A grading contractor plays a vital role in construction – they are literally the foundation on which a building, driveway, porch, or other construction project is built. Grading is the process of leveling the ground to help improve drainage or even foundations by moving soil or adding bulk sand. A grade around a home’s foundation also provides a place for water to run off and away from the foundation.
Benefits include changing drainage patterns, improving terrain stability, and enabling construction crews to build on previously uneven land. This opens up new building potential and keeps the foundation from shifting or cracking.
There’s more to grading than playing in the dirt and sand with big machines. Grading is an engineering marvel that requires scientific examination of soil textures and math to determine the proper grade, which can make or break a project. Grading contractors can be part of a more extensive construction or architecture firm, or work for themselves. Here are a few things you should know before hiring your grading contractor.
Plenty of Experience
Grading contractors’ experience starts with apprenticeship programs with classroom and in-the-field experience. They should have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate heavy machinery used in grading techniques, effectively. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure your grading contractor has various projects under their belt.
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The Right Licensing and Insurance
Grading contractors, like any other type of builders, need appropriate licensing, registration, and insurance. Licenses vary from state to state, but one thing is the same: the process is complicated and complex, and licenses hold weight. Your grading contractor should have general liability insurance at the minimum, protecting your home from damage from the contractor.
Great Reviews
Word of mouth and reviews may be the most crucial part of choosing a grading contractor. Checking on sites like Yelp, Facebook, or Google My Business can give you a realistic view of your grading contractor’s work and experience. Your friends and neighbors are also an excellent resource for identifying the right grading contractor for your construction project.
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The Price Is Right
Price can be a factor when choosing subcontractors, including a grading contractor, but realize the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Beware of hidden fees or unrealistically low prices, which can mean the grading contractor cuts corners or is desperate for work.
Once you’ve chosen your grading contractor, visit Lammon Brothers product calculator to find out how much bulk topsoil and /or sand you’ll need for your grading project, and call us at 419-825-5956, or visit us online to receive a quote!