Why Your Property Needs Professional Grading Before Building in Texas

Property Grading in East Texas: Why Proper Site Prep Is Key to a Strong, Long-Lasting Build

Before any concrete is poured or construction begins, one crucial step can make or break your project: property grading. Whether you’re building a home, a barn, a commercial facility, or even just installing a driveway, proper grading ensures the land is prepared to support your structure for years to come.

At Jerami Kennamer Services, we’ve worked across East Texas for over 20 years, providing expert grading and site prep services for residential and commercial clients. If you’re planning to build anywhere near Mabank or throughout Henderson and Kaufman counties, here’s why grading should be your first step.

What Is Property Grading and Why Does It Matter?

Grading is the process of reshaping and leveling land to create a stable, functional surface. In construction, it plays multiple roles:

• Directing water flow away from structures
  
  
• Creating level surfaces for building
  
  
• Preventing soil erosion and drainage issues
  
  
• Setting the foundation for landscaping, driveways, and roads
  
  

Without professional grading, you risk structural issues, standing water, and costly repairs before your building is even complete.

Texas Soil and Weather: A Tough Combination

Texas presents a unique challenge for builders:

• Clay-heavy soils that expand and contract with moisture
  
  
• Frequent droughts followed by sudden downpours
  
  
• Rolling terrain that can cause drainage problems if not managed
  
  

In areas like Mabank, Gun Barrel City, and Eustace, poor site grading is one of the leading causes of foundation problems. If water collects under or around your foundation, it can cause uneven settling or erosion.

That’s why local knowledge is key. We know how to grade land to work with the natural slope and ensure long-term drainage performance.

6 Reasons You Need Professional Grading Before Building

1. Prevent Drainage Problems

The number one reason to grade before building is to control where water goes. Improper drainage leads to pooling, foundation damage, mold, and property erosion.

We use final grade work and trenching to ensure:

• Water flows away from foundations
  
  
• Driveways and pads are properly sloped
  
  
• Natural runoff is preserved or rerouted
  

2. Create a Stable Foundation Base

Before building begins, the soil must be compacted and level to provide a stable base for construction. Unstable or uneven ground leads to:

• Cracking foundations
  
  
• Shifting walls or concrete slabs
  
  
• Delays in the building timeline
  
  

We use laser leveling tools and compactors to meet local construction codes and builder specifications.

3. Meet Local Regulations and Permits

Many Texas counties require grading to follow specific codes, especially near waterways or if you're building in a flood zone. Grading can also impact:

• Septic system placement
  
  
• Driveway accessibility
  
  
• Erosion control compliance
  
  

Jerami Kennamer Services is familiar with local regulations in Henderson County, Kaufman County, and surrounding areas, ensuring your project stays compliant

4. Avoid Costly Rework and Delays

Skipping or rushing the grading process often results in expensive rework later. Drainage corrections, re-pouring foundations, or removing unsuitable soil can double your project costs.

Grading is a small upfront investment that saves you thousands in long-term repairs.

5. Improve Safety on the Job Site

Uneven or poorly compacted ground is a hazard for crews, equipment, and future homeowners. Proper grading reduces:

• Machinery accidents
  
  
• Erosion during storms
  
  
• Site flooding and runoff issues
  
  

Our team ensures all site prep meets safety best practices before the first contractor shows up.

6. Set the Stage for Future Landscaping

If you plan to install sod, irrigation systems, or hardscapes after construction, a properly graded yard makes it faster, easier, and more cost-effective. We help homeowners plan for:

• Yard drainage
  
  
• Retaining walls
  
  
• Driveway grading
  
  
• Garden and turf areas
  
  

Proper grade now means less headache later.

Local Grading Experience You Can Trust

For over two decades, we’ve handled grading projects for:

• Custom home builds near Cedar Creek Lake
  
  
• Metal buildings and barns in Kaufman County
  
  
• Commercial pads and driveways in Athens, TX
  
  
• Land clearing and prep for rural acreage development
  
  

Our equipment and expertise allow us to work on lots of all sizes, from small residential pads to multi-acre rural properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need grading even if my land looks flat?

Yes. Even lots that appear flat can have hidden drainage or compaction issues. A proper grade ensures long-term stability and avoids water damage.

How much does professional grading cost in East Texas?

Grading costs vary by lot size, soil type, and project complexity. Most residential grading in the Mabank area ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. We provide free, accurate quotes.

What equipment do you use for grading?

We use a combination of excavators, skid steers, box blades, and compactors. Laser and GPS tools help us ensure a perfect slope every time.

Can you handle both clearing and grading?

Yes. We offer complete land clearing, brush hogging, trenching, and grading. It’s one of the reasons builders and homeowners choose us to prep the entire lot.

How long does grading take?

Most residential grading projects are completed in 1 to 3 days. Larger or more complex sites may take up to a week, depending on soil conditions and site access.

Start Your Project Right with Professional Grading

If you’re planning to build in or around Mabank, TX, don’t take shortcuts. Start with expert grading and site preparation from Jerami Kennamer Services.

We serve a 30-mile radius from Mabank, including:

• Athens
  
  
• Gun Barrel City
  
  
• Eustace
  
  
• Kemp
  
  
• Kaufman
  
  
• Seven Points
  
  

Let’s make sure your project is on solid ground from day one.

Call us today at (903) 288-8883
Licensed. Insured. Locally Owned. 20+ Years of Experience.