations and maintains the company's commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Northern Lower Michigan including Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and parts of the Upper Peninsula.
What makes you different from other excavators?
We're one of the few local companies specializing in seawall construction and have maintained environmentally responsible practices since 2000.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we provide excavation services for both residential home sites and large-scale commercial developments across Northern Michigan.
Are your estimates free?
Yes, we offer free estimates for all projects. Our staff is available to discuss your specific needs at no cost.
How experienced is your team?
With over 30 years in business and 20+ skilled employees, our team has extensive experience in excavation, site development, and road building.
