GRADING
Grading Services in the Hudson Valley
Proper grading is essential for drainage, construction, and property aesthetics. Chad Davis Contracting provides precision grading services throughout the Hudson Valley using modern equipment and experienced operators.
Precise Land Grading for Drainage, Foundations and Site Development
Chad Davis Contracting provides professional grading services to homeowners, builders and property developers throughout the Hudson Valley. With more than 25 years of excavation experience, we understand how proper grading impacts everything from foundation strength to water management and long-term property value.
Whether you are preparing for new construction, fixing a drainage issue or reshaping a site for better usability, we offer safe, accurate grading that supports the performance and safety of your land.
Why Grading Is Essential
Grading is the process of leveling or sloping land to control surface water, prevent erosion and prepare for construction. Without proper grading, a property can experience:
Foundation damage from water intrusion
Soil erosion that undermines landscaping or structures
Standing water that breeds mosquitoes or damages pavement
Drainage failures that flood basements or crawl spaces
In the Hudson Valley, where sloped terrain and changing weather create unique challenges, skilled grading is not optional — it is critical. At Chad Davis Contracting, we assess your site carefully and execute every grade to match project needs and environmental conditions.
Our Grading Services
We offer comprehensive grading services for both residential and commercial sites. From rough site shaping to finish grading and drainage correction, we prepare land to perform.
Site Grading for Construction
We grade building pads, driveways, and parking areas to prepare for construction. Our team ensures proper compaction, slope, and water flow to protect future structures and prevent settling.
Finish Grading
After backfilling or foundation work, we complete finish grading to shape topsoil and create a smooth, even surface for landscaping, seeding or hardscaping.
Drainage Grading
We reshape land to direct stormwater away from foundations, basements and septic systems. This may include swales, berms or gentle slopes to promote runoff without erosion.
Driveway and Roadway Grading
We grade access roads, gravel driveways and private lanes for durability, water control and smooth driving. We also correct driveways that have become rutted or unstable over time.
Slope Stabilization
On properties with steep terrain, we grade and compact slopes to reduce erosion, increase accessibility and improve safety. We can also install retaining walls where needed.
Grading for New Construction
If you are planning to build a home or commercial structure, grading is one of the most important early steps. We work directly with your builder, engineer or architect to:
Cut or fill the site to required elevations
Ensure proper slope away from buildings
Balance the site for reduced material hauling
Support foundations and underground utilities
Set up final grading for hardscapes and lawns
Our grading makes construction easier, safer and more predictable.
Our Equipment and Capabilities
This combination allows us to handle everything from tight residential lots to large, open construction pads with efficiency and precision. We use modern grading and compaction equipment to achieve accurate results on every project. This includes:
Bulldozers
Skid steers with grading attachments
Excavators
Compaction rollers and tampers
Laser levels for elevation control

Why Choose Chad Davis Contracting for Grading
With 25+ years of site work and excavation experience, we are fully insured and locally operated, with deep familiarity in Hudson Valley soil types and drainage to ensure precise, long-lasting results. Our team is known for responsive scheduling and accurate execution, delivering long-term grading solutions that protect your investment. We don’t just move dirt — we shape land with performance, longevity, and compliance in mind, completing every project to the highest standard with safety and durability at the forefront.
Service Area
From steep rural lots to suburban developments, we grade properties of all sizes and conditions. We provide land grading throughout:
Ulster County
Greene County
Sullivan County
Delaware County
West Shokan and surrounding Hudson Valley areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rough grading and finish grading?
Rough grading sets the basic site elevation and shape. Finish grading creates a final smooth layer for planting, concrete or other finishes.
Can grading fix drainage problems on my property?
Yes. In many cases, we can resolve standing water or basement flooding by reshaping the land to redirect water safely.
How much does grading cost?
Grading costs vary based on site size, terrain, and material movement. We provide free estimates and site evaluations to determine exact pricing.
Is grading required before construction?
Almost always. Proper grading ensures the site drains well and supports footings, slabs or foundations without risk of erosion or shifting.
Schedule Grading Services Today
If your property needs better drainage, structural support or site preparation, Chad Davis Contracting is ready to help. Our grading services are trusted across the Hudson Valley for their precision, safety and long-term performance.

