Rough and final grade for new builds
We rough grade the lot after the build, then come back for final grade so the yard sheds water and is ready for seed, sod or landscaping.
Call (865) 346-6688What rough and final grade is
Rough grade is the first pass. Once the foundation is backfilled and the heavy work is done, we shape the ground around the house to the general slope it needs. Final grade is the finishing pass. We smooth the surface, set the slope away from the house and leave the yard ready for the next step.
Who it is for
Builders who need the lot graded between trades, and owners building a house, an addition or a garage. It also fits a yard that was torn up by construction and never got finished right.
How we do it
- We walk the lot with you or your builder and look at the plans, the house and where water needs to go.
- You get a straight number in writing.
- Our crew does rough grade with our own skid steer and mini excavator.
- When the build is ready, we come back for final grade, often with a Harley rake for a smooth, clean bed.
What affects the price
The size of the yard, how much dirt is left over or needed, the slope of the lot, how much construction debris is in the dirt and whether you want rough grade, final grade or both. Machine time starts at $125 an hour for the skid steer and $135 an hour for the mini excavator. The final number comes from the site visit.
Why it matters here
New build lots in Knox, Blount and the counties around them often sit on red clay. After construction that clay is packed and rutted, and it holds water. If the final grade runs toward the house, every heavy rain tests it. We set the ground to carry water away. On sloped lots we shape the yard so it does not wash out before grass takes hold.
What the job covers
- Rough grade after backfill
- Final grade to finish the yard
- Slope set away from the foundation
- Smoothing ruts and tracks from construction
- A clean bed ready for seed, sod or landscaping
Common questions
Can you do just the final grade?
Yes. If someone else did the rough grade, we can come in for the final pass. We look at it at the site visit first.
Do you work with builders?
Yes. We work with builders and with owners. Tell us where the build stands and when you need the grade done.
Do you plant the grass?
No. We leave the yard graded and ready. Seed, sod and landscaping are done by you or your landscaper.
When should final grade happen?
Near the end of the build, after the heavy trucks and most outside work are done, so the finished grade does not get torn up again.
Related work
Related work
Harley rake
A Harley rake turns rough, lumpy ground into a smooth, loose bed ready for seed or sod. It is the step between final grade and a lawn that comes in even.
Learn more02Grade work
Grade work shapes the ground so water runs where it should and the site sits the way you need it to. We walk it first and give you a straight number in writing.
Learn more03Drainage
Standing water, a soggy yard or water running toward the house all come down to how the ground is shaped. We change the shape so the water goes somewhere else.
Learn moreGet a quote
Get a straight number
Tell us about the job and where it is. We will call you back to set up a time to come look.