Apex Directional Drilling — a trusted leader in trenchless construction and underground infrastructure throughout the Bay Area. Led by David Lara, we bring 20+ years of HDD experience to every project.
Apex Directional Drilling (Core Engineering Inc.) is a trusted leader in trenchless construction and underground infrastructure solutions throughout the Bay Area. We specialize in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install critical utilities with unmatched precision and minimal surface disruption.
Founded by David Lara, Apex has grown into one of the Bay Area's most relied-upon underground utility contractors — serving residential homeowners, general contractors, PG&E subcontractors, commercial property owners, and city agencies from Santa Clara to Carmel Valley.
David Lara, President & Principal — (408) 849-6200
From a tight driveway crossing to a full PG&E utility package — every bore, trench, and fusion handled with precision. Our directional drilling expertise allows us to complete underground installations without tearing up landscapes, driveways, or structures, while our open-trench capabilities guarantee full access when required.
Whether you're tackling new construction, utility upgrades, or emergency repairs, Apex delivers high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs.
We use the DCI TeraTrak R1 GPS terrain mapping system — the first real-time GPS tool for HDD — to plan every bore with exact elevation data, marked utilities, and waypoints.
OSHA-certified shoring on every open trench project. USA 811 notifications, utility locating, and hydrovac potholing before every bore — no exceptions, no shortcuts.
We communicate clearly, arrive on time, work clean, and leave the site better than we found it. Operating in dense Bay Area neighborhoods means minimizing disruption is non-negotiable.
From bore planning to full asphalt restoration — one contractor for the entire job. No handoffs, no coordination gaps, no finger-pointing between trades.
Full PG&E documentation, city permit packages, crossbore drawings, as-builts, and compaction testing — we handle every piece of paperwork the project requires.
Trenchless first — every time. We protect your landscaping, driveway, and hardscape. If we need to open trench, we restore it to better-than-original condition.
Tight-access bores for ADUs, EV chargers, solar, sewer, water, and power — without touching your landscaping or driveway.
Underground utility packages for new construction, remodels, and multi-family developments across the Bay Area.
Full PG&E gas, electric, and joint trench packages with complete OQ documentation, crossbore paperwork, and ITS card scanning.
Large-scale HDD for parking lots, business parks, and industrial applications — with zero business interruption.
Road crossings, municipal utility upgrades, and infrastructure replacements with full traffic control and permit management.
Utility infrastructure for ADU programs, infill housing, and commercial development across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties.