Yard grading contractors for Burlington, Waterford, and Lake Geneva play a crucial role in shaping safe, attractive, and low-maintenance properties. If you just built a home or are preparing for landscaping, a precise final grade is your foundation for success. RLP Diversified, Inc delivers flawless final grades and drainage solutions that protect your investment and prepare your yard for sod, seed, patios, and driveways. Get a free on-site quote today and see why homeowners and builders across Wisconsin trust our grading and excavating team.
Why Final Grade Matters for New Homes
Final grade is the finishing layer of earthwork that creates the correct slopes around your home. The grading guides water away from your foundation, prevents pooling in your yard, supports healthy lawns, and helps hardscapes perform as designed. Without a proper final grade, rain and snowmelt can seep toward your basement, erode soil, and cause uneven settling that damages sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
Local codes and building best practices call for a consistent slope away from the structure. In southeastern Wisconsin, our freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soils can amplify drainage problems if the grade is off by even a small amount. Working with experienced yard grading contractors helps you avoid surprise repairs and sets your entire property up for long-term stability.
Trusted Yard Grading Contractors in Burlington, Waterford, and Lake Geneva
RLP Diversified, Inc is based in Burlington and serves homeowners and builders throughout the region. We bring more than two decades of grading and excavating experience to every new home site. Our team understands local soils, lake-effect weather patterns, and neighborhood expectations. Whether you need a final grade to pass inspection, a drainage refresh, or a full yard makeover after construction, we tailor a plan that fits your budget and timeline.
What a Final Grade Makeover Includes
Site Assessment and Planning
Every successful final grade starts with a detailed site assessment. We review lot lines, foundation elevations, baseline drainage, utility locations, and soil types. We identify where water currently flows and where it should go. Our yard grading contractors then develop a plan that balances slope, usable yard space, and future landscaping goals. If you are adding a patio, walkout, or driveway extension, we include those elevations in the plan so everything ties together smoothly.
Rough Grade Versus Finish Grade
New home sites often have a rough grade left by builders. Rough grading shapes the general terrain but does not fine-tune the slopes. Finish grading is the detailed phase that achieves the final surface elevations at the correct tolerances. RLP Diversified, Inc performs both rough and finish grading. We strip debris, evenly distribute fill, laser-check elevations, and prep soil so the final grade meets code and supports healthy lawns.
Topsoil, Soil Amendments, and Compaction
The quality and depth of your topsoil impacts drainage and lawn health. We import screened topsoil when needed and blend it to your site conditions. Where heavy clay exists, we adjust compaction to maintain slope without creating hardpan that traps surface water. Our crews use the right mix of moisture, compaction, and raking to deliver a smooth, stable finish that is ready for seed or sod.
Drainage Features and Water Management
Good grading moves water where you want it. Great grading prevents future headaches. We design subtle, lawn-friendly drainage features that handle storm events without noticeable trenches or eyesores. When necessary, we integrate French drains, catch basins, downspout extensions, or swales that compliment the yard and meet municipal standards.
Seeding, Sodding, and Erosion Control
A finished grade deserves a healthy start. Based on your timing and budget, we can seed, hydroseed, or lay sod. We add straw, blankets, or other erosion controls to protect new lawns on sloped areas. This final step minimizes washouts and helps your yard establish quickly after construction.
Local Expertise for Southeastern Wisconsin Soils and Weather
In Burlington, Waterford, and Lake Geneva, soil conditions vary from sandy loam to dense clay and glacial till. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, heavy summer rains, and lake-effect weather all influence how water moves through your property. RLP Diversified, Inc designs final grades that reflect these real-world conditions. We avoid shallow swales that freeze solid in winter, reduce low spots where water lingers in spring, and select soil blends that hold structure through storms.
We also understand the expectations found in local subdivisions, lakeside neighborhoods, and rural lots. Our yard grading contractors keep an eye on property lines, drainage easements, and driveway tie-ins so the finished surface functions well and looks natural from every angle.
Why Choose RLP Diversified, Inc
RLP Diversified, Inc was founded in 2000 in Burlington, Wisconsin. In 2013, we expanded by integrating Andy’s Excavating, which grew our team and our fleet. Today, we are a multifaceted contractor serving homeowners, builders, and commercial clients across Wisconsin. We operate with a commitment to precision, clear communication, and safety. Our project managers advise you on options, provide transparent estimates, and keep your schedule on track.
We run equipment from trusted brands like Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland, which allows us to tackle both small lots and larger estates with confidence. Because we control our trucking and aggregate supply, we keep your project moving when weather windows are short and timelines are tight.
End-to-End Materials and Trucking
Many final grade projects need fresh topsoil, fill, or drainage stone. With our aggregate and trucking services, we deliver exactly what your site requires. That includes topsoil, fill dirt, sand, stone, gravel, and limestone. Having materials in-house helps us control quality, reduce delays, and pass cost savings on to you.
Grading and Earthmoving Expertise
Our team provides rough grading and finish grading for new homes, driveways, and roadways. We strip topsoil, backfill basements, and spread topsoil with care. When it is time to green up your yard, we can seed lawns and add starter fertilizer to encourage fast, even growth.
