Business Details
48 Years
experience
Professional Excavation & Construction Services in Dubuque
Since 1978, McDermott Excavating has delivered innovative excavation and site development solutions to municipalities, developers, educational institutions, manufacturers, and homeowners across Eastern Iowa. Founded by Larry McDermott and now led by his daughter Tara Duggan, we combine decades of technical expertise with creative problem-solving to execute complex projects successfully. Our team prioritizes safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility while maintaining strict adherence to budgets and timelines. As a 100% woman-owned business, we hold certifications from the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the U.S.Womens Chamber of Commerce. Our reputation for transforming challenging sites into functional spaces has made us a trusted partner for diverse construction needs, from utility excavation to large-scale demolition.
Services
Site Work
Utility Excavation
Demolition
Trucking
Concrete Removal
Greenhouse Excavation
Dirt Transport
Sewer Installation
Site Preparation
Restaurant Renovation
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 44 years of combined experience leading complex excavation projects
- 100% woman-owned with state and national certifications
- Specialized problem-solving for difficult site conditions
- Safety-first approach with dedicated employee training programs
- Local expertise serving Eastern Iowa communities
Associations and certifications
- Iowa Department of Economic Development - Targeted Small Business Certification
- U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce - Women-Owned Small Business Certification
Services
Excavation
Our excavation services prepare construction sites through precise earth-moving operations. We handle large-scale dirt removal, grading, and foundation trenching for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Using specialized equipment, our team creates stable ground conditions for subsequent construction phases while minimizing environmental impact.
Demolition
Professional demolition services dismantle buildings and concrete structures safely and efficiently. We manage debris removal, recycling materials when possible. Our equipment crushes concrete on-site for reuse in base layers. This service suits commercial redevelopment, residential teardowns, and industrial site clearance projects of various scales.
Trucking
Our fleet handles bulk material transportation for construction projects. We move dirt, aggregates, and demolition debris between sites. Trucking services include off-site disposal coordination and on-site material redistribution. This capability supports large-scale projects requiring 300,000+ tons material movement within strict timelines.
Utility Installation
We install underground utility systems for water, sewer, and storm drainage. Our excavation precision creates proper trench conditions for pipe laying. This service supports new subdivisions, municipal upgrades, and commercial site development. We coordinate with utility providers for safe, code-compliant installations meeting local regulations.
Concrete Removal
Specialized equipment breaks up and removes concrete surfaces including parking lots, foundations, and industrial flooring. We process removed material on-site when possible, reducing disposal costs. This service works for infrastructure upgrades, site redevelopments, and preparation for new construction projects requiring complete surface replacement.
People
Larry McDermott
Founder
Founded the company in 1978, establishing its reputation for quality excavation work. Led business operations for 37 years before transitioning ownership to his daughter, maintaining focus on safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Tara Duggan
Owner
Current owner with extensive construction industry experience. Maintains family legacy while expanding certifications as woman-owned business leader. Oversees operations ensuring continued commitment to quality, safety, and client-focused solutions for excavation projects.
Questions
What types of excavation projects do you handle?
We work on residential, commercial, municipal, and institutional projects including site preparation, foundation digging, and large-scale earthmoving operations.
Are you certified as a woman-owned business?
Yes, we hold certifications from both the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.
What special equipment do you use?
Our fleet includes excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, and crushing equipment to handle projects from small residential jobs to large industrial sites.
Do you handle material transportation?
Yes, our trucking services move dirt, debris, and construction materials between locations, supporting large-scale projects requiring bulk transportation.
What safety measures do you implement?
We maintain comprehensive safety programs with regular employee training, equipment inspections, and adherence to OSHA standards for all excavation and demolition operations.
