When your grading is done right, water flows where it’s supposed to go. Away from your foundation, away from your driveway, away from the areas where it causes expensive problems later.
You won’t get emergency calls about standing water after heavy rains. You won’t deal with soggy yards that never dry out. You won’t face costly drainage repairs because the grade wasn’t right from the start.
Your property becomes buildable, usable, and properly prepared for whatever comes next. Whether that’s new construction, landscaping, or just having a yard that actually drains properly when it rains.
Emerson Excavating and Trucking started as a logging business in 1997 and transitioned to full-time excavation in 2020. Josh runs the operation with his son as a partner, and Josh is present on almost every job to ensure quality work.
We understand how water moves through Fitch Point properties and what the soil does in different seasons. We’ve seen what works and what causes problems down the road.
This is a close-knit family business where we aim to be your excavator forever, not just the cheapest bid that disappears after the check clears.
First, we survey your property to understand the natural water flow and identify any problem areas. We look at where water currently goes and where it needs to go instead.
Next, we bring in the right equipment to move and shape the soil to create proper slopes and grades. We’re not pushing dirt around randomly – we’re creating specific grades that solve drainage problems and meet building requirements.
Before we leave, the site gets cleaned up and properly graded for drainage. You get a finished grade that’s ready for the next phase of your project, completed on the timeline we promised.
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You get a complete site evaluation to identify drainage issues before they become expensive problems. We handle all the dirt work needed to create proper slopes and grades that direct water away from structures.
We prepare your building pad to the right elevation and ensure water flows away from foundations. If you need additional fill or removal of excess soil, we handle that too. The finished grade meets local building requirements and creates a stable foundation for construction.
Fitch Point properties often deal with specific soil conditions and water patterns that we’ve learned to work with over the years. We know which areas tend to hold water and how to grade around existing trees and landscape features that you want to preserve.
Grading costs vary based on the size of your lot, how much dirt needs to be moved, and the complexity of drainage issues. Simple lot preparation might cost a few thousand dollars, while extensive grading with significant earth moving costs more.
Factors that affect price include access to your property, soil conditions, and whether additional fill dirt is needed. Rock conditions, which are common in our area, can also impact costs if we encounter ledge rock that requires specialized equipment.
The best approach is to get a site evaluation and written estimate that breaks down exactly what work is included and what you’ll pay. We provide clear estimates with no vague language or surprise additions later.
Permit requirements depend on how much earth you’re moving and what type of project you’re doing. Small residential grading projects often don’t require permits, but larger jobs or work near wetlands usually do.
New construction projects typically need grading plans as part of the building permit process. Local regulations in Fitch Point may have specific requirements about drainage and erosion control that affect what permits you need.
We know what permits are needed for different types of grading work and can help you navigate the process. We handle permit applications and utility markings as part of our service, so you don’t have to figure out the bureaucracy yourself.
Most residential grading projects take 1-3 days depending on the size of your property and complexity of the work. Simple lot preparation might be done in a day, while larger properties with significant drainage issues could take longer.
Weather conditions can affect the timeline because wet conditions make it harder to achieve proper compaction and finishing. We work in dry conditions when soil can be properly shaped and compacted for the best long-term results.
We give you a realistic timeline upfront based on what we see during the site visit, and we stick to it unless weather or unexpected underground conditions change the situation. If your project has tight deadlines, we discuss weather contingencies before we start.
Rock is common in Fitch Point and we’re equipped to handle most situations with hydraulic hammers and other rock-breaking equipment. We assess rock conditions during the initial site visit when possible, but sometimes you don’t know what’s below until you start digging.
Extensive ledge rock may require blasting, which involves additional permits and specialized contractors. If we encounter unexpected rock, we stop work, discuss options and costs, and get your approval before proceeding with rock removal.
We’re upfront about rock conditions and potential costs during the estimate process. Our equipment can handle most rock situations without bringing in additional contractors, which saves time and keeps your project moving forward.
Yes, selective grading around existing features is a big part of what we do. During the initial site visit, you show us exactly which trees and landscape features to preserve, and we mark these clearly before any work begins.
We plan equipment access routes that protect root systems and avoid damage to trunks and branches. Our operators have experience working around valuable trees and existing structures without causing damage to what you want to keep.
The key is clear communication upfront about what stays and what goes, so there are no surprises once the equipment starts working. We can grade around mature trees and create proper drainage while preserving the landscape features that matter to you.
The best results come from working in dry conditions when soil can be properly shaped and compacted. Spring and fall during dry weather are typically ideal, though we can work year-round depending on conditions.
Frozen ground is difficult to work with and doesn’t compact properly. Wet conditions create mud that can’t be properly graded or compacted, leading to settling and drainage problems later. We avoid working during extended rainy periods when possible.
If your project has timing constraints, we discuss weather contingencies upfront and plan accordingly. Sometimes limited work can be done in poor conditions, but it’s usually better to wait for proper working conditions to ensure quality results that last.
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