California CSLB Licensed #838772 Earthwork Contractor
Redwood City Grading: Excavation, Foundation Digging, & Site Prep Specialists
Redwood City Grading brings over 23 years of real experience grading land, digging foundations, and getting ground ready for building across California. We started back in 2003 and have spent decades working on Peninsula properties, from flattening hillside lots near Edgewood Park to getting sites ready around the Pulgas Water Temple. Over two decades working in San Mateo County means we know how to navigate the Redwood City Community Development Department and San Mateo County Planning and Building rules before we ever unload our equipment.
Affordable Cost Transparency
We provide itemized breakdowns for equipment, labor, and soil hauling. Standard residential grading typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 ($5 to $12 per sq. ft.), while major site prep and hillside earthwork scale from $15,000+ depending on lot size and structural engineering requirements.
Project Timelines
Most residential clearing, site prep, and grading projects are completed within 1 to 3 weeks. Larger commercial site preparation and mass earthwork projects typically take 2 to 6+ weeks, depending on total acreage, engineering requirements, weather conditions, and municipal permitting timelines.
Payment Terms & Schedule
We require a standard 10% deposit (or $1,000, whichever is less) upon contract signing to secure your project start date, with progress payments or the remaining balance due upon milestone completion.
Core Grading & Site Services
Our expertise includes precision land clearing, rough and fine grading, foundation digging, drainage swales, subgrade compaction, soil export, and utility trenching.
Get a FREE Site Assessment
Licensed Contractor
We hold an active California contractor license #838772, which you can verify through the CSLB.
Local Experience
Redwood City Grading provides specialized earthwork, excavation, and site preparation services across Redwood City and nearby communities.
Residential & Commercial Experience
Completed over 450 residential and commercial grading projects across San Mateo County and moved over 80,000 tons of dirt and rock safely with zero major site failures.
Residential Grading Services in Redwood City, CA
Getting your land shaped properly keeps water away from your house, creates flat spots for building, and builds strong ground for driveways and foundations. Every job follows Redwood City rules, including getting city permits whenever a project involves moving large amounts of dirt and rock.
Residential Land Grading
Before pouring concrete, your yard needs a flat, firm, and solid base built to match your building plans.
Redwood City Grading handles this by moving dirt from high spots and packing it into low spots to get the land level. The crew then builds and packs down flat dirt pads to hold new houses, garages, or ADUs so the ground stays put over time. Finally, smoothing out the lower layer of soil makes sure the weight of your building spreads out evenly.
Why It Matters: Building on uneven ground causes houses to shift as time goes on, leading to cracked walls, sticking doors, and expensive repairs.
Yard & Landscape Grading
Fixing uneven ground gives rainwater a clear path to run off, turning rough yards into great spaces for lawns, patio stones, or garden beds. Proper yard shaping keeps water from gathering near your outdoor living areas.
1. Bumpy & Unlevel Lawns
Smoothing out high humps and filling in low spots leaves you with a flat, smooth lawn that is easy to mow and maintain.
2. Water Pooling Near Foundation
The grading crews shape gentle slopes that carry rainwater away from your home, guiding it toward drainage spots instead of letting it sit near your crawlspace or basement.
3. Raw Patio & Garden Preparation
Digging down to the right depth gets the ground ready for topsoil, gravel, or patio pavers, giving your landscapers a clean starting point.
Driveway Grading
If you are preparing for new pavement or repairing an eroding gravel drive, our driveway grading process corrects steep angles, repairs washboard ruts, and installs a heavily compacted sub-base.
Reshaping Angles & Slopes
Changing the drive’s slope lets cars turn and park without scraping their bumpers while helping rainwater slide off to the sides instead of collecting in the middle.
Building a Rigid Foundation
Once the crew digs down to the right depth, crushed rock is spread out and rolled flat with heavy equipment. This creates a tough base built to hold heavy trucks and daily car traffic.
Crowning Unpaved Drives
Building a small raise in the center of dirt or gravel roads sends rainwater straight into side ditches, protecting your drive from getting washed out or full of potholes.
Commercial Grading Services in Redwood City, CA
Commercial sites in Redwood City often start with vegetation, old structures, and excess soil that must be removed before grading and foundation work can begin. Redwood City Grading manages clearing and soil hauling as one smooth process, keeping your project moving into excavation on time and fully in line with city and San Mateo County rules.
Land Clearing
Clearing away trees, brush, stumps, rocks, and old debris gets your property ready for heavy equipment. Before any work begins, your site may need a tree removal permit from the city. This rule applies to protected trees, including native oaks and trees over a specific trunk size. Property owners can look up protected species and download forms directly on the officialRedwood City Tree Eligibility and Permits page.
