Common Questions About Our Excavation, Grading & Land Clearing Services.
Starting an excavation project can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We believe informed customers are happy customers, so we’ve put together answers to the questions we get asked most. Whether you’re curious about timelines, costs, or what permits you might need, you’ll find helpful information below.
The timeline depends on the scope of your project. Small residential excavation jobs can be completed in 1 to 3 days, while larger commercial projects or sites with rocky soil, clay, or significant obstacles may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer. During your estimate, we’ll provide a realistic timeline based on your specific site conditions.
Yes—and this is required by Texas law. You must contact Texas 811 at least two business days before any excavation begins. This free service sends utility locators to mark underground electric, gas, water, and communication lines. Hitting a buried utility can be dangerous and expensive, so we won’t begin work until all lines are properly marked.
Several factors influence excavation pricing, including the size and depth of the dig, soil type (rocky or clay soil takes longer), site accessibility for equipment, the amount of material that needs to be hauled away, and any existing obstacles like trees, old foundations, or underground structures. We provide detailed estimates after an on-site visit.
Excavation is the process of removing earth—digging, trenching, or moving large amounts of soil to create space for foundations, utilities, or drainage systems. Grading happens after excavation and involves shaping the remaining land to achieve proper elevations, slopes, and drainage. Most construction projects require both services.
While we can work in most conditions, excavation is best performed during dry weather. Heavy rain can cause soil instability, drainage issues, and unsafe working conditions. Extremely cold weather can freeze the ground, making digging more difficult and costly. We’ll work with you to schedule around weather concerns for the best results.
Excavated soil can be handled several ways depending on your project needs. We can haul it off-site for disposal, stockpile it on your property for future use, or redistribute it elsewhere on the site for grading and fill. We’ll discuss dirt management options during your estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
We haul and deliver a variety of materials including crushed stone, gravel, fill dirt, topsoil, sand, road base, and recycled concrete. We also haul away excavated soil, construction debris, and demolished materials. If you need something specific, give us a call—we can likely accommodate your request.
Our minimum delivery is typically one truckload, which is approximately 10 to 18 cubic yards depending on the material. For smaller quantities, delivery may not be cost-effective, but we’re happy to discuss options. Contact us with your project details, and we’ll help determine the most economical solution.
We can help you calculate the right amount based on your project’s square footage and desired depth. A general rule: one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. For driveways and high-traffic areas, you’ll want 4 to 6 inches of material. We’d rather help you order correctly upfront than have you come up short or over-order.
Before delivery, we’ll assess your site’s accessibility. Standard dump trucks require adequate driveway width and clearance. If access is tight or your driveway can’t support heavy loads, we may use smaller trucks or recommend alternative drop locations. Let us know about any potential access challenges when you schedule your delivery.
Clear the delivery area of vehicles, debris, and obstacles. Mark exactly where you’d like the material dumped—this saves time and ensures it’s placed where you need it. If you want material placed on a paved driveway, understand that heavy trucks can potentially damage thin asphalt. We can discuss alternatives if that’s a concern.
Yes. In addition to delivering materials, we haul away excavated dirt, demolished concrete, construction debris, and other waste. We’ll load and transport it to the appropriate disposal facility. Haul-away pricing depends on the volume of material and distance to the disposal site.
Land grading is the process of reshaping and leveling the ground to create proper slopes, drainage, and a stable foundation for construction. Proper grading directs water away from structures, prevents erosion, and ensures your foundation sits on solid, compacted soil. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to costly drainage problems and foundation issues down the road.
Rough grading is the initial shaping of the land—moving large amounts of soil to establish basic elevations and contours. Finish grading (or fine grading) comes next and involves precise leveling to meet exact specifications for foundations, driveways, or landscaping. Most projects require both stages to achieve proper results.
Signs that your property needs grading include standing water after rain, water pooling near your foundation, visible erosion or washouts, uneven terrain, or drainage flowing toward your home instead of away from it. If you’re planning new construction, grading is essential to establish proper elevations before pouring a foundation.
Small residential grading projects can often be completed in a day or two. Larger commercial sites or properties requiring significant cut-and-fill work may take a week or more. The timeline depends on the size of the area, amount of soil that needs to be moved, and weather conditions. We’ll provide a timeline estimate during your consultation.
In most cases, yes. Improper grading is one of the leading causes of drainage issues on residential and commercial properties. By reshaping the land to create proper slopes—typically at least 2% grade away from structures—we can redirect water flow and eliminate standing water. We’ll assess your property and recommend the best solution.
Permit requirements vary by city and county across the DFW area. Many municipalities require grading permits, especially for projects that significantly alter drainage patterns or involve large amounts of earthwork. We can help you understand local requirements and coordinate with inspectors as needed.
Site preparation encompasses everything needed to get raw land ready for construction. This typically includes land clearing (removing trees, brush, and debris), demolition of existing structures, soil testing, surveying, excavation, grading, drainage installation, and soil compaction. The specific services depend on your project’s requirements.
Proper site preparation is the foundation of every successful construction project. Cutting corners here leads to problems later—unstable foundations, drainage failures, erosion, and structural issues. Taking time to properly clear, grade, and compact the soil ensures your project is built on solid ground and meets all building codes.
For most residential projects, site preparation takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on the scope of work. Larger commercial projects may require 4 to 8 weeks or longer. Factors that affect timing include the size of the property, amount of clearing required, demolition needs, soil conditions, and permit acquisition. Weather can also impact the schedule.
Yes. Our land clearing services include removing trees, stumps, brush, and vegetation. We use excavators, bulldozers, and mulchers depending on the density of vegetation. If you have specific trees you want to preserve, mark them clearly before we begin, and we’ll work around them carefully.
Construction sites sometimes reveal surprises—old foundations, buried debris, poor soil conditions, or unexpected rock. If we encounter something that affects the scope of work, we’ll stop and communicate with you immediately. We’ll explain the situation, provide options, and get your approval before proceeding with any additional work.
We can assist with the permitting process and coordinate with local inspectors as needed. Requirements vary across DFW municipalities, and obtaining permits before site work begins is essential to avoid fines or project delays. During your estimate, we’ll discuss what permits may be required and how we can help streamline the process.
Every project is different, and we know you might have questions specific to your property or situation. Our team is always happy to chat—whether you’re ready to get started or just exploring your options. Give us a call at (214) 444-8825 or fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Based in Rockwall, we know the terrain, soil, and schedules that shape North Texas projects.
From excavation and grading to hauling and site prep, we handle it all in-house.
We show up on time, finish on schedule and communicate clearly every step of the way.
Every job meets professional standards backed by experience and attention to detail.