Grading • Drainage • Excavation • Site Preparation
Grading, Drainage & Site Work in Greater Boston and the North Shore
Goodwood General Construction provides excavation, yard grading, drainage corrections and site preparation for residential and commercial properties, with practical solutions designed for New England soil, weather and site conditions.
Manage Water. Prepare the Site. Protect the Foundation.
Complete Grading, Drainage and Site Work Services
Goodwood General Construction handles the excavation, grading and drainage work needed to improve how a property functions and prepare it for construction or hardscape improvements. We evaluate existing elevations, soil conditions, water movement, access and the intended use of the area before preparing the project scope.
Site work is rarely just about moving soil. The finished grades must direct water appropriately, the base must support the planned improvement, and drainage components must discharge to a suitable location. Our work can be coordinated with retaining walls, patios, driveways, concrete footings and other exterior construction.
- More than 20 years of hands-on construction experience
- Licensed and insured Massachusetts contractor
- Professional excavation and grading equipment
- Drainage corrections tailored to site conditions
- Clear written scopes and project communication
- Coordination with concrete and hardscape construction
- Work focused on long-term property performance
Site Work Solutions
Grading, Drainage and Excavation Services
From correcting standing water to preparing an area for construction, we provide complete site-work services based on the conditions and goals of the property.
What Our Site Work Can Include
- Yard grading and regrading
- Drainage trenching and pipe installation
- Dry wells, channel drains and catch basins
- Downspout and sump-discharge drainage
- Excavation for footings and foundations
- Site preparation for patios and driveways
- Utility trenching when included in the project scope
- Material removal, backfilling and site restoration
Yard Grading & Regrading
We reshape uneven or poorly draining areas to improve surface-water flow, reduce low spots and prepare yards for landscaping, lawns or construction.
Drainage Systems & Water Management
Drainage solutions may include underground piping, collection points, stone drainage areas and appropriate discharge routes selected for the property.
Excavation & Site Preparation
We excavate and prepare areas for additions, concrete work, hardscapes, retaining walls and other improvements that require proper access, depth and base preparation.
Downspout & Sump Discharge Drainage
Roof runoff and sump discharge can be routed through buried solid pipe to help move water away from foundations and frequently saturated areas.
Dry Wells, Channel Drains & Catch Basins
Where site conditions allow, collection and infiltration systems can capture runoff from driveways, patios, walkways and low areas before directing or dispersing it.
Foundation & Footing Excavation
Excavation for foundations and structural footings is coordinated with the required dimensions, soil conditions, access and the concrete phase of the project.
Plan Around the Entire Property
Successful site work starts with understanding how water moves.
Standing water, erosion, wet foundations and uneven yards can have several contributing causes. Before recommending work, we review the visible grades, runoff sources, soil conditions, available discharge locations and how nearby structures and paved areas affect water movement.
Existing grades and drainage routes
We identify high and low areas, observe where water collects and determine whether surface grading, underground drainage or a combination is appropriate. Yard grading and lawn leveling address uneven areas while maintaining slopes that guide water toward suitable drainage routes.
Excavation, soil and base preparation
Unsuitable material may need to be removed and replaced with compacted aggregate or suitable fill based on the intended use of the completed area.
Drainage components and discharge
French drains, pipe, collection points, channel drains, dry wells and outlets are selected and placed according to the site, available elevations and written project scope. Downspout extensions can also help move roof runoff away from foundations where appropriate.
What affects grading and drainage cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the area, excavation depth, equipment access, soil conditions, material disposal, imported fill or stone, drainage components, pipe length, discharge location, existing utilities and final restoration. An on-site visit allows Goodwood to prepare a project-specific estimate.
Some projects may require municipal approval, utility marking, engineering or other professional design. Those requirements are identified as part of planning and must be addressed before applicable construction proceeds.
Goodwood Site Work
Excavation, grading and drainage completed with one coordinated approach.
A selection of Goodwood grading, drainage and site-preparation work across Greater Boston and the North Shore.
Explore our driveway drainage project in Newton, MA for before photos, channel drain and drywell installation, a roof downspout connection, and the finished water-flow video.
Our Process
Our Grading, Drainage and Site Work Process
Site Visit & Review
We review the problem area, existing elevations, water sources, soil conditions, access and the intended use of the completed space.
Scope & Requirements
We prepare a written estimate describing the proposed excavation, materials, drainage components, grading, restoration, assumptions and exclusions.
Excavation & Installation
The area is excavated and prepared, and the specified aggregate, fill, pipe, drains or other components are installed.
Final Grading & Completion
We establish the planned finish grades, complete included restoration and review the finished work with the property owner.
Local Site Work Contractor
Grading and Drainage Service Area
Greater Boston and the North Shore
Goodwood provides grading, drainage, excavation and site-work services throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Service areas include communities such as Lynnfield, Peabody, Danvers, Reading, North Reading, Andover, North Andover, Winchester, Medford, Newton, Wellesley, Lexington, Arlington, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Haverhill, Boxford, and Westwood.
Reputation Built Project by Project
See Why Massachusetts Homeowners Trust Goodwood
Read verified Google reviews from homeowners who hired Goodwood for grading, drainage, excavation, retaining walls, concrete and structural-support projects across Greater Boston and the North Shore.
Grading and Drainage FAQs
Helpful answers before planning your project.
Every property is different. A site visit allows us to evaluate the conditions that influence excavation, grades, drainage options, access, project requirements and pricing.
What is the difference between excavation, grading and site work?
Excavation removes or relocates soil. Grading establishes the planned elevations and slopes. Site work is the broader process that may include excavation, grading, drainage, base preparation, backfilling and restoration.
Can grading help correct standing water in my yard?
Grading can help when the property has enough elevation and an appropriate direction for surface water to travel. Some sites also require underground drainage or collection systems.
What types of drainage systems do you install?
Depending on the site and written scope, work may include solid drainpipe, channel drains, catch basins, dry wells, stone drainage areas, downspout extensions and sump-discharge piping.
Can you bury downspout and sump-pump discharge lines?
Yes. Where site conditions permit, downspout and sump discharge can be routed through buried solid pipe to an appropriate outlet or dispersal area.
Do grading, drainage or excavation projects require permits?
Requirements vary by municipality and project. Work involving structures, utilities, wetlands, public ways or significant changes to drainage may require approvals or professional design.
Do you remove excavated material and restore the area?
Removal, disposal, backfilling, finish grading and restoration can be included when specified in the written project scope.
How much does grading or drainage work cost?
Cost depends on the affected area, access, excavation depth, soil, material removal, imported fill or stone, drainage components, pipe length, discharge location and restoration.
How long does site work take?
The schedule depends on project size, excavation, access, materials, utility marking, approvals, weather and the amount of final grading or restoration required.
Discuss Your Property
Get in Touch About Your Grading or Drainage Project
Tell us where water collects, which areas are uneven, what construction you are planning and what you want the completed property to accomplish.