When homeowners look out at their yard after a heavy monsoon downpour or spring snowmelt in Flagstaff, AZ, they often wonder why the water is pooling right against their foundation. Grading and leveling questions fill the inbox of Mighty Excavating Inc every single week. Mighty Excavating Inc sees the same drainage and slope issues popping up across town, from Continental Country Club to the older lots near downtown.
Homeowners in Flagstaff, AZ who want to protect their property often ask about Grading and Excavating work. The answers below explain what is involved in Grading and Excavating.
Why is my yard pooling water even though it looks flat?
Looks can be deceiving. What seems flat to your eye usually has hidden dips, or a slope directing water straight toward your house. Flagstaff's volcanic cinders and expansive clay pockets settle unevenly over time. If your lot does not slope away from the structure at a minimum drop of six inches over the first ten feet, you are going to have pooling issues. Mighty Excavating Inc fixes this by reshaping the surface grade to push runoff safely toward the street or a designated drainage swale.
Can I just dump a load of topsoil in the low spots and call it good?
That is a quick way to create a muddy mess by next season. If you dump loose dirt on top of hard-packed native soil without proper grading or compaction, the new dirt will just wash away or settle unevenly the first time it rains hard. You have to cut and fill properly, blending the new material with the existing grade so it actually stays put.
How much slope do I actually need away from my house?
The standard rule Mighty Excavating Inc follows around Flagstaff, AZ is a drop of about half an inch per foot for the first ten feet away from the foundation. On hillside lots up in Pine Del, you might need to get creative with retaining walls or stepped grading to manage steeper drop-offs safely without triggering erosion.
Will heavy grading equipment ruin my driveway and landscaping?
It can if your contractor is not paying attention. Mighty Excavating Inc always looks at site access before bringing in the equipment for Grading and Excavating. Sometimes we use compact track skid steers instead of full-sized excavators to protect mature ponderosa pines and asphalt driveways. You will still see some tire tracks, but a good crew minimizes the footprint.
Do I need a permit for grading my property in Flagstaff?
Usually, minor landscaping and touch-up grading do not require city permits. But if you are altering major drainage patterns, moving more than fifty cubic yards of dirt, or messing with a designated wash, the City of Flagstaff or Coconino County is going to want to take a look. Always check local rules before moving dirt.
How long does a standard yard leveling project take?
Most residential grading jobs wrap up in 1 to 3 days. It really depends on whether we are just fixing a backyard slope or dealing with major earthmoving around a newly poured foundation.
If you are dealing with stubborn drainage issues or getting ready for a new build on a tricky piece of land, contact Mighty Excavating Inc. We provide Excavating Contractor services for homes and businesses in Flagstaff.