Definition
Grading is the process of reshaping land—moving earth around to create level building pads, establish proper drainage, and prepare sites for construction. It sounds simple but can be incredibly expensive depending on your topography. A hillside property might require tens of thousands in grading costs.
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Grading involves moving earth to create level building pads, establish proper drainage slopes, and prepare sites for construction. Costs depend on topography and soil conditions.
Pro Tip
Request grading plans early in development. If you're planning a project on uneven land, grading is often your largest hidden cost. Get estimates from contractors before finalizing site plans.
Example
Cutting 15 feet from a hilltop and filling a valley to create level building sites.