Land Grading Contractors in Kansas City, MO
Looking for expert land grading or leveling services near you? Whether you're prepping for a new build, reshaping your backyard, or resolving drainage issues, S & S Excavation is the trusted name for precision land grading across Kansas City. We're not just dirt movers—we're slope scientists. Our grading ensures proper water runoff, erosion control, and a solid foundation for anything that comes next.
- Residential & Light Commercial Grading
- Serving Kansas City, MO & Surrounding Areas
Call now 816-785-1130 for a Free Estimate.
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What Is Land Grading and Why Does It Matter?
Land grading involves reshaping the ground to achieve a desired slope or level surface. It's essential for:
- Preventing water pooling and foundation damage
- Ensuring proper drainage and erosion control
- Preparing sites for foundations, driveways, patios, lawns, or landscaping
Improper grading is one of the leading causes of foundation problems, water pooling, and structural instability. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, drainage-related issues account for over 80% of foundation failures in the U.S. Getting the slope right from the start saves thousands in future repairs.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Land Grading?
- Improved Drainage – No more puddles, soggy yards, or flooding near the foundation
- Erosion Control – Prevents costly soil loss and landscape damage
- Foundation Stability – Supports safe construction for buildings, driveways, patios
- Healthier Landscapes – Promotes better plant growth with evenly distributed soil
- Increased Property Value – Proper grading improves usability and aesthetics
- Code Compliance – Avoid fines and inspection delays by starting with compliant grading
What Services Do Our Land Grading Contractors Offer?
At S & S Excavation, we tailor each grading job to your property’s layout and purpose. Whether you’re searching for yard grading contractors near you or need a full-acre leveled, we’ve got the crew and the machines to make it happen.
- Residential yard leveling
- Foundation pad grading
- Driveway grading
- Land regrading for drainage
- Lot leveling for construction prep
- Rough and final grading
- Clearing and grading combined packages
- Pool or patio base preparation
Why Proper Grading Matters in Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City area is known for its clay-rich soils and unpredictable weather. That combination can lead to serious issues like:
- Foundation settling and basement flooding
- Standing water and mosquito breeding grounds
- Erosion and turf damage
Hiring experienced yard grading companies near you ensures the job is done right the first time. We understand local slope requirements and soil behaviors and deliver code-compliant results every time.
What Is Our Land Grading Process?
- Site Evaluation: We assess topography, soil type, vegetation, water flow, and future use.
- Surveying & Marking: Using laser and GPS tools to determine elevation points and slope ratios.
- Land Clearing: We remove vegetation, rocks, and debris with the help of brush cutters and bulldozers.
- Rough Grading: Heavy equipment reshapes the land to the rough desired slope.
- Fine Grading: Our team uses precision tools and smaller machines to perfect surface levels.
- Erosion Control: We install silt fences, straw wattles, or temporary seeding depending on project scope.
- Final Walkthrough: You’ll review the job before we call it done!
We use industry-grade survey lasers and slope meters to ensure the angle is just right for drainage and construction code compliance.
What Equipment Do We Use for Land Grading?
We invest in cutting-edge equipment to ensure accuracy, speed, and safety on every grading project. Our fleet includes:
- Caterpillar D5 Dozer – Ideal for large-scale cut-and-fill grading
- John Deere 333G Skid Steer – Excellent for precise residential grading and backyard projects
- Kubota SVL75 Track Loader – Perfect for yard regrading in tight-access areas
- Bobcat E50 Compact Excavator – Great for trenching, drainage lines, and grading slopes
- Topcon 3D Grade Control System – Ensures ultra-precise grading to within 1/4" tolerance
Our machines are operated by certified pros who follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P excavation safety standards and local soil disturbance codes.
How Much Does Land Grading Excavation Cost in Kansas City?
Land grading excavation in Kansas City typically costs $1,000–$8,000+, depending on the size of the area, slope, soil type, and drainage requirements.
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Estimated Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Grading (Flat Surface) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Sloped Yard or Terrain Grading | $2,000 – $5,000 | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Full Lot Grading with Drainage | $3,000 – $8,000+ | Varies by slope, soil, and design |
Factors That Affect Land Grading Costs
- Lot Size and Slope: Larger areas and steep or uneven lots require more excavation and grading work.
- Soil Conditions: Kansas City’s dense clay or rocky soils may need extra time, machinery, or soil amendments to grade properly.
- Drainage Design: Adding swales, berms, or sloped surfaces to direct water flow increases complexity and cost.
- Access to the Site: Limited access for heavy machinery or obstacles like trees, fences, or buildings can slow progress and raise prices.
- Erosion Control Needs: In some cases, silt fencing, ground cover, or additional grading to prevent runoff may be required.
- Permits or Engineering Plans: Certain grading jobs may require local permits or a grading plan from an engineer, especially for new construction.
Looking for land grading contractors near you who are honest and affordable? We offer free estimates and walk you through every step.
What Rules and Regulations Must Be Followed for Land Grading in Kansas City, MO?
As responsible land leveling contractors near you, we make sure every project complies with city, state, and federal guidelines.
- City of Kansas City, MO Zoning and Development Code - Ordinance No. 220961 - All grading over 1 acre requires a land disturbance permit and erosion control plan.
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) - Projects involving water runoff or wetlands must follow sediment control requirements and SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan).
- EPA Clean Water Act (Section 402) - Grading projects over 1 acre fall under NPDES permitting for stormwater discharge.
- OSHA Excavation Safety Guidelines - All slope grading and trenching work meets standards under 29 CFR 1926.651 and .652.
We handle all necessary permits, utility locates, erosion controls, and inspections so you don’t have to deal with red tape.
Why Choose S & S Excavation For Land Grading in Kansas City?
We’re not just another yard leveling company near you—we’re Kansas City locals who understand the land, codes, and challenges.
- Decades of excavation and grading experience
- Laser-level accuracy and GPS-guided machines
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- 5-star reviews from local homeowners and contractors
- Fast turnaround and no-hassle scheduling
When other
ground leveling contractors guess, we measure.
Areas We Serve In Kansas City, MO
- Gladstone, MO
- Independence, MO
- Raytown, MO
- Prairie Village, KS
- Shawnee, KS
- Overland Park, KS
- Lee's Summit, MO
- Olathe, KS
- Blue Springs, MO
- Liberty, MO
- Leavenworth, KS
- Platte City, MO
- Harrisonville, MO
- Lenexa, KS
Ready for a Level Start? Let’s Get Grading
Don’t risk your build or landscape on poor prep. Hire one of the top-rated land grading companies near you to get the job done right.
Call 816-785-1130 or message us now for a FREE site assessment and quote.
We’re your go-to experts for land leveling services, trusted by homeowners, landscapers, and builders across Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Land Grading
How long does land grading take?
Most residential jobs take 1–3 days. Large commercial sites may take a week or more.
Can you regrade my yard for drainage?
Yes! Many call us when looking for regrading their yards to fix soggy lawns and poor runoff.
Will I need to reseed or sod after grading?
If we do finish grading for a lawn, we can seed, install sod, or prepare the area for your landscaper.
Do you offer both land clearing and grading services?
Yes! We’re one of the top-rated land clearing and grading companies near me offering full site prep.