Usually, when a piece of land is being prepared for a new project, like an addition to the house or renovation, land grading is done. You might also do land grading when there is an issue with the drainage that affects the foundation.
Some of the times when you would need to land grade would be:
- Building a new home on a piece of land
- Making an addition to a house
- Building a concrete patio or new driveway
- Fixing a drainage issue
- Countering soil erosion
When you’re looking to grade your land, there are four things you should know: how land grading is done, who does it, how it will help, and the steps to make it happen.
How Is Land Grading Done?
Land grading means leveling a piece of land so that it is stable and flat enough to serve as a foundation for a house or a driveway. This means filling any potholes, removing any mounds and bumps, and compacting the new soil so that it forms a solid base. If the land grading is to fix a drainage problem, it requires removing the topsoil, leveling the site, and then pouring on new topsoil.
Land grading, also known as yard grading or yard leveling, will often require the use of heavy equipment like a skid steer roller, an excavator, or a backhoe. Because the project requires heavy machinery, it’s best to hire professionals to do it for you; they will do it faster and better.
Who Does Land Grading?
Land surveyors and building contractors get together to hash things out as they survey the plot. They measure the slope grading of the land. This helps them figure out how much leveling the land will need.
If your land’s problem is drainage, where water flows towards the house instead of away from it, these same people can help you fix that problem as well.
How Does Grading Help?
The most important part of a building is a strong foundation. If your land hasn’t been properly graded, every rain or storm will have all the water pooling around your home. This leads to cracks and damage to the foundation. If the foundation is shaky, nothing you build on it is going to be very stable.
A properly graded piece of land will ensure there is no negative drainage, and your home will stand strong for generations to come.
Important Steps for Land Grading
Here are the most important steps to keep in mind:
- Hire a professional
- Do not work during the rainy season
- Create a buffer zone of vegetation
- Recycle dirt to save yourself time & money
- Make sure the backfilling is done properly
- Understand the regulations regarding land grading in your area
Find a Professional Land Grading Company
Do your research and make sure to find a qualified professional who has the necessary license and permits. They should also have experience in land grading. A piece of land that is properly leveled and has been graded for proper drainage will protect the foundation of your home for years to come. Get in touch with the land grading experts at Rock On Walls and Falls.