Building a new home is an exciting project to undertake, allowing you to personalize the design and create a space that suits your family’s needs. However, there are a few steps that have to be complete before the construction can begin, one of which is grading. It’s an essential part of the land clearing process that will ensure the property is ready for your home.

What Is Grading?

It’s the step that occurs once the land clearing crew removes all the tree stumps and boulders from the property. They’ll bring in a machine with a large, shovel-like blade attached at the middle.

As they maneuver it across the length of the lot, the blade will scrape along the ground and level out the surface. It’s the sharpness of the blade and the weight of the machine that causes the soil to give way.

Why Is Grading Important?

It’s the part of the land clearing process that determines the shape of the property. Rather than leaving the home susceptible to puddling around the foundation and flooding in the basement, contractors can increase the angle of the lawn so that it naturally drains away from the structure.

All they have to do is pile up the dirt where the construction will take place and smooth out the surface to create a slope.

What Is the Process for Grading?

There are two portions to the process – rough grading and final grading. Rough grading is when the contractors use the machine to actually shape the property to your specification. This can include the angle of the driveway as well as varying heights for landscape features and additional structures.

Once they establish a basic layout, they’ll spread out a layer of topsoil. This softer material provides a finished appearance and readies the property for liners, sod, and other landscaping materials.  

If you’re considering new construction, reach out to Gillum Excavating and Demolition. These professionals have been in the land clearing business for over 50 years and are family-owned and -operated. They maintain their own assortment of heavy machinery and provide hauling services all throughout the Chillicothe, OH, region. You can find a full list of services by visiting their website. Call (740) 773-3425 to request a quote.