Rough & Finish Grading

Build a New Landscape With Professional Rough and Finish Grading

At Brinkmann Construction, our team is equipped to handle rough and finish grading projects from start to finish. Whether your lot needs to be cleared of rock debris, areas need to be excavated or demolished, or you need help solving drainage problems, we have the expertise and know-how to smooth everything out and improve the look of your landscape. Ready to get started? Call us now at 262-567-6823.

What Is Rough Grading?

Rough grading helps to shape the foundation of your landscape. This may start with having an old garage or shed demolished. We can remove the footings or concrete foundation around your house. Brinkmanns will grade your new yard to provide drainage away from the foundation of your house. We can strip your lot of existing topsoil to be salvaged for later use, as well as deliver and place more if needed. This is good for not only the environment, but helps you save on your budget. This is how Brinkmanns create the right contour and sculpting to allow for proper drainage for what will be your final grade.

At Brinkmann, our definition of rough grade is the same or better than the home builder's definition of their final grade before occupancy! When a home is being built, the rough grade is completed after the basement, but before the completion of the house. Because of this, the equipment used to finish the construction will continue to work on top of the rough grade. This creates divots and ruts, forming an uneven yard, which can lead to poor drainage and uneven areas in the future. After the house is completed, the excavator will return and do what they call a ‘finish grade’ to fill in the ruts and spread your existing topsoil piles. This is not a true finish grade, as your yard will not be ready to seed for grass at this point.

Rough grading consists of fill. Fill can be described as the subsoil before topsoil. It contains sticks, rocks, sand, clay and gravel that make for a ‘rough’ yard. Fill is used to ‘fill’ in large areas, whereas top =soil is used to complete the top few inches. Topsoil allows for plants and seeds to grow by holding moisture and providing soil for the roots of the grass to grow or spread. Our topsoil at Brinkmann Construction also has compost added that helps the root system grow.

What Is Finish Grading?

Once a rough grade has been completed, the next step is to evaluate the depth and quality of your soil. You may have some extra topsoil from the excavation of your house, or we may need to deliver additional topsoil. After that, we will power rake your entire yard in at least two directions. This is to minimize the rippling or wave effect from appearing in your yard. By going in a second direction, it will remove any bumps and uneven surface that might be remaining. Large rocks and debris will be raked off the surface of your soil. At the same time, the power rake will aerate and level the topsoil to create a good seedbed to promote the growth of your lawn. Screened topsoil is delivered and used because it can be hand raked around your house, patios, and driveways.

Why Is It Important To Complete Your Yard With A Finish Grade?

Completing your yard is not just about the aesthetics and how it looks, but also the functionality and sustainability of your yard. A proper finish grade ensures that your yard is leveled and contoured correctly. A finish grade is crucial for the following reasons:

  • Water Drainage: A proper finish grade ensures that water drains away from your home's foundation, preventing water damage and potential flooding. Most of the water that comes into a basement, comes from the surface, not underground.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: A finished grade gives your yard a polished appearance, enhancing its overall beauty and curb appeal.
  • Upkeep: Uneven or rough terrain in your yard can create difficulties while mowing, planting, or gardening your yard . A finish grade creates a smooth surface.
  • Healthy Plant Growth: A properly graded yard provides adequate soil depth and proper drainage for plants to thrive. This is essential for maintaining a lush and healthy landscape.
  • Structural Stability: A well-graded yard can help prevent soil erosion and shifting, which can impact the stability of structures like retaining walls, fences, and outdoor living spaces.

Let Brinkmann Help You Create a Fresh Canvas for Your Landscape

Our experts are second to none when it comes to leveling and smoothing your lawn to support and stabilize everything from the yard itself to your patio, walkways, and driveway. Call us today at 262-567-6823 or contact us online to talk about your next project—and watch the video below to see how we work our magic.