Common dirt work after clearing
| Work | Why it's done |
|---|---|
| Stump removal | Stumps under a slab or drive rot and settle later |
| Root raking | Pulls buried roots so the ground packs evenly |
| Fill dirt | Raises low areas and builds up a house pad |
| Building pad | A raised, packed area for a slab or shop |
| Rough grading | Shapes the land so rain drains away from buildings |
| Driveway base | A firm path for trucks during construction |
How it fits with your builder
Your builder, engineer or the house plans usually set how high the pad needs to be and where water should go. The dirt work company builds to that. Ask the clearing company whether it does this work too; many do, and it saves scheduling a second crew. For pad height and drainage questions, check with your builder and your parish.
Choices that change the price
- Fill amount: lower lots need more dirt, and trucking is a big part of the cost.
- Fill type: ask what kind of dirt is being quoted and where it comes from.
- Compaction: some jobs pack the pad in layers; ask how it's done.
- Stumps: pulled and hauled, or buried elsewhere on the property; ask which.
Questions worth asking
- How many loads of fill do you expect, and what kind?
- Will you pack the pad, and how?
- Where do stumps and roots go?
- How will water drain off the finished area?
Why it matters around here
Much of the Baton Rouge area is flat and holds water after heavy rain, and soils can be slick clay. That's why many new home sites here get some fill and a raised pad after clearing. Your builder and parish can tell you what's expected for your lot.
Questions people ask
Can the same company clear and do the dirt work?
Many can. Bundling usually means one schedule and one point of contact.
How long does fill need to settle?
It depends on the dirt, the depth and how it's packed. Ask the company and your builder about timing before a slab goes down.
Do I need a survey first?
For building, it's common to have the lot surveyed and the house located before final grading. Ask your builder.