Dirt Grading Contractor in Kansas City, MO
Looking for a dependable dirt contractor in Kansas City, MO? Whether you’re prepping for new construction, reshaping your landscape, fixing yard drainage issues, or building a driveway, solid dirt work is the foundation of every successful project. At S & S Excavation, we bring over a decade of experience in grading, excavation, trenching, backfilling, and land prep. Homeowners, builders, and general contractors across Kansas City and surrounding areas rely on us for expert dirt services done right the first time.
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What Does a Dirt Contractor Do, Exactly?
In simple terms, a dirt contractor prepares and shapes the land before construction or landscaping begins. Here are some of the core services we provide:
- Excavation Services – Digging out soil for basements, footings, utility lines, or drainage trenches.
- Grading and Sloping – Adjusting the land’s elevation for water flow, foundation stability, and structure alignment.
- Backfilling – Refilling trenches or around foundations after utilities or walls are installed.
- Site Preparation – Clearing vegetation, removing debris, leveling the area, and compacting soil to prepare for builds.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), improper grading is a leading cause of basement leaks and foundation failure—especially in areas with clay-heavy soil like Kansas City.
Why Is Quality Dirt Work So Important in Kansas City?
The Kansas City region is known for its expansive clay soil, which expands when wet and contracts when dry. That constant soil movement can crack foundations, shift driveways, and ruin landscaping if the land isn’t prepared properly.
Combine that with Midwest freeze-thaw cycles and seasonal flooding, and you’ve got a recipe for costly issues, unless your land is expertly graded and compacted.
We tailor every dirt project around Kansas City’s unique soil conditions, ensuring long-lasting stability and performance.
- Foundation site prep in Kansas City
- Driveway grading services near Overland Park
- Drainage contractor Blue Springs MO
- Excavation company Kansas City MO
What Dirt Work Services Do We Offer?
At S & S Excavation, no dirt job is too small or too complex. Our Kansas City dirt work services include:
- Land Clearing & Leveling: Remove trees, stumps, brush, and rough terrain to prep for building or landscaping.
- Residential & Commercial Site Preparation: Get a level, compacted base for structures like garages, home additions, barns, and sheds.
- Driveway & Concrete Pad Preparation: We grade and compact your base before concrete or asphalt installation—ensuring no future sinking or cracking.
- Utility Trenching & Backfilling: We dig precise trenches for water, gas, electric, and sewer lines, then backfill and compact for durability.
- Yard Grading & Drainage Correction: Redirect surface water and eliminate standing water near your foundation with expert land grading.
- Erosion Control & Water Diversion: We install swales, berms, slope reshaping, and proper grading to protect your property from erosion.
Related Services:
- Land Grading Kansas City
- French Drain Installation MO
- Residential Excavation
- Backyard Drainage Solutions
How Do We Handle Drainage and Erosion Issues?
Water management is a major part of any dirt work project in the Kansas City area. Our goal is to prevent pooling water, basement seepage, and erosion damage.
Here’s how we handle drainage the right way:
- Precision Grading to slope water away from your home or building
- French Drains and Swales to direct runoff effectively
- Compacted Soil Layers that resist washouts and settling
- Retaining Walls or Berms where needed to slow water and protect slopes
Machines Used by Dirt Contractors
At S & S Excavation, our dirt work contractors rely on high-performance equipment to move, grade, and compact soil efficiently for residential, commercial, and construction projects:
- CAT D5 Dozer: Moves and spreads large volumes of soil, ideal for rough grading, slope shaping, and building pads.
- John Deere 135G Excavator: Used for trenching, digging, and heavy-duty dirt removal in larger excavation jobs.
- Bobcat T770 Skid Steer Loader: Versatile for moving dirt, backfilling, and working in tight areas on job sites.
- Laser-Guided Grading Blade: Provides precision leveling using laser or GPS tech—perfect for foundations, driveways, and site prep.
- Kubota L3901 Tractor with Box Blade: Handles smaller dirt jobs like final grading, landscaping prep, and driveway smoothing.
- Wacker Neuson Vibratory Plate Compactor: Ensures soil is tightly compacted for long-term stability under concrete, asphalt, or gravel.
- Kenworth Dump Trucks: Haul in fill dirt or remove excess soil from job sites efficiently and safely.
These machines allow our dirt work crews to complete everything from foundation prep to large-scale grading with speed, accuracy, and a clean finish.
How Much Does Dirt Contractor Excavation Cost in Kansas City?
Dirt work excavation in Kansas City typically costs $1,000–$15,000+, depending on the project type, depth of excavation, soil conditions, and site accessibility.