Our clearing process typically includes:
- Vegetation removal: brush, grasses, and small trees
- Stump grinding or extraction: to prevent settling and decay under pavement or slabs
- Debris sorting: separating green waste, concrete, and metal for recycling where possible
- Erosion control setup: silt fencing and fiber rolls to meet stormwater requirements
Rough and Mass Grading
Before fine details or precise foundation cuts are made, mass grading handles the heavy lifting. This phase of your project focuses on large-scale dirt movement to re-contour the entire landscape and bring the property close to its planned elevations.
1. Mass Cut and Fill Operations
Excavation crews dig dirt out of high spots and move it into lower areas, balancing the ground on-site so you save money on heavy dirt hauling fees.
2. Major Elevation Adjustments
Heavy machinery operators reshape steep banks, terrace sloping ground, and flatten rough land so building equipment can move around safely.
3. Subgrade Stabilization
Rolling down the lower soil layers with heavy equipment creates a tight, firm base that holds up under upcoming utility lines, parking areas, and building slabs.
Finish Grading
Finish grading is the final stage of site preparation. Once major excavation, mass earthmoving, and underground utility installations are complete, we grade the ground surface to specified engineering tolerances.
- Paving & Concrete Prep
Smoothing and rolling the subgrade down establishes the exact right depth before pouring asphalt driveways, concrete parking areas, or building slabs.
- Landscaping Surface Prep
Clearing away surface rocks, sticks, and hard dirt clods leaves a clean, even layer of topsoil that is ready for grass, plants, and sprinkler systems.
- Final Slope Calibration
Checking all surface angles ensures rainwater glides away from foundations, curbs, and sidewalks, keeping water from standing on your property.
Building Pad Preparation
A commercial building is only as strong as the pad beneath it. Building pad preparation involves digging, filling, and compacting soil to create an engineered pad designed to support concrete footings and foundation slabs.
Structural Ground Excavation
Digging down to target depths removes weak topsoil, tree roots, or soft clay that could cause your foundation to sink or crack over time.
Engineered Fill & Layer Compaction
Contractors bring in clean structural dirt or crushed gravel, spreading it out in thin layers. Heavy machinery rolls each layer flat to reach the exact tightness required by soil engineers.
Inspection Readiness
Shaping the pad to match your exact blueprints leaves the site clean, level, and ready for soil testing and concrete crews to set their wood forms.
Specialized Grading Services for Steep Hills, Tight Spaces, and Difficult Ground
When your property faces complex terrain, steep slopes, or strict environmental regulations, specialized earthwork is essential to ensure long-term stability and compliance.
Excavation and Earthwork
Excavation and earthwork involve moving, shaping, and removing deep soil layers to prepare subsurface spaces for structural construction.
Precision Underground Prep
Redwood City Grading handles targeted utility trenching, deep foundation digs, and backfilling dirt tightly around new concrete walls.
Soil Management & Export
After primary digging wraps up, usable dirt gets sorted right on the lot. Clean soil is spread and packed into low spots, while extra rock, clay, and leftover debris are loaded onto dump trucks and hauled off.
Why It Matters: Deep structural cuts and soil backfilling must be compacted to strict engineering standards. Leaving uncompacted soil around a foundation invites ground shifting and costly structural settling.
Grading and Drainage
Water is the single biggest threat to any home or commercial building. Our grading and drainage services combine ground sculpting with custom diversion systems to control heavy runoff and protect your property from erosion.
- Step 1: Positive Slope Sculpting
Adjusting ground angles around the outer walls guides rainwater to flow naturally outward and away from your foundation.
- Step 2: Swale Shaping & French Drain Installation
Cutting shallow, grass-lined swales or digging gravel-filled French drains collects high volumes of stormwater and carries it safely to city runoff points.
- Step 3: Elimination of Low Spots
Filling in low yard dips prevents water from collecting, giving you a dry, level surface across your lawn, driveway, and walkways.
Hillside Grading and Stabilization
Hillside grading converts unstable, sloped terrain into safe, usable terraces and building sites.
Here's how we do it:
Bench Grading and Tiering
Carving wide, flat "benches" into steep hillsides creates stepped levels, making it possible to build homes, back patios, or parking areas on sloped lots.
Retaining Wall Foundation Digging
Site crews dig clean trenches along steep banks, clearing out the precise depth and width needed for builders to pour strong retaining walls.
Erosion Control and Soil Preservation
Packing down sloped ground and putting up protective barriers stabilizes loose dirt, preventing washouts and mudslides during heavy winter rains.
