Professional Rough & Fine Grading — Built to Last
The difference between “just moving dirt” and true grading expertise — see why homeowners and builders trust JG.
Professional Rough & Fine Grading
Why Proper Grading Matters
If the land isn’t graded right, you’ll eventually see the problems — standing water, foundation settlement, erosion, or uneven terrain that never seems to stay smooth.
Proper grading prevents all that by:
Establishing correct slope and runoff for proper drainage
Compacting soil in lifts for stability and long-term strength
Eliminating soft spots or organics that can cause settling
Creating smooth, even surfaces ready for construction or finish work
Protecting your investment from erosion and washouts
When Grading Goes Wrong
We see it all too often — grading jobs done by unqualified contractors, or someone with a skid steer or mini-excavator who calls himself a “grading man.” Without the right experience, equipment, or understanding of drainage, the results can cost homeowners thousands to fix later.
Improper slope, poor compaction, or no drainage plan at all can lead to washouts, standing water, erosion, and foundation problems that only get worse with time.
At JG Grading & Landscaping, we’re called in regularly to fix these kinds of mistakes — driveways that wash out, yards that hold water, areas that won’t drain properly, or even foundations that settle unevenly. It’s frustrating for property owners — and for us — because we have to explain that the work they just paid for wasn’t done correctly and now has to be redone.
We like to refer to those jobs as the result of folks who didn’t follow the “7 P’s”:
Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
That saying has been around for generations, and it’s stuck with us for a reason. Poor planning leads to poor results. That’s why every job we take on starts with a detailed plan, proper drainage evaluation, and precise grade setup — before a single bucket of dirt is moved.
This is all completely avoidable when grading is done the right way from the start. That’s why we take every job seriously — using professional equipment, proven methods, and experience passed down through three generations.
We don’t take shortcuts — we fix them.
Our Grading Capabilities
Every site is different. Some projects require major shaping, while others need precise finish work or drainage correction. Whatever the job calls for, our team brings the right experience and equipment to get it done safely and efficiently.
We handle:
Rough Grading: Shaping and leveling for homes, shops, barns, and driveways.
Fine Grading: Precision finishing for seeding, topsoil, gravel, or final site prep.
Regrading & Drainage Correction: Fixing low spots, erosion, or poor slope issues.
Topsoil Placement & Finish Work: Smooth, compacted surfaces ready for lawns or landscaping.
Full Turnkey Packages: Combine grading with clearing, drainage, and pad prep — one call handles it all.
Your Property, Built the Right Way
No two properties are the same. We take time to evaluate the layout, slope, soil, and drainage patterns before the first bucket ever hits the ground.
Our turnkey approach means you don’t need multiple contractors. We can handle clearing, grading, compaction, and drainage from start to finish, ensuring your project is efficient, seamless, and done right the first time.
We’re proud to serve homeowners, farmers, and small business owners across our region with the same professionalism and honesty that’s been part of our family’s name for generations.
A Lesson I Learned Early On
When I first started grading on my own, I met a customer who thought grading was just “moving dirt around.” I tried to explain how slope and drainage work together, but he wasn’t convinced — until my grandfather came out to look at the site.
After walking it with him for just a few minutes, he turned to the customer and said, “If you don’t grade it right now, you’ll spend twice as much fixing it later.”
The customer paused, nodded, and said, “Go ahead and do it your way.”
That moment stuck with me. My grandfather always said, “If you build it right the first time, it’ll stand the test of time.” That’s the same standard I carry forward on every job today.
Our Proven Grading Process
Site Evaluation: Assess slope, soil, drainage, and access points.
Cut, Fill & Rough Grade: Remove unsuitable material and shape the site to the correct elevation.
Fine Grading & Compaction: Smooth and tighten the surface for the intended use.
Drainage Setup: Establish positive slope and swales to prevent pooling and erosion.
Final Walkthrough: Verify finish grade, drainage, and smoothness before completion.
Why Choose JG Grading & Landscaping?
✅ Three Generations of Experience: Family knowledge and hands-on precision that shows in every job.
✅ Turnkey Capabilities: Grading, clearing, pads, and drainage handled start to finish.
✅ Professional Equipment: The right tools for efficient, quality work without unnecessary cost.
✅ Durability & Detail: Each job built to handle North Carolina weather and daily wear.
✅ Locally Owned & Insured: Serving our community with honesty, reliability, and pride.
✅ Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work, every time.
Serving Our Hometown Region
We proudly serve Henderson, Oxford, Kittrell, Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, Hyco Lake, and surrounding areas — specializing in residential, agricultural, and small commercial grading where precision and drainage matter most.
Start with a Solid Grade
📞 Call 252-432-9215 or email jggrading@gmail.com to schedule your free grading estimate today.
See why homeowners, farmers, and small businesses across our area trust JG Grading & Landscaping for professional grading that stands the test of time.
