Land grading is one of the first steps handled on a construction site before building can begin. Whether you’re preparing a small vegetable garden or planning a major home construction, you’ll need to know what this process entails and why it’s important. This will help you have more educated discussions with your home contractor about preparing the site.

Beginner’s Guide to Land Grading

What It Is

Grading, also known as land leveling, is the process of preparing either a level or sloped base for construction. Your home contractor will use heavy equipment to move the soil. Some common equipment used includes bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors. To prepare the desired slope, they will take the dirt from high elevations and move it to lower elevations. If dirt needs to be trucked in or out, your construction team may do that as well. If land clearing needs to be done (such as removing trees or large boulders), this must be done before grading can be handled. 

Why It’s Important

Preparing the slope before you build is essential to the project’s success. The most significant purpose behind grading is to ensure proper drainage, so water will flow away from the building. Channeling the water properly prevents water damage and avoids stagnant water that would attract mosquitos. Your home contractor will do this by sloping the land away from the home and constructing ponds or ditches to funnel water where you prefer. After it’s graded, the surface needs to be prepared with a solid base to control erosion. They may add large rocks or improve the soil to create stability.

When you work with a home contractor, they should handle every aspect of your project from the land grading to the finishing touches. Roider Contracting is known for their comprehensive, full-service assistance on projects in the Columbia, IL, area. They handle projects ranging from a custom home to a concrete patio. Read their testimonials online, and call (618) 939-0492 to request an estimate.