Grading & Drainage

Grading & Final Grade in Broomfield, CO

Rough grading, drainage slopes and final grade that sends water away from the building and leaves the site ready for landscaping, concrete or seed.

Water goes where it should

Good grading is mostly about water. We shape the ground so runoff moves away from foundations, slabs and driveways instead of pooling against them. That matters on the Front Range, where clay soils can swell when they stay wet.

Grading services

  • Rough grading for new construction
  • Final grade around homes, garages and shops
  • Drainage slopes and swales
  • Regrading yards with drainage problems
  • Driveway and parking area grading
  • Grading for arenas and outbuildings on acreage

Rough grade vs. final grade

Rough grading happens early and sets the overall shape of the lot. Final grade happens after the structure and backfill are done, and sets the finished slope next to the building. We can handle both, so the site doesn't change hands between crews.

Fixing drainage on existing properties

If water is collecting by your foundation or in the yard, we can look at the site and regrade it so water moves away from the structure.

Common projects

  • New construction: rough grade early in the build and final grade once the house is backfilled.
  • Problem yards: regrading low spots and slopes that send water toward the house.
  • Driveways and parking: shaping and base prep so water drains off instead of pooling.
  • Acreage and arenas: leveling areas for arenas, barns and outbuildings.

Why one crew for the whole site

When the same crew digs, preps, trenches, backfills, grades and pours, nothing falls between the cracks. We know where the utilities went, how the backfill was placed and what the base looks like under the slab, and you have one person to call if something needs attention.

Graded pad next to a new metal building
From our jobs

Grading photos

Graded pad under a new covered structure, BK Builders, north Denver metro
Graded pad under a new covered structure
Lot shaped and graded before construction, BK Builders, north Denver metro
Lot shaped and graded before construction
Final grade around a new barn, BK Builders, north Denver metro
Final grade around a new barn
Our process

How grading works

  1. Look at the water

    We start by seeing where water comes from and where it needs to go.

  2. Rough grade

    The lot is shaped to the overall plan, moving dirt from high to low areas.

  3. Fine & final grade

    After the structure and backfill, we set the finished slope next to the building.

  4. Ready for finish

    The site is left ready for landscaping, seed, rock, concrete or gravel.

Pricing

What affects the cost

Every site is different, so we price after seeing the ground. These are the things that move the number most. Estimates are free.

Area

The size of the area being graded is the biggest factor.

How much dirt moves

Big changes in elevation take more machine time than light shaping.

Imported topsoil or fill

Bringing in material adds to the cost.

Access

Fences, landscaping and tight side yards can limit equipment.

Drainage features

Swales or extra drainage work add to the scope.

Timing

Final grade is best done once other trades are finished around the building.

Where we work

Grading across the north Denver metro

Based in Broomfield, we take grading jobs throughout the north and east metro. Not sure if you're in range? Send the address.

  • Broomfield
  • Westminster
  • Thornton
  • Northglenn
  • Arvada
  • Louisville
  • Lafayette
  • Longmont
  • Commerce City
  • Bennett
  • Keenesburg

See our full service area

Related services

Common questions

FAQ

What slope should the ground have away from a house?

Building codes generally call for the ground to fall away from the foundation for the first several feet. The exact requirement depends on the local code and your plans; we grade to the plan and the inspector’s requirements.

Can you fix water pooling next to my foundation?

Often yes. Regrading so the ground slopes away from the building is a common fix. We’ll look at the site and tell you honestly what will help.

Do you do grading for driveways and parking areas?

Yes, including base preparation for gravel or concrete drives.

Do you work outside Broomfield?

Yes. We grade across the north and east Denver metro, from Arvada and Longmont out to Bennett and Keenesburg.

When should final grade happen?

After the foundation is backfilled and most exterior work around the building is done, so the finished slope isn’t disturbed.

Will grading fix a wet basement?

Grading that moves water away from the foundation often helps, but it may not solve every moisture issue. We’ll tell you what grading can and can’t do for your situation.

Do you spread topsoil?

Yes, we can bring in and spread topsoil as part of final grade so the site is ready for seed or sod.

Ready when you are

Get your site build-ready.

Send the project details and we’ll follow up to talk through the site, usually the same day.