Pricing & minimums
What postholes cost
Mr. Posthole's drilling minimum is $350 in the Fowlerville and Howell area, $400 in the Lansing area and $500 in the Detroit area. Other areas are priced by distance. Dig and set, concrete piers and ground screw installation each have a $600 minimum. The price depends on how many holes you need, how wide and how deep.
Drilling minimums
What do postholes cost?
Mr. Posthole's minimum for local jobs in the Fowlerville and Howell area is $350. For comparison, our minimum is $400 in the Lansing area and $500 in the Detroit area. Other areas are priced by distance.
Every job is a little different. The price depends on how many holes you need, how wide and how deep. Fill out the contact form and Kirk will give you an accurate estimate based on your location and what you're building.
- Drilling minimum, Fowlerville and Howell area
- $350
- Fowlerville and Howell area
- Drilling minimum, Lansing area
- $400
- Lansing area
- Drilling minimum, Detroit area
- $500
- Detroit area
Drilling only · Other areas are priced by distance.
These are drilling-only minimums. Dig and set, concrete piers and ground screws have their own $600 minimums.
- Single hole (e.g. a mailbox post)when Kirk is already working nearby$250
- Spoils removalWe can remove the spoils from drilling.from $350
“Kirk was able to get out and get the holes we needed dug within hours. The communication and service was hands down the best we've experienced. Upfront and transparent about timeline and cost. They will be my first call every time.”
“Kirk at Mr. Posthole was excellent to deal with and did a great job for us. On time, professional, and a very fair price.”
Post setting
Dig and set, per post
Dig and set. You supply the posts. We drill the holes, supply the concrete and set your posts plumb. Dig-and-set jobs get a reduced drilling fee, plus a per-post setting charge:
| Hole | Post | Per post |
|---|---|---|
| 8″ | 4x4 fence post | $50 |
| 10″ | 4x4 post for gates or fences over 7' | $80 |
| 10″ | 6x6 fence post | $60 |
| 12″ | 6x6 post for gates or fences over 7' | $90 |
Dig-and-set jobs have a $600 minimum. Setting posts takes an extra person, the mixer, a run for materials, and often a second trip to set after the hole inspection.
Concrete piers
Concrete piers, per pier
Concrete piers. We dig, supply and pour the concrete, and set your brackets or J-hooks. You supply the brackets or J-hooks, plus Sonotube forms if you want them.
| Pier diameter | Per pier |
|---|---|
| 8″ | $80 |
| 10″ | $90 |
| 12″ | $110 |
| Larger than 12″ | Contact us for pricing |
Prices are for standard 42-inch-deep piers. Deeper piers, like footings next to a foundation, are quoted.
Concrete pier jobs have a $600 minimum.
Ground screws
Ground screws, per screw
- Ground screws: $149–$210 per screw, including the screw, flange and hardware
- Installation: $75 per screw, with a $600 minimum installation charge
Every ground screw installation includes:
- Tributary load calculations
- A permit drawing calling out each pier
- ICC-ES ESR-4226 and the State of Michigan Certificate of Acceptability of Product for your permit application
- A torque report after installation
Every job
What's included
MISS DIG
Kirk files the ticket and doesn't drill without clearance.
Ground protection mats
Fiberglass composite mats under the machine on lawns, driveways and walks.
Plumb holes
An LED inclinometer on every hole, to depth.
Insured crew
General liability and workers' comp. Certificate on request.
Holes up to 10' deep
Deep holes are no problem, including the hard ones right next to a foundation.
Re-drill guarantee
If a hole isn't plumb or to depth, Kirk redrills it free.
Kirk's take
Hire it out, or rent a machine?
Renting a mini skid steer with an auger around here runs about $350 to $375 before delivery, and about $500 delivered. Then you're running it yourself, calling MISS DIG yourself, and carrying the risk.
For comparison: most deck and fence jobs we drill run $350–$450, MISS DIG and mats included.
Customers on doing it themselves
“I was in a bind and needed 11 holes dug in less than 48hrs. Kirk was extremely generous and fit me in the very next morning. After hiring him I was reassured that I had made the right decision and so grateful I hadn't pursued renting equipment to do the job ourselves. It was too close to the house for comfort and needed someone who knew how to operate the machinery. I got other quotes that were not nearly as generous as his. He had the best price, the best attitude, is kindhearted, thorough and overall the man you want for the job! Will be recommending to anyone who needs this work.”
“He did a great job! He finished 20 post holes that were 4" wide and 42" deep in less than an hour. Communication was excellent, he showed up on time, and worked really fast. Highly recommend his post hole digging services. Pricing was good and beat digging 20 holes by hand.”
“Kirk was kind enough to go out of his way to dig a few holes at my house when he was done at my neighbor's. Value for time is certainly there. He did in 20 minutes what I tried to accomplish in hours with a gas 2 person digger. He even gave me a decent discount because in his own words, "it didn't take that long". Well now I get to finish putting my fence up. Thanks Kirk!”
FAQ
Pricing questions
How soon can you come out?
Most projects are planned, so figure about three business days. Kirk files a MISS DIG ticket for every job, and MISS DIG needs 72 business hours (Mon–Fri) to clear: A ticket submitted Friday at noon clears the following Wednesday at noon. He doesn't drill without clearance.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes. If a hole isn't plumb or to depth, Kirk redrills it free.
What's your minimum charge?
For drilling, $350 in the Fowlerville and Howell area, $400 in the Lansing area and $500 in the Detroit area. Other areas are priced by distance. Dig and set, concrete piers and ground screw installation each have a $600 minimum.
Can you drill just one hole, like for a mailbox post?
Yes. A single hole is $250 when Kirk is already working nearby. Otherwise the minimum applies.
What sets the price?
The depth, diameter and number of holes, and where the project is. Most deck and fence projects run $350–$450. Call or text with those details and Kirk will give you a number.
What happens to the dirt?
We can remove the spoils from drilling. Haul-away starts at $350, or we can move the dirt wherever you want it on the property.
What do ground screws cost?
Ground screws: $149–$210 per screw, including the screw, flange and hardware. Installation: $75 per screw, with a $600 minimum installation charge. Every ground screw installation includes tributary load calculations, a permit drawing calling out each pier, ICC-ES ESR-4226 and the other documents for your permit application, and a torque report after installation.
What do concrete piers cost?
Concrete piers are priced per pier: 8 in pier: $80; 10 in pier: $90; 12 in pier: $110; larger than 12 in: contact us for pricing. We dig, supply and pour the concrete, and set your brackets or J-hooks; you supply the brackets or J-hooks, and Sonotube forms if you want them. Prices are for standard 42-inch-deep piers. Deeper piers, like footings next to a foundation, are quoted. Concrete pier jobs have a $600 minimum.
What does post setting cost?
Dig-and-set jobs get a reduced drilling fee, plus a per-post setting charge: $50 for a 4x4 fence post (8 in hole); $80 for a 4x4 post for gates or fences over 7' (10 in hole); $60 for a 6x6 fence post (10 in hole); $90 for a 6x6 post for gates or fences over 7' (12 in hole). You supply the posts; we supply the concrete. Dig-and-set jobs have a $600 minimum.
Call Kirk for a number.
Most jobs get priced on the phone. Have the address, the number of holes, and how wide and deep. Mon–Sat 7am–7pm.