Professional Grading Services
Expert land grading, site preparation & drainage solutions across Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Lancaster County & beyond
Grading That Actually Solves Your Problem
You've got water going where it shouldn't. Maybe it's pooling against your foundation, turning your yard into a swamp, or washing out your driveway every time it rains. Or you're trying to build something and need the ground level and stable first.
That's where proper grading comes in—and it's more than just pushing dirt around. Good grading considers your soil type, property slope, drainage patterns, and where water needs to end up. It's about creating surfaces that work with gravity and weather instead of fighting them.
We've been grading properties across southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland for over a decade. Residential yards, commercial sites, multi-acre developments—we handle projects where the grading needs to be right the first time because nobody wants to pay to fix the same problem twice.
Why Grading Matters More Than You Think
Most property problems come down to water going the wrong direction. Your foundation is cracking because water pools next to it instead of draining away. Your yard is a mudhole because there are low spots with nowhere for water to escape. Your new driveway is washing out because nobody created proper drainage before they paved it.
Fix the grading, and you fix the root cause. Skip it, and you're just treating symptoms—you'll be back dealing with the same issues in a year or two.
Foundation Protection
Water sitting against your foundation leads to cracks, settling, basement moisture, and expensive structural repairs. Proper grading slopes water away from the house before problems start.
Usable Outdoor Space
Swampy yards, standing water, and severe slopes make properties unusable. Grading creates level, functional space where you currently have muddy dead zones.
Erosion Prevention
Uncontrolled water flow washes away topsoil, kills landscaping, and creates gullies that get worse every rain. Strategic grading and drainage control where water goes and how fast it moves.
Construction Prep
Building anything—house, garage, driveway, patio—requires proper site grading first. It's the foundation of the foundation. Skip it and everything built on top has problems.
Code Compliance
Local building departments require specific grading plans for new construction and site development. We know what Chester County, Delaware County, and surrounding areas require.
Property Value
Poor drainage and grading issues are red flags for buyers. Proper grading protects your investment and makes properties more attractive when it's time to sell.We offer a range of services to meet your drainage needs, each designed to handle specific water management challenges.
Get a Free Grading Quote
Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll give you a straight answer on what it takes to fix it. No pressure, no games—just an honest assessment and a fair price for grading work that solves your problem.
What Affects Grading Work
Not all grading projects are created equal. Here's what makes some jobs straightforward and others more involved:
Soil Type
Clay holds water and is tough to work. Sandy soil drains fast but doesn't compact well. Rocky soil requires extra equipment and time. We handle all of it, but soil type affects both timeline and cost.
Amount of Earth Movement
Minor grading adjustments are quick. Cutting down hills, filling low areas, or moving significant amounts of earth takes more time and equipment. The bigger the cut-and-fill, the bigger the project.
Access
Can we get equipment to the work area easily, or are we dealing with tight spaces, obstacles, or backyard access only? Limited access means smaller equipment and more time.
Drainage Complexity
Simple slope away from a foundation is straightforward. Multiple drainage issues, complicated terrain, or areas requiring subsurface drainage add complexity.
Weather & Season
Frozen ground or saturated soil slows everything down. Spring and fall are ideal for grading work. Summer and winter are doable but conditions matter.
Existing Conditions
Working around landscaping, existing structures, or utilities requires more care and precision than grading open ground. We do it all the time—it just affects how we approach the project.
Frequently Asked Questions about Site Grading Scavo Solutions
How much does grading cost?
It varies based on scope, access, soil conditions, and how much earth needs moving. Small residential yard fixes might run $2,000-$5,000. Larger projects, driveway regrading, or site work for construction typically range from $5,000 to $20,000+. Large-scale land grading can be significantly more depending on acreage and conditions.
We provide free quotes so you know exactly what to expect before any work starts.
Do I need a permit for grading?
It depends on scope and location. Small residential grading typically doesn't require permits, but larger earth movement, work near wetlands or streams, or anything associated with construction usually does.
Requirements vary by county and municipality. We know what's needed in the areas we work and can help navigate permit requirements if they apply to your project.
Will grading solve my drainage problems?
In most cases, yes. The majority of drainage issues come from improper grading—water doesn't have a clear path to flow away from structures and off the property. Fix the grading, fix the drainage.
For severe situations or areas with high water tables, grading might need to be combined with drainage systems like French drains or catch basins. We'll let you know if your property needs more than grading alone.
How long do grading projects take?
Residential yard grading usually takes 1-3 days. Driveway grading might be 1-2 days. Larger site grading for construction can take a week or more. Multi-acre land grading projects take as long as they take—could be several weeks for big jobs.
Weather affects timing significantly. We can't grade during heavy rain or in frozen conditions, so winter projects sometimes stretch out longer than summer work.
What's the difference between rough grading and final grading?
Rough grading is the initial site work—moving large amounts of earth, creating building pads, establishing major drainage patterns. It's about getting close to the right elevations and shapes.
Final grading is the precision work that happens after construction—fine-tuning slopes, smoothing surfaces, preparing for landscaping or paving. Most construction projects need both at different phases.
Can you grade around existing trees and landscaping?
Usually, yes, but it requires more precision and sometimes limitations on what we can do. Changing grade significantly around established trees can damage root systems. We work carefully and let you know if what you want isn't compatible with keeping existing features.
Do you bring in topsoil or use existing soil?
Depends on the project. For yard grading where you want to establish new grass, we often bring in topsoil for the final few inches. For construction site grading or areas that will be paved, existing soil is usually fine.
We let you know what makes sense for your specific project and budget.
Grading Blog Articles | Scavo Solutions
Stormwater and Drainage Systems Service Areas:
At
Scavo Solutions, we proudly serve clients across several counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Based in
Aston, PA, we are committed to providing reliable, high-quality service to our local community and beyond.
