Your foundation stays level because we grade for proper water flow from day one. No basement flooding, no erosion washing out your driveway after the first heavy rain, no costly fixes six months down the road.
When the grading is handled correctly upfront, your concrete pours go smoothly. Your septic system passes inspection without callbacks. Your construction timeline stays on track because we plan for Fourth Lake’s challenging terrain before we start moving dirt.
The difference shows up in how your entire project flows. No surprises about soil conditions, no waiting around for corrections, no dealing with water issues that surface after everything else is built.
We’ve been working properties throughout the Fourth Lake area for years. We’ve seen every type of soil condition this region throws at contractors, from seasonal frost heave to bedrock that appears where you least expect it.
We started as a logging business in 1997 and transitioned to full-time excavation in 2020. Our reputation in Fourth Lake comes from completing projects on time and handling the unexpected challenges that always come up when working in the Adirondacks.
This is a close-knit family operation where Josh is present on almost every job to ensure quality. We’re not the cheapest option, and that’s intentional. You’re investing in fewer problems, realistic timelines, and contractors who finish what we start.
First, we walk your property and discuss your project needs. We identify any potential challenges early and explain exactly what needs to happen. You get a detailed estimate that covers the full scope of work, including any Fourth Lake-specific considerations like rocky soil or environmental restrictions.
Once you’re ready to proceed, we schedule the work around your timeline. Our crew arrives with the right equipment for your specific terrain, whether that’s foundation grading, complete site preparation, or land clearing for new construction.
Throughout the project, we keep you informed about progress and any adjustments needed. We use GPS-guided equipment to achieve precise grades and eliminate guesswork. When finished, we clean up properly, leaving your site ready for the next phase of construction with no lingering issues to deal with later.
Ready to get started?
Your grading project includes site assessment, proper equipment selection, and experienced operators who understand Fourth Lake’s unique soil conditions. We handle everything from initial land clearing to final grade preparation for foundations, driveways, and septic systems.
Fourth Lake’s location in the Adirondack region means dealing with rocky soil, seasonal water table changes, and specific environmental regulations. Properties near wetlands or within Adirondack Park boundaries often have additional permit requirements, which we handle professionally to keep your project moving forward legally.
We coordinate with septic system installers, foundation contractors, and other trades to ensure proper sequencing. Our equipment stays maintained and ready, so your timeline doesn’t get derailed by mechanical breakdowns or weather delays that we should have planned for upfront.
Most residential foundation grading takes 1-3 days depending on size and soil conditions. Rocky terrain common in the Fourth Lake area can extend timelines, but we assess soil conditions during our initial site visit and factor this into scheduling.
Weather also plays a role, especially during spring when frost is leaving the ground or after heavy rains. We provide realistic timelines upfront and communicate any adjustments needed as work progresses. The key is starting with proper expectations rather than rushing the job and creating problems later.
Permit requirements depend on your specific project and location. Foundation grading typically requires a building permit, while work involving septic systems needs health department approval. Properties near wetlands or within Adirondack Park boundaries may have additional environmental restrictions.
We help identify what permits your project needs and can work with your contractor or designer to ensure compliance. Part of doing business in these counties is knowing what’s required and getting it done right. We handle the coordination so your project doesn’t get delayed by permit issues.
Yes, when it’s practical. We plan access routes and work areas to minimize impact on areas you want to preserve. Our operators understand how to work carefully around existing trees, structures, and landscaping features you want to keep.
During the initial site assessment, we discuss what can realistically be preserved based on your grading requirements. Sometimes minor adjustments to the grading plan can save significant landscaping. We’re upfront about what’s possible and what isn’t, so you can make informed decisions before work begins.
Grading contractors specialize in earthwork and have equipment specifically designed for digging, grading, and site preparation. We understand soil conditions, drainage issues, and proper grading techniques that general contractors may not encounter regularly. Our equipment is maintained for heavy grading work, not just occasional use.
However, many projects benefit from coordination between grading contractors and general contractors. We often work as subcontractors on larger projects, handling the grading portion while the general contractor manages overall project coordination. The key is using the right specialist for each phase of work.
Grading costs vary significantly based on project size, soil conditions, and site accessibility. A basic foundation grading might cost a few thousand dollars, while complete site preparation with septic system and driveway work costs considerably more.
Rocky Adirondack soil, site access challenges, and environmental restrictions can affect pricing. We provide detailed estimates upfront because we know what we’re dealing with before we start digging. No hidden fees or surprise costs when we encounter the soil conditions we should have expected in this area.
Late spring through fall typically offers the best conditions for grading work. Spring grading depends on frost leaving the ground and sites drying out from snowmelt. Summer and early fall provide the most predictable working conditions, though we can work year-round when necessary.
Winter grading is possible but requires special considerations for frozen ground and equipment operation. We recommend scheduling grading work early in your project timeline to allow flexibility for weather delays. Planning ahead also ensures equipment availability during busy construction seasons when many contractors are competing for the same resources.
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