
Before any foundation is poured or utility trench is dug, your building site needs to be cleared, graded, and excavated to create a stable surface that supports the structure and drainage system

Raw land may have tree stumps, uneven topography, or clay pockets that hold water, while previously built lots might contain old concrete, buried debris, or compacted fill that needs removal. Site preparation addresses these conditions so construction can proceed without delays or settling issues down the line.

L&L Excavating provides complete site preparation for residential and commercial construction, including excavation, grading, and surface clearing.

The work involves removing vegetation and obstructions, cutting or filling to achieve the design grade, and compacting soil to meet bearing requirements for foundations and concrete slabs.

Local soil in Mid Michigan often includes heavy clay that requires proper moisture management during grading to prevent rutting or instability during the build phase.

Once the site is prepared, you will see a level building pad with clearly defined edges, stable soil that does not shift under equipment weight, and drainage paths that direct water away from the foundation area. Compaction testing may be required depending on local building codes and the type of structure being built.
A typical single-family lot in Mid Michigan can be cleared and graded in two to three days if the site is accessible and weather conditions are dry. Larger parcels or sites with significant elevation changes may take longer depending on the amount of material that needs to be moved.
Proper grading directs surface water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of basement leaks, soil erosion, and water pooling near walls. Most building codes require a minimum slope of one inch per foot for the first six feet around the foundation perimeter.
Clearing typically removes vegetation, small trees, stumps, rocks, and surface debris that interfere with grading or construction access. Larger trees may be left in place if they are outside the building envelope and not blocking equipment movement or drainage paths.
Undeveloped land requires clearing and often more extensive grading to establish the building pad and access routes. Previously built sites may involve demolition debris removal, old foundation excavation, and dealing with compacted fill or contaminated soil that was not an issue on raw ground.
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