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Estimated Cost Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Site Clearing & Dirt Work | $1,000 – $4,000 | $10 – $25 per cubic yard |
| Foundation Excavation | $3,000 – $8,000+ | $15 – $35 per cubic yard |
| Full Lot Grading & Fill Dirt Work | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Varies by slope, soil, and access |
Factors That Affect Dirt Excavation Costs
- Project Scope: Small-scale jobs like driveway prep cost far less than full site excavation for a new home or commercial build.
- Cubic Yardage: Most dirt contractors price by the volume of material moved—more dirt means more labor and machine time.
- Soil Type: Dense clay or rocky ground in the Kansas City region can slow progress and require heavier equipment.
- Site Conditions: Limited access, slopes, trees, or utility lines can complicate excavation and raise costs.
- Fill Dirt Needs: If your project requires importing or exporting dirt, costs will increase due to material and hauling.
- Permits and Regulations: Larger projects may require local excavation permits, erosion control measures, or engineering plans.
Do We Handle Permits and Code Compliance?
Yes! We take care of permits, inspections, and compliance to make your project stress-free and fully legal.
We’re up to date with:
- Kansas City Ordinance No. 220961 (Erosion control for 1+ acre projects
- MoDNR SWPPP Guidelines (Stormwater management)
- OSHA 1926 Excavation Standards (Trenching safety)
- EPA NPDES Section 402 (Clean Water Act compliance)
- Construction Waste Disposal Regulations (Environmentally safe hauling)
No red tape for you, we take care of all the permitting, inspections, and local code compliance, so you can focus on your project without dealing with the paperwork or delays.
What Areas Around Kansas City Do We Serve?
We provide land grading services throughout the Kansas City metro, including:
- 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 to Break Ground?
From backyard grading and drainage correction to full-scale residential excavation and land clearing, S & S Excavation is the dirt contractor Kansas City homeowners and builders count on.
Call us today at 816-785-1130 or request a free quote online, we’re ready to dig in, so you don’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dirt Contractor in Kansas City
What is dirt work and why is it important before construction?
Dirt work includes excavation, grading, trenching, and site prep that creates a stable foundation for construction. In Kansas City, where soil expansion, erosion, and flooding are common, proper dirt work ensures your structure won’t shift, crack, or settle over time. Without proper grading and compaction, buildings can face structural issues, drainage failures, and costly repairs. It’s a critical first step in any long-lasting construction or landscaping project.
How much does dirt work cost in Kansas City?
Costs typically range from $0.50 to $8 per square foot depending on the service—grading, trenching, backfilling, or site clearing. Soil type, accessibility, and equipment needs also impact pricing. Contact S & S Excavation for a free on-site estimate tailored to your specific property. Our team considers elevation changes, soil stability, and drainage needs when calculating total cost. We ensure transparency and accuracy before any work begins.
Do I need permits for dirt work or excavation in Kansas City?
Yes, many dirt work and excavation projects require permits—especially those involving utility trenching, stormwater management, or erosion control. We handle all necessary city permits, code compliance, and inspections to ensure your project is legal and stress-free from start to finish. This includes reviewing local ordinances, coordinating with inspectors, and filing proper documentation. Avoiding permit issues helps prevent project delays, code violations, or unnecessary fines during your construction process.
Can dirt grading fix my yard drainage issues?
Absolutely. Improper slope causes standing water and foundation issues. We offer expert yard grading and drainage correction using swales, French drains, soil berms, and compacted layers to redirect runoff and protect your foundation from long-term water damage and erosion. Our grading techniques are customized to Kansas City’s unique soil conditions and terrain. We also recommend long-term solutions for minimizing basement leaks and soggy spots in your lawn or landscape.
What kind of equipment do you use for dirt work?
We use top-tier excavation and grading equipment like Bobcat skid steers, Kubota excavators, and Ditch Witch trenchers, along with laser levels and soil compactors—ensuring efficient, accurate, and professional results for residential and commercial dirt work projects. Our tools are ideal for precise site prep, safe trenching, and creating well-compacted pads. This advanced machinery reduces project time, increases accuracy, and handles a wide variety of soil types and site challenges.
How long does a typical dirt project take?
Smaller jobs like trenching or driveway grading may take 1–2 days, while full site prep, drainage installation, or excavation work can take a week or more, depending on scope, soil condition, weather delays, and specific property challenges. We provide clear timelines up front and communicate throughout. Complex sites, such as those with slope correction or utility conflicts, may require extra time and coordination with surveyors or engineers.
What areas do you serve around Kansas City?
We proudly serve Kansas City, MO and KS, as well as surrounding cities like Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Independence, Olathe, Liberty, Blue Springs, Raytown, Gladstone, Shawnee, and Prairie Village. Call today for fast scheduling in your area. Our team travels with fully equipped machinery to job sites across the metro. We know the soil types and permitting requirements in each city, which helps us complete projects efficiently and correctly.