Show the water problem
Tell us where water collects and how long it stays after rain. Note nearby downspouts, paved areas, existing drains and any changes already made to the yard.
Site Work & Grading in Charleston, SC
Lot clearing, rough and final grade, silt fence, tree protection, driveway pads, and drainage for homeowners and builders across the Lowcountry. Veteran owned, competitively priced, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Charleston Site Prep, Grading & Drainage
CHS Contracting is a veteran owned outdoor construction contractor in Charleston, SC. We clear lots, set rough and final grade, install silt fence and tree protection, pour driveway pads, bring in fill, and build the drainage that keeps a Lowcountry lot dry, with free estimates on every job.
Site work is the part of a project nobody sees when it is done, and the part that causes the most trouble when it is skipped. A house, a pool, a patio, or a new lawn is only as good as the ground it sits on. We get that ground right first: the lot cleared, the grade set so water leaves instead of pooling, and the erosion controls in place so the job passes inspection and the neighbors' ditch stays clean.
We work for homeowners fixing a wet yard and for builders who need a lot prepped on a schedule. Because we also build the hardscape, the irrigation, and the landscape that comes after, the grading is planned with the finished project in mind instead of being handed off to a crew that never sees what goes on top of it.
What We Do
Residential site work across the Charleston area, from raw lot to finished grade.
Lot & Brush Clearing
Clearing undergrowth, brush, stumps, and debris so a lot is ready to build on or plant, with haul away included.
Rough Grade
Shaping the lot so water runs away from the foundation and the site is set for footings, slabs, pools, and driveways.
Final Grade
The last pass before sod, seed, or beds. Smoothed, set to finished elevations, and ready for the landscape to go in.
Silt Fence & Tree Protection
Erosion control and tree protection fencing installed to spec for new construction, then removed and cleaned up at close out.
Driveway Pads & Aprons
Compacted gravel and concrete driveway pads, parking aprons, and slab prep for sheds, workshops, and equipment.
Fill, Topsoil & Drainage
Fill to raise low areas, screened topsoil for planting, and French drains, swales, and sump pumps to move water off the lot.
Grading For Lowcountry Lots
Charleston ground is flat, low, and wet, and the grade has to do more work here than almost anywhere else.
Most lots around Charleston have very little natural fall, the water table sits close to the surface, and a summer storm can drop