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Serving Altadena, CA and surrounding areas. (323) 329-3072
Altadena clay soils shift every season. We excavate deep, remove problem material, and build a stable compacted base so whatever goes on top holds its shape for years.
Grading and excavation in Altadena means reshaping the ground, removing clay-heavy soil, and building a compacted aggregate base before paving - most residential driveway prep jobs take one to three days, and the result is a foundation that holds through wet winters and dry summers without shifting or cracking.
A well-paved driveway is only as good as what sits underneath it. Altadena's foothill location puts properties on expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry - and that constant movement is the root cause of most early pavement failures in this area. Proper grading and excavation removes the problem material and replaces it with a stable base, so the asphalt above has something solid to sit on. When the scope includes drainage work or a larger property footprint, pairing this service with drainage solutions ensures water is directed away from your home and pavement for the long term.
Standing water against your house or garage after rain means the grade slopes toward the structure rather than away from it. That is a grading problem that will not fix itself - and it puts your foundation at risk of moisture damage over time.
Visible depressions in your driveway surface are a sign that the ground beneath has shifted or compressed unevenly. In Altadena's clay-heavy soils, this kind of movement is common after wet winters followed by dry summers, and repaving without addressing the grade brings the same problem back.
If heavy rain sends a fast stream of water down your driveway and straight to the street, your grading is not slowing or directing that flow correctly. On hillside Altadena properties, uncontrolled runoff can undermine pavement edges and erode soil downhill.
Any new paved surface needs proper ground preparation first. Skipping excavation and grading is the most common reason new driveways fail prematurely - and fixing that failure costs far more than doing the prep correctly from the start.
We handle residential driveway prep, new construction grading, regrading of settled or failed surfaces, and full excavation for properties that need the clay layer removed before paving begins. Every job starts with an on-site walk-through - because Altadena's hillside terrain and soil conditions vary enough from one property to the next that no two jobs are identical. We assess the slope, check drainage patterns, and identify any obstacles like tree roots, old hardscape, or soft spots before finalizing the plan and the quote.
We also handle the LA County permit process when grading work triggers county approval requirements - which it sometimes does in Altadena given that it is unincorporated county territory. You will not be left to figure out the permitting on your own. After the base is compacted and ready, we hand off cleanly to paving - whether that is concrete curbing and sidewalks or a full asphalt surface. We confirm the grade is correct before any asphalt goes down.
Best for homeowners preparing a new driveway or replacing a failed surface on Altadena's clay-heavy lots.
Suits properties where water is pooling near the foundation or not draining properly from an existing paved surface.
Right for northern Altadena properties with meaningful grade changes that require careful slope management and erosion control.
For properties affected by wildfire activity, where soil assessment and stabilization are needed before any grading or paving work can proceed safely.
Altadena climbs into the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and many properties have meaningful grade changes from street to garage. The clay-heavy soil that covers much of this area swells significantly during wet winters and shrinks back in summer - that seasonal movement is why driveways crack and shift here even without the freeze-thaw cycles common in colder regions. Any grading work that does not account for this soil behavior and excavate deep enough to remove the problem layer will see the same failure repeat within a few years. The Altadena area has also experienced significant wildfire activity, and post-fire soil can be water-repellent, causing rapid runoff and erosion that complicates grading work considerably.
Properties in La Canada Flintridge and Sierra Madre share the same foothill conditions - hillside lots, clay soils, and drainage challenges that require experienced site assessment before any excavation begins. In all of these communities, the permit process runs through LA County rather than a city government, which is another reason to work with a contractor who knows the local requirements. You can read more about responsible grading and stormwater practices at epa.gov.
We schedule a site visit because grading on hillside or clay-soil properties cannot be accurately quoted from a photo. You get a written, itemized estimate that separates excavation, hauling, and base prep. We reply within one business day.
For projects that move significant soil or affect drainage, an LA County grading permit may be required. We identify this at the estimate stage and handle the application process - permitted work protects you when you sell the property.
The crew excavates to the required depth, removes unsuitable soil, and shapes the surface to the correct slope. Excavated material is hauled away - we tell you upfront how many truckloads are estimated so there are no surprises.
Crushed aggregate base is spread and compacted in layers. We check for soft spots and confirm the slope before paving begins. You can pour a bucket of water on the finished grade - it should flow away from your house, not toward it.
Every Altadena lot is different. We walk your site, assess the soil and slope, and give you a written quote with no pressure - usually within one business day.
(323) 329-3072We work on Altadena's expansive clay-heavy soils regularly. We know how deep to excavate to get below the problem layer and what base material holds up through wet winters and dry summers - not just what works on flat urban lots.
Because Altadena is unincorporated county territory, grading permits go through LA County, not a city. We know the process and handle it on your behalf, so your project does not get stalled waiting for approvals you did not know you needed.
Many Altadena properties climb toward the San Gabriel Mountains with steep grades, tight access, and erosion risks. We plan for all of it in the estimate and the execution - including post-fire soil conditions where additional stabilization may be needed.
California requires contractors performing grading and excavation to hold a current state license - you can verify ours at cslb.ca.gov before you hire. That licensing confirms the work meets California standards and protects you if anything goes wrong on your property.
Grading and excavation done right the first time is an investment that extends the life of everything on top of it. Done poorly, it is the reason you are repaving or repairing again within a few years.
Add defined edges and walkways once the base is graded and ready for finished surfaces.
Learn MoreInstall drainage infrastructure that works with the finished grade to protect your property from water damage.
Learn MoreOur crew knows Altadena's hillside terrain and clay soils. Call us now for a free on-site estimate before the next rainy season arrives.