Grading & Excavation

Precision Site Preparation

Every successful construction project begins below the surface. Site grading establishes the contours that direct water away from foundations, create level building pads, and ensure proper drainage across your property. Excavation opens the ground for foundations, utility trenches, basements, and underground structures. In Chicago's clay-heavy soils and high water table conditions, proper site work isn't just preparation—it's protection against the flooding, settling, and erosion that plague poorly graded properties throughout the region.

Our site work begins with topographic assessment and soil analysis. We determine existing drainage patterns, identify problem areas, and design grading plans that solve issues rather than relocate them. Excavation proceeds in controlled lifts, with spoils either stockpiled for backfill or removed as conditions require. For foundation work, we excavate to bearing depth specified by structural engineers, maintaining proper bank slopes for safety and access. Trenching for utilities follows depth and bedding requirements for each system. Compaction testing verifies that backfilled areas will support intended loads.

Finished grading transforms raw excavation into construction-ready surfaces. Rough grading establishes overall site contours and drainage swales. Fine grading achieves the precise slopes required for concrete work, paving, and landscaping. Whether preparing a residential lot for new construction, excavating for a garage addition, or regrading a yard with chronic drainage problems, proper site work creates the stable foundation everything else depends on.