Grading & Regrading
Reshaping the ground so surfaces slope away from the house and toward a planned outlet.
Trade 11 · Drainage & Grading
Drainage & Grading
Site drainage and grading solutions that move water intentionally and protect the finished work.
What We Build
Sub-services
Solutions that move water where you want it
Swales
Shallow, shaped channels that carry surface water across the yard.
French Drains
Perforated pipe in drain rock that collects and carries subsurface water.
Catch Basins & Area Drains
Inlets that collect water from low spots, patios and driveways.
Downspout Routing
Piping roof water away from the foundation to a planned outlet.
Drainage Under New Work
Drainage planned with patios, walls and turf so finished surfaces stay sound.
Why It Matters
Drainage & Grading
Water is the thing that damages everything else
In our wet climate, water that has nowhere to go ends up in the wrong place: standing on a lawn, against a foundation, behind a wall or under a patio. Over time that causes settling, erosion and damage.
The fix starts with understanding where the water comes from and where it should go. We plan the outlet first, then the path to get water there.
What good looks like
- Understand the source before choosing the solution.
- Plan the outlet before digging anything.
- Slope pipes and surfaces so water actually moves.
- Test the system with water before restoring the surface.
Design Options
Make it yours
Solutions we choose between
Surface or Subsurface
Swales and grading handle surface water; French drains and area drains handle subsurface or collected water.
Where the Water Goes
Options include daylighting to a lower area, connecting to an approved storm system or infiltrating where the soil allows.
Pipe & Inlet Types
Solid pipe carries water; perforated pipe collects it. Inlets and basins are chosen for the flow and the traffic.
Hidden or Visible
Some drainage is buried; some, like rock-lined swales, can be a landscape feature.
Planted Drainage Features
Some swales and rain gardens use plants to slow and absorb water.
Materials
Suppliers & collections
Where we look for drainage materials
Pipe, basins, fabric and related drainage products come from suppliers we work with or can source through. We confirm availability and specifications during design and estimating. Product availability, colors and pricing can change, so a saved link is a selection request, not a guarantee.
SiteOne Hardscapes
Drainage, irrigation and professional landscape products through SiteOne Landscape Supply.
Visit SiteOne Hardscapes (opens in a new tab)Materials Design Center
Explore supplier collections, paste the product links you like into your project request, and we will confirm availability, suitability and pricing during design and estimating.
Explore all materialsHow We Build It
6 Steps
How drainage is built
Read the Water
We walk the property in wet conditions where possible and look at grades, downspouts, soil and problem areas.
Plan the Outlet
We identify where the water can go and what approvals or rules apply.
Trench & Slope
Trenches or swales are cut to the planned slope so water moves by gravity.
Pipe, Fabric & Rock
Pipe is set with proper bedding, wrapped or lined with fabric where needed and surrounded by drain rock.
Connect & Test
Connections are completed and the system is tested with water to confirm flow.
Restore & Final Grade
The surface is restored, final grades are shaped and the site is cleaned.
Warranty & Credentials
What stands behind the work
Workmanship coverage and credentials are confirmed in writing with your proposal.
What Affects the Cost
Factors, not prices
What affects the cost of drainage work
Extent of the problem
A single wet spot differs from drainage across a whole yard.
Outlet distance
Longer runs to a suitable outlet mean more trenching and pipe.
Soil & excavation
Hard digging, rock and soil removal change the groundwork.
System type
Swales, French drains, basins and pipe all carry different scope.
Access
Narrow access and long carries affect labor and equipment.
Surface restoration
Restoring lawn, planting or hardscape after trenching is part of the work.
Every property is different. After we assess yours, your proposal sets out the written scope, options and pricing assumptions.
FAQ
Drainage & Grading
Will drainage work fix my wet yard?
It depends on the cause. We assess where the water comes from and recommend what will help. Some conditions may need additional steps or professional engineering.
Where does the water go?
We plan an outlet first, which could be a lower area on the property, an approved storm connection or an infiltration area where soil allows. Local rules affect the options.
Can you connect my downspouts?
Yes. Routing downspouts away from the foundation to a planned outlet is a common part of drainage work.
Do drains need maintenance?
Some do. Catch basins and inlets can collect debris and may need occasional cleaning. We review care at the walkthrough.
What does drainage work cost?
The extent of the problem, outlet distance, soil, system type and access all play a role. You receive a written scope and pricing after the assessment.
Let us build the space you have been planning
Tell us what you want to change and any materials that have caught your eye. We will help you understand the right next step.