Additional Services When You Need Them
Beyond final grade, RLP Diversified, Inc offers pond excavating, shoreline protection, and removal of old seawalls. We also perform commercial and residential excavating, demolition, and site cleanup. If your new home plan includes a backyard pond, a future patio, or a widened driveway, we can integrate those elements into the grading plan to save time and avoid rework.
Our Step-by-Step Final Grade Process
- On-site consultation and measurements. We walk your lot, listen to your goals, and note drainage patterns, soil conditions, and access.
- Grading plan and estimate. We outline slopes, drainage features, materials, and timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
- Rough grading and debris removal. We shape subgrade, remove construction debris, and prepare for accurate finish work.
- Drainage improvements. We add swales, downspout extensions, or French drains where needed to move water away from the home.
- Topsoil delivery and placement. We import and spread screened topsoil to the proper depth for lawn health and water infiltration.
- Finish grading and laser verification. We fine-tune elevations, smooth surfaces, and verify slope away from the foundation.
- Seeding or sodding with erosion control. We install your chosen lawn option and protect it with blankets or mulch where appropriate.
- Final walkthrough and guidance. We confirm details, share care tips for new lawns, and ensure you are satisfied with the results.
Drainage Solutions That Protect Your Home
Drainage is not one-size-fits-all. Our yard grading contractors tailor solutions to your lot layout and budget. Here are common options we consider when building a high-performing final grade:
- Swales that subtly direct water around the house and toward safe discharge points
- French drains that capture groundwater and relieve soggy areas in clay soils
- Downspout extensions that carry roof runoff away from foundations and sidewalks
- Sump pump discharge routing that prevents freeze-ups and recirculation near the house
- Soil amendments and topsoil depth that encourage infiltration without creating soft spots
- Erosion control blankets on slopes to prevent rills and washouts after heavy rain
When combined with a precise final grade, these features keep water moving in the right direction. The result is a drier basement, a healthier lawn, and a yard that is easier to maintain through every season.
How We Prepare New Yards for Landscaping
If you plan to add trees, shrubs, or hardscapes after your final grade, we account for those plans during design. We make sure future patios and walkways will sit on the right base and shed water properly. We check that bed edges and berms will not trap water against the house. We also coordinate with your landscaper if needed so your grading sets the stage for the next phase of work.
Common Mistakes Final Grade Makeovers Avoid
- Inadequate slope away from the foundation
- Low spots where water collects and kills grass
- Topsoil placed too thin or too thick for the site
- Ignoring downspout discharge points
- Over-compaction that leads to runoff and erosion
- Skipping erosion control on newly seeded slopes
RLP Diversified, Inc eliminates these issues by measuring elevations, checking compaction, and adjusting soil profiles to match your site. Our goal is to ensure your final grade passes inspection, looks great, and performs for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a final grade makeover take?
Most residential projects take one to three days depending on yard size, access, and weather. If we are adding drainage or hauling significant materials, the timeline may extend. We schedule work to hit the best weather window and minimize impact to your property.
Do I need new topsoil?
If your site lacks quality topsoil or has heavy clay near the surface, we recommend importing screened topsoil. The right depth and blend help grass establish and improve drainage. Our crews advise you on the amount needed after the site assessment.
Should I choose seed or sod?
Sod offers instant curb appeal and faster establishment. Seed is more cost effective and can fill large areas well when properly protected. We help you weigh budget, timing, and irrigation access to choose the best option.
When is the best time to do final grading?
Spring through fall are all workable seasons in Wisconsin, with adjustments for rain and freeze-thaw conditions. We monitor forecasts and soil moisture so we do not damage the subgrade or leave ruts during work.
What if my yard is already graded but drains poorly?
We can troubleshoot problem areas, spot-correct slopes, add drains, or regrade specific sections. Many drainage issues can be solved without redoing the entire yard.
Service Areas Across Wisconsin
RLP Diversified, Inc is proud to serve Burlington, Waterford, and Lake Geneva, along with greater Wisconsin communities such as Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay. Our yard grading contractors travel statewide for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. If you are outside the immediate area, contact us to discuss scheduling and availability.
What Sets Our Team Apart
- Local knowledge of southeastern Wisconsin soils, codes, and weather patterns
- In-house aggregate and trucking for responsive scheduling
- Modern equipment from Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland for precise results
- Clear communication from estimate to final walkthrough
- Capability to integrate excavating, ponds, demolition, and shoreline protection as needed
- Commitment to safety, site cleanliness, and on-time delivery
Get a Free On-Site Quote
If you want a flawless final grade for your new home in Burlington, Waterford, or Lake Geneva, partner with experienced yard grading contractors who put your property first. RLP Diversified, Inc will evaluate your site, explain your options, and deliver a clear plan that fits your schedule and budget. Protect your foundation, create a lawn that thrives, and get your property ready for outdoor living. Contact RLP Diversified, Inc today to schedule your free on-site quote and take the next step toward a smooth, well-drained yard that looks great in every season.
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