Don’t Become Another Horror Story
In this industry, we hear the same story far too often: a property owner hires someone with a machine who calls themselves a “grading man,” only to be left with drainage problems, uneven sites, or costly repairs. There’s a big difference between simply running equipment and truly operating it with skill, planning, and precision.
At JG Grading & Landscaping, we’re not weekend warriors. We’re full-time, insured professionals with decades of experience shaping land the right way. When you call us, you’re choosing a long-term partner who stands behind every project with a satisfaction guarantee — not the cheapest guy, but the one whose work lasts.
Don’t take chances with your investment. Contact us today and see the difference for yourself.
"I live on a large heavily wooded lot, and needed a lot of large trees that had fallen cut and hauled away, along with a very big pile of smaller trees that I had cut down. The main reason I called him was I needed my driveway, which is very long graded and fresh gravel applied. When I mentioned he could start once I had someone come and remove all the debris he said he did that as well so that worked out beautifully. He came out gave me a very reasonable quote. The following week He came out and did an absolutely beautiful job. He’s extremely thorough and does beautiful work at an extremely reasonable price. He is very easy to talk to and pleasant and I would recommend him to anyone"
Common Questions About Professional Grading & Site Prep
Get clear answers on costs, timelines, and what to expect when hiring a trusted grading contractor.
- How much does grading cost?
It’s not a question that can be answered simply — no two grading jobs are alike. Costs depend on site size, slope, soil, access, and drainage. Smaller residential projects typically range from $1,500–$7,500, medium or full-site grading runs $7,500–$15,000, and large or complex sites with drainage or undercutting can exceed $15,000+. Every property is different, which is why we provide free, detailed on-site estimates so you’ll know exactly what your project will cost before we begin.
- What’s the difference between rough and fine grading?
Rough grading is the first step in shaping the land — it sets elevations, creates slope for drainage, and builds the foundation for everything else to sit on. Fine grading follows after the heavy shaping is done. It’s the detailed, finishing step that smooths, compacts, and levels the surface so it’s ready for seeding, stone, or construction. Both stages are equally important — and when done properly, they prevent long-term issues like ponding water, settling, or erosion.
- How long does grading take?
Most grading projects take between 1 and 4 days, depending on property size, access, weather, and how much material needs to be cut or filled. Smaller finish grading or driveway shaping jobs may be completed in a single day, while full lot or site grading typically takes longer. We always evaluate each project in person, discuss your goals, and provide an estimated timeline before we begin so there are no surprises along the way.
- Can you fix grading mistakes from another contractor?
Yes — and unfortunately, we see it often. Many of our calls come from property owners dealing with drainage issues, uneven yards, or driveways that wash out because the original grading wasn’t done correctly. We specialize in identifying the problem areas, reshaping the land, and correcting slopes to restore proper drainage and stability. It’s frustrating for homeowners to pay twice, but we make sure the job gets done right this time so you don’t have to deal with it again.
- Do you offer free estimates?
Absolutely. We provide free on-site estimates for all grading, drainage, and site preparation work. During your visit, we’ll look at soil conditions, slope, and drainage patterns, then talk through your goals to recommend the best and most cost-effective solution for your property. Our estimates are always transparent and detailed — no hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Can you handle both residential and commercial grading?
Yes. We’ve completed grading for residential driveways, new home construction sites, and larger commercial projects. Our balanced fleet lets us scale to your needs.
- Can you combine grading with other services?
Yes — and we highly recommend it. By understanding your long-term goals for the property, we can plan each step efficiently and cost-effectively so you don’t end up paying for things twice or hiring multiple contractors for overlapping work. We pride ourselves on being as turnkey as possible, integrating land clearing, building pads, drainage, and driveways into one seamless package.
- Are you insured?
Yes — we are a fully insured and professionally operated grading company. Our equipment, employees, and projects are all covered under proper insurance to protect both you and your property. We take safety and compliance seriously, and we follow best practices on every job site to ensure your project is completed responsibly and to professional standards.
What Our Customers and Neighbors Are Saying
Genuine stories of transformation and trust in local communities
Did a great job clearing several acres of our property that had become overgrown. It was a difficult job and they took extra care to not damage any trees. They also did a great job regrading the areas that were very uneven from past work others did on the land. Easy to work with, responsible and professional. I highly recommend them.
John is a true professional that knows his business. Stayed in contact before the job was done. Showed up on time and did a great job straightening out some erosion problems I had and gravelling our driveway. Highly recommend.
Had JG Grading and Landscaping out to my new construction home for a driveway and grading job. He did a fantastic and quick job at a reasonable price. His attention to detail was top notch concerning the design of my new driveway. Highly recommend!
Leave us a reviewAre you ready to schedule your free on-site grading estimate? Serving Henderson, Oxford, Kittrell, Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, and Hyco Lake and surrounding areas with professional, long-lasting results.