Why Choose Redwood City Grading
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Contractor
We hold an active California CSLB license (#838772) and carry full general liability and workers’ compensation coverage to protect your property and our crew. All completed projects include a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Experienced Equipment Operators
Our machinery operators bring over years of experience on excavators, dozers, and graders. Every team member is trained in Cal/OSHA trench safety and proficient in civil plan reading.
Modern, Well-Maintained Fleet
Our fleet includes regularly serviced CAT and Bobcat compact track loaders and full-size excavators. Integrated laser and GPS machine controls allow us to maintain precise grade tolerances.
Clear Written Estimates With No Surprise Fees
Every proposal lists grading, hauling, compaction, and testing as itemized line items. If site conditions require scope adjustments, we issue a written change order for approval before additional work proceeds.
Clean, Safe, and On-Schedule Job Site
Many lots in Redwood City sit close to neighbors, so we control dust, keep streets clean, and work within city noise hours. We maintain strict quality control, and every site is cleaned and secured at the end of each day.
Commercial and Residential Project Experience
Our experience spans single-family homes, ADUs, retail buildings, warehouses, and multi-family developments, ensuring efficient project execution regardless of site complexity.
Site Preparation & Grading Specialist
Meet Gregory Rocha, Founder & Managing Operator
Founded in 2003, Redwood City Grading was built on a foundation of integrity, safety, and operational excellence. Bringing over 23 years of heavy site preparation and earthwork experience across the Peninsula, Gregory provides hands-on oversight for every excavation, site grading, and foundation preparation project.
"Preparing a stable, properly engineered foundation for a client's project is the most critical step of any build. Every project is executed with precision, safety, and transparency."
Beyond the Jobsite
When away from the construction site, Gregory spends his weekends with his wife and three children, exploring trails in their side-by-side or hitting the slopes for winter snowboarding.
Check Out What Our Previous Clients Say About Our Projects
I have seen the quality of Greg Rocha's construction work throughout several properties here on the coast. The finish work is excellent. He pays attention to details and has solutions for problems that may arise during the construction process. I would recommend Greg Rocha for remodeling or a home addition
CHRISTINE STAHL
Property Manager
We can vouch 100% for Greg Rocha and his team. He saved our house construction project after we had to fire our original contractor. Greg is honest, hardworking, and genuinely a decent human being.
ROHAN THAKUR
Property Manager
I have worked around Greg (the owner) for several months. I discussed a comprehensive project with Greg & his staff. The price quote was excellent. I’ve seen several examples of his finished product & am VERY excited about starting mine in October of this year.
JIM WOOD
Businessowner
I used Rocha Construction to do improvements to my house, and they did a fabulous job. Work was done timely and as promised.
I highly recommend them.
LARRY ANDERSON
Homeowner
"We had a 10-star experience with Gregory Rocha and his team. We purchased a house in 2014 and had an enormous backyard to tackle. Overgrown mini-jungle, a fence that was falling, and random pieces of concrete everywhere...Rocha not only came in at budget but also did an amazing job. We are very happy and will be using them again for our extension. I will add that they are very dependable and showed up on time and never left the work site without cleaning up. I was truly impressed with the level of professionalism and care they gave our project."
CORRINE PHILIPPS
Homeowner
Our 6-Step Grading Process in Redwood City, CA
Every grading project follows a precise, structured plan so you know what to expect at every phase. Here is how Redwood City Grading takes your site from initial assessment to final cleanup:
01
Site Walk & Engineering Review
We begin with a free property assessment to measure the work zone, evaluate drainage patterns, and check equipment access. Our team reviews your geotechnical engineer’s soils report to account for local conditions.
02
Permitting, Utility Locating & Erosion Control
Before starting any physical work, we coordinate with USA North 811 to mark underground utilities and help submit plans to the City of Redwood City for permit approval. Once approved, we set up silt fences and erosion barriers to maintain site safety and regulatory compliance.
03
Site Clearing, Demolition & Prep Work
We clear brush, remove existing concrete or structures, and protect designated trees. We clear the site footprint to allow full equipment access before earthmoving begins.
04
Excavation, Cutting & Rough Grading
Using heavy equipment, our operators execute cuts, fills, trenches, footings, and building pads according to your civil engineering plans.
05
Layered Fill Placement & High-Density Compaction
We place fill material in controlled lifts, managing moisture content to achieve specified soil density. When required, certified third-party testing laboratories perform on-site density verification.
06
Laser Finish Grading, Drainage & Final Inspection
Our operators fine-tune the terrain using laser-guided equipment to direct runoff away from structures, integrating swales, catch basins, and drain lines. We conclude with a joint walk-through alongside the city inspector and leave the property clean and trade-ready.
5 Signs Your Property in Redwood City Needs Grading
Standing Water After Rain
Puddles remaining for extended periods indicate low spots or inadequate surface drainage.
Water Pooling Against the Foundation
Soil sloping toward structures directs rainwater toward foundation walls, increasing the risk of basement water intrusion.
Erosion and Soil Washouts
Gullies, exposed roots, and sediment runoff signal that surface water is moving rapidly across bare or sloped ground.
Uneven Yards and Sinking Driveways
Dips, ruts, and settling pavement typically stem from improperly compacted underlying fill.
Cracked Slabs, Patios, and Walkways
Expansive clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, causing subgrade movement that can crack concrete over time.
Noticing any of these signs on your property? Contact us for a professional site evaluation.
Equipment & Materials We Use For Grading & Site Prep
The right machine and the right material make a big difference in how long a grading job takes and how well it holds up. Our fleet covers everything from tight backyards to heavy commercial lots.
Excavators, Bulldozers, and Skid Steers
Versatile hydraulic excavators for deep slope cutbacks, benching, foundations, and hillside land stabilization.
Motor Graders and Backhoes
Equipped with 3D GPS elevation sensors to establish exact finish grades and pad drainage slopes.
Vibratory Rollers and Compaction Equipment
Heavy smooth-drum and sheep's-foot rollers, ensuring structural soil density before concrete pours.
Aggregate Base & Crushed Rock
Heavy crushed stone layers engineered to allow groundwater migration while creating solid load-bearing bases.
Get a Free Grading Estimate in Redwood City, CA
Need to fix a drainage problem, clear a lot, or get a building pad ready for concrete?
Redwood City Grading offers free on-site estimates across Redwood City and the surrounding Peninsula.
Give us a call, and our team will schedule your free site assessment.
Surrounding Cities We Also Serve
In addition to Redwood City, our team provides complete land clearing, foundation excavation, and site grading services to residential and commercial properties throughout San Mateo County and the surrounding Peninsula regions.
- Atherton
- Woodside
- Emerald Hills
- San Carlos
- Menlo Park
- Belmont
- Palo Alto
- San Mateo
- Foster City
- Portola Valley
Don't see your neighborhood listed? Contact us to discuss your site location. Our fleet serves communities throughout San Mateo County and the greater Peninsula.
FAQs About Residential and Commercial Grading in Redwood City
Do I need a permit to grade my property?
In most cases, yes. Permits are typically required for earthwork moving more than 50 cubic yards of soil, altering site drainage, or working on sloped terrain. Minor yard contouring may be exempt. We verify municipal permit requirements during your site assessment and assist with civil plan submittals.
How long does a typical grading project take?
Overall project schedules typically range from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on scope, permitting, and weather. On-site execution times vary by phase: driveway prep generally takes 1 to 3 days, while engineered building pads take 3 to 7 days (including third-party soil compaction testing).
What is the difference between rough grading and finish grading?
Rough grading handles bulk earthmoving, cutting high areas and filling low spots to establish macro elevations. Finish grading follows major excavation and utility work, shaping topsoil to specified engineering tolerances to ensure proper surface water drainage.
Can grading be done during the rainy season?
Yes, with proper erosion control measures. Wet soil requires careful moisture management during compaction. We install protective silt fencing and fiber rolls, monitor weather forecasts, and schedule earthmoving during suitable weather windows.
Do you handle soil compaction testing?
Yes. We work directly with certified third-party testing laboratories or your geotechnical engineer to perform nuclear gauge density testing. Test results are verified against ASTM standards and your project's soil report, with official inspection records provided for your files.
Will you haul away the excess soil and site debris?
Yes. Excavated soil, rock, roots, and concrete debris are loaded and transported to authorized disposal and recycling facilities. Soil export is itemized per cubic yard on your estimate.
Can grading resolve foundation drainage issues?
Yes. Sculpting positive slope (typically a 5% fall away from foundation walls over the first 10 feet) redirects surface water away from structures. For sites requiring additional flow management, we integrate vegetated swales, French drains, or catch basins.
Do you grade hillside and sloped lots?
Yes. Redwood City Grading regularly performs hillside earthwork across Emerald Hills, Farm Hills, and Woodside. Hillside grading utilizes benching techniques, compact machinery, and reinforced slope stabilization, strictly adhering to geotechnical engineering requirements.
Do you offer free on-site estimates?
Yes. We provide free on-site evaluations, site measurements, and detailed itemized proposals across Redwood City and surrounding Peninsula communities. Contact us today to schedule your assessment.
How do you protect existing trees and landscaping during grading?
Before equipment deployment, we identify protection zones and erect tree root barriers. We utilize compact machinery and ground mats along access corridors to minimize soil disturbance, performing full site cleanup upon job completion.