Grading in Igerna, NY

Get Your Site Ready Right

Professional grading and site preparation that prevents drainage headaches and sets your project up for success.

A yellow bulldozer on a sandy dirt road surrounded by trees, with a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset in the background.
A yellow bulldozer is clearing a dirt path in a forested area, surrounded by tall green trees on both sides under a cloudy sky.

Professional Site Grading Services

Level Ground, Solid Foundation, Zero Surprises

When your grading is done right, everything else falls into place. Water flows where it should instead of pooling around your foundation. Your driveway stays smooth instead of cracking and settling. Construction moves forward on schedule instead of hitting delays.

You get a site that’s ready for whatever comes next. Whether that’s pouring a foundation, laying asphalt, or installing utilities, proper grading creates the stable base every project needs.

The difference between good grading and great grading shows up years later. Great grading means no standing water after heavy rains. No erosion eating away at your property. No expensive fixes because someone cut corners on the site prep.

Igerna Excavation Company

We Know Igerna's Ground

We’ve been moving dirt in Igerna and the surrounding area for years. We know how the soil behaves here, where water wants to go, and what it takes to create sites that last.

Our equipment stays maintained and our crew shows up when they say they will. We’ve graded everything from single-family home sites to commercial developments, and we approach every job the same way: get it right the first time.

Being local means we’re here when you need us and we’ll be here if you need us again. Your project isn’t just another job to us – it’s happening in our backyard.

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Site Preparation Process

Here's How We Grade Your Site

First, we walk your property and talk through what you’re trying to accomplish. We look at drainage patterns, existing slopes, and any challenges the site presents. This isn’t a quick drive-by – we take time to understand what your project needs.

Next, we develop a grading plan that works with your property’s natural characteristics instead of fighting them. We identify where water should flow, how to create the slopes you need, and what areas require special attention.

Then we bring in the right equipment and get to work. We strip and stockpile topsoil where it makes sense, rough grade to establish major slopes and drainage patterns, then fine grade to create the precise elevations your project requires.

Throughout the process, we stay in communication about what we’re finding and what comes next. No surprises, no change orders for things we should have caught upfront.

A yellow bulldozer with a large front blade stands on a dirt path, surrounded by trees under a clear sky, ready for construction or earth-moving work.

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Complete Grading Solutions

What's Included in Our Grading

Every grading project starts with site evaluation and planning. We assess your property’s drainage needs, soil conditions, and project requirements before any dirt gets moved. This upfront work prevents problems later.

Our grading work includes rough grading to establish major contours and drainage patterns, fine grading for precise elevations and smooth surfaces, and topsoil placement where needed. We handle everything from small residential lots to larger commercial sites.

We also coordinate with other trades when your project requires it. Need utilities run before final grading? We work with your schedule. Building a new home and need foundation access? We plan the grading to support construction traffic and final landscaping.

The goal is always the same: create a site that drains properly, supports your intended use, and won’t cause problems down the road. That means paying attention to details that might not be obvious but make all the difference in how your property performs long-term.

A yellow bulldozer with a large metal blade is parked on a dirt path in a forest clearing, surrounded by green trees and a clear sky in the background.

How long does a typical grading project take to complete?

Most residential grading projects take 1-3 days depending on lot size and complexity. A simple house lot might be done in a day, while a site with challenging drainage or access issues could take longer. Commercial projects vary widely based on size and scope. Weather affects timing too – we can’t grade effectively in wet conditions, so we’ll reschedule rather than create a muddy mess. We give you realistic timelines upfront and keep you updated if conditions change our schedule.
Rough grading establishes the basic shape and drainage patterns of your site. We’re moving larger amounts of dirt to create the major slopes and contours your property needs. Finish grading comes later and creates the precise elevations and smooth surfaces for driveways, walkways, or landscaping. Think of rough grading as sculpting the basic form and finish grading as adding the final details. Most construction projects need both, but the timing depends on what else is happening on your site.
It depends on how much dirt you’re moving and where. Small grading projects often don’t require permits, but larger jobs or work near wetlands, steep slopes, or property lines usually do. We’re familiar with Igerna’s requirements and can help you figure out what’s needed for your specific project. If permits are required, we can guide you through the process or work with your contractor to make sure everything’s handled properly before we start work.
Drainage is the most important part of any grading project. We start by understanding where water comes from and where it needs to go, then design grades that work with those patterns. This might mean creating swales to direct runoff, adjusting slopes to prevent pooling, or coordinating with drainage systems like culverts or catch basins. We’ve seen what happens when drainage gets ignored – flooded basements, eroded driveways, and soggy yards. Proper grading prevents these problems by managing water flow from the start.
Yes, but it requires careful planning and often affects the project timeline and cost. We always call 811 to mark underground utilities before starting any excavation work. Existing landscaping that you want to keep needs to be protected during grading, which might mean working in smaller areas or using different equipment. Trees are especially tricky since changing grade around their roots can kill them. We’ll walk through these challenges during our site evaluation and explain how they affect your project.
Grading costs depend on several factors: lot size, how much dirt needs to be moved, site access, soil conditions, and project complexity. A simple residential lot might cost a few thousand dollars, while challenging sites or larger projects cost more. We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific site and understanding your project requirements. Our pricing includes equipment, labor, and coordination with other trades when needed. We don’t surprise you with extras for things we should have included upfront.

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