Rough and Final Grading for New Developments
Complete grading services for new developments across South Florida, from rough grading for initial site preparation to final grading to precise elevations before building construction.
New developments require coordinated grading operations across multiple phases. Our network of licensed contractors delivers rough grading to establish site grades, followed by final grading to achieve exact elevations specified in engineering drawings.
Who This Service Is For
Rough and final grading services are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, and anyone preparing large sites for new construction projects.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision, commercial complex, or multi-phase residential project, proper grading sequencing ensures site preparation is completed efficiently and meets all engineering specifications. We coordinate contractors to handle both rough and final grading phases.
Typical Project Sizes
Rough and final grading for new developments typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 for smaller developments, and $200,000 to $1,000,000+ for large subdivision or commercial developments depending on site size, required earthwork, and number of lots or building pads.
What Rough and Final Grading Includes
Rough Grading
Initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations and establish general site grades. Rough grading removes excess material or adds fill to bring the site to within a few inches of final elevations, preparing the site for fine grading work.
Fine Grading
Precise grading work to achieve exact elevations specified in engineering drawings, typically within 0.1 feet of specified elevations. Fine grading creates the exact slopes and contours required for building pads, roads, and infrastructure.
Building Pad Grading
Grading individual building pads to precise elevations for foundation construction. Each building pad must be graded to exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings, with proper compaction for foundation support.
Road and Infrastructure Grading
Grading for roads, access drives, and infrastructure to proper elevations and slopes. Road grading includes proper crown, cross-slopes, and drainage features to ensure effective water management and safe vehicle access.
Drainage Grading
Grading to create proper drainage slopes and direct water to stormwater systems. Drainage grading ensures water flows away from structures and toward drainage inlets, swales, or retention areas as specified in drainage design.
Final Site Preparation
Final grading and site preparation to ensure all areas meet engineering specifications and are ready for building construction. This includes final compaction, elevation verification, and coordination with building contractors.
South Florida Development Grading Considerations
Grading for new developments in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- Phased Grading Operations: Large developments require phased grading to coordinate with utility installation, road construction, and building schedules. Rough grading establishes general grades, while final grading is completed just before building construction.
- Stormwater Management: Development grading must incorporate proper drainage and stormwater management to meet South Florida Water Management District and county requirements. Grading must work in conjunction with retention areas and drainage systems.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Developments in flood zones must have building pads and infrastructure graded to specific elevations above base flood elevation. This affects grading depth and may require additional fill material.
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table affects grading depth and compaction. Proper dewatering may be required, and building pads may need to be elevated above the water table for foundation stability.
- Permit Requirements: Development grading typically requires permits from county building departments and may require additional permits from SFWMD for stormwater management and land disturbance. Large developments may require phased permit approvals.
- Engineering Specifications: All grading must meet exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings. Contractors must have the equipment and expertise to achieve precise elevations, typically within 0.1 feet of specified grades.
The Development Grading Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your development grading meets all specifications and regulatory requirements:
- Project Review: We review your engineering drawings, site plans, and development schedule to understand grading requirements and identify any challenges. This includes coordinating with utility providers and other contractors.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required grading permits and coordinate with local building departments and regulatory agencies. Large developments may require phased permit approvals and inspections.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (graders, compactors, laser-guided systems) and experience for large-scale development grading.
- Rough Grading: Contractors perform initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations across the development site. Rough grading establishes general grades and prepares the site for utility installation and fine grading.
- Utility Coordination: Grading is coordinated with utility installation to ensure proper sequencing. Utilities must be installed before final grading in most areas to avoid damage to graded surfaces.
- Final Grading: Precise grading work using laser-guided equipment to achieve exact elevations specified in engineering drawings. Final grading is completed just before building construction to ensure precise elevations.
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final grading inspections with building departments and engineers to ensure all areas meet specifications and are ready for building construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rough grading and final grading?
Rough grading is the initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations, typically within a few inches of final elevations. Rough grading establishes general site grades and prepares the site for utility installation. Final grading is the precise finishing work to achieve exact elevations specified in engineering drawings, typically within 0.1 feet of specified grades. Final grading is completed just before building construction.
When should rough grading be done in a development?
Rough grading is typically done early in the development process, after land clearing and before utility installation. Rough grading establishes general site grades and prepares the site for infrastructure work. It should be completed before roads and utilities are installed to avoid damage to graded surfaces.
How much does development grading cost?
Development grading costs vary based on site size, number of lots or building pads, required earthwork, and site conditions. Typical smaller developments range from $50,000 to $200,000, while large subdivisions or commercial developments can range from $200,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on scope. Factors affecting cost include site access, required earthwork, drainage complexity, and permit requirements.
Do developments need special permits for grading?
Yes, development grading typically requires permits from county building departments and may require additional permits from SFWMD for stormwater management and land disturbance. Large developments may require phased permit approvals and coordination with multiple regulatory agencies. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How precise does final grading need to be?
Final grading must achieve elevations within 0.1 feet (1.2 inches) of specified elevations in engineering drawings. Slopes must match specified grades exactly. This precision is critical for foundation stability, code compliance, and proper drainage. Our contractors use laser-guided grading equipment to achieve this precision.
Service Locations
We coordinate rough and final grading for new developments across all of South Florida. Select your location to learn more about development grading services in your area: