If you are building a new house, a vital step in the process is land grading, which levels the ground for a smooth building area. Before any building begins, hiring a grading contractor can give your new construction many benefits. Below are a few reasons to include this in your plans.

The Importance of Land Grading

1. Proper Drainage

The most significant benefit of hiring a grading contractor for your new construction is drainage. Ensuring that water is flowing away from any structures protects your home from floods and foundation damage. Grading also guides water away from neighboring structures so that their property is safe from flooding, as well.

2. Stable Foundation

Grading creates a leveled surface that is ready for building. Besides your home, grading also prepares the ground for other features like a driveway, patio, garden features, sheds, and detached garages. The process will add layers and slopes so that you can include stairs, rock walls, water features, and different aspects of your landscape design.

3. Landscape Protection

Because land grading helps with drainage, it also boosts your soil quality. Without grading, your property risks areas of standing water, making it challenging to plant flowers. The ground will become too saturated to retain necessary nutrients, preventing roots from setting. Standing water is also the perfect environment for pest infestations such as mosquitoes, which can lead to illnesses.

4. Property Organization

Grading helps organize your property, and with the right topography, you can create an area with top-notch curb appeal. You can surround the home with an appealing and dynamic layout, complete with patio, pathways, retaining walls, and more. Since people tend to stick to lower levels as they walk, land grading also helps guide traffic around your home, creating paths for people to follow as they walk around your lot.

5. Erosion Prevention

A common problem from improper grading is soil erosion. With adequate drainage, you can stop the ground from washing away too quickly. After contouring the area, planting trees and shrubs will also help keep the ground stable. Grading contractors may work in sections to protect existing vegetation and allow you to plant new areas quickly, keeping the ground healthy. 

For a grading contractor in Ashland, MO, contact C.L. Richardson Construction. The excavating company brings more than 65 years of experience to every job, as well as top-notch customer care for commercial and residential clients. In addition to land grading and excavation, they can also assist with driveways, trenching, and road construction. To make an appointment, call (573) 657-9557. Visit them online for a look at their offerings.