Land Grading and Site Grading
Precision grading services for building pads, parking lots, roads, and drainage across South Florida. We coordinate licensed contractors with the expertise to achieve proper elevations and slopes for your construction project.
From rough grading for new developments to final grading for building pads, our network of licensed contractors delivers precise, code-compliant grading solutions tailored to South Florida's unique conditions including high water tables, flood zones, and coastal soil characteristics.
Who This Service Is For
Our land grading and site grading services serve general contractors, developers, custom home builders, commercial property owners, and high-end homeowners who need precise elevation control and proper drainage for their projects.
Whether you're preparing a building pad for a new home, grading a parking lot for a commercial development, or fixing drainage problems on an existing property, we coordinate contractors with the right equipment and expertise for your specific needs.
Typical Project Sizes
Land grading projects typically start around $25,000 for residential building pads and can range from $50,000 to $250,000+ for large commercial developments, parking lots, or comprehensive site regrading projects.
Common Problems This Solves
Our land grading and site grading services address common challenges faced by property owners and developers in South Florida:
- Flooding and Standing Water: Improper site elevations cause water to pool around structures, leading to foundation damage, mold, and property devaluation. Proper grading redirects water away from buildings and eliminates standing water.
- Failed Compaction: Inadequate soil compaction leads to settling, foundation cracks, and structural problems. Proper grading includes correct compaction techniques to ensure stable foundations.
- Drainage Issues: Poor site slopes prevent water from draining properly, causing erosion, landscape damage, and water intrusion. Grading creates proper slopes and drainage paths.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Properties in FEMA flood zones must meet specific elevation requirements. Grading ensures building pads are elevated above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required.
- Permitting Challenges: Grading projects require multiple permits from county building departments and SFWMD. We help navigate the permitting process and ensure compliance.
- High Water Table Issues: South Florida's high water table affects grading depth and requires proper dewatering and drainage systems. Our contractors understand these challenges.
Service Areas
View location-specific land grading and site grading services:
Land Grading and Site Grading in Miami, FL
Precision grading services for Miami-Dade County with DTPW standards, RER permits, and DERM compliance
Land Grading and Site Grading in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Precision grading services for Broward County with DER permits, SFWMD compliance, and coastal construction standards
Land Grading and Site Grading in West Palm Beach, FL
Precision grading services for Palm Beach County with Building Division permits, ERM review, and ULDC compliance
Land Grading and Site Grading in Florida Keys, FL
Precision grading services for Monroe County, Florida Keys with coral rock excavation and flood zone compliance
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized land grading and site grading services:
House Pad Grading and Building Pads
Precision grading for residential and commercial building pads
Parking Lot and Driveway Grading
Grading for parking lots, driveways, and access roads
Road and Access Drive Grading
Grading for roads, access drives, and subdivision infrastructure
Rough and Final Grading for New Developments
Complete grading services for new developments
Regrading for Drainage Problems
Site regrading to fix existing drainage issues
Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control
Grading and stabilization of slopes to prevent erosion
South Florida Grading Considerations
Grading in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- Flood Zone Elevations: Properties in flood zones must be graded to specific elevations above base flood elevation (BFE) as required by FEMA and local building codes.
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table affects grading depth, compaction, and drainage design. Proper dewatering and drainage systems are essential.
- Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas have unique soil characteristics including sand, limestone, and organic materials that affect grading techniques and compaction requirements.
- Stormwater Management: Grading must incorporate proper drainage and stormwater management to meet South Florida Water Management District and county requirements.
- Permit Requirements: Grading projects typically require permits from county building departments, and may require SFWMD permits for land disturbance and stormwater management.
The Grading Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your grading project meets all specifications and regulatory requirements:
- Site Assessment: We review your site plans, engineering drawings, and survey data to understand grading requirements and identify any challenges.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required grading permits and coordinate with local building departments and regulatory agencies.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment and experience for your specific grading needs.
- Grading Execution: Contractors perform rough grading, fine grading, and final grading to achieve precise elevations and slopes per engineering specifications.
- Compaction and Testing: Proper soil compaction is achieved and tested to meet building code requirements for foundation support.
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections to ensure grading meets all specifications and is ready for building construction or paving.
Related Services
Land grading often works in combination with other site work services. You may also need:
- Drainage and Stormwater Solutions: Proper grading must work with drainage systems to manage water flow. Many grading projects include drainage installation.
- Excavation and Earthwork: Large grading projects often require significant excavation and earthmoving to achieve proper elevations.
- Site Work and Site Development: Complete site development packages include grading as part of comprehensive site preparation.
- Land Clearing and Lot Preparation: Grading typically follows land clearing to prepare sites for construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rough grading and final grading?
Rough grading is the initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations and slopes. Final grading is the precise finishing work to achieve exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings, typically within 0.1 feet of specified elevations.
Do I need permits for land grading?
Yes, grading projects typically require permits from county building departments. Projects involving significant land disturbance may also require SFWMD environmental resource permits. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How much does building pad grading cost?
Building pad grading costs vary based on size, site conditions, and required earthwork. Typical residential building pads range from $25,000 to $75,000, while commercial pads can range from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on scope.
Can grading fix drainage problems?
Yes, regrading is often an effective solution for drainage problems. By adjusting site elevations and slopes, we can redirect water flow away from structures and eliminate standing water. This is often combined with drainage system installation for comprehensive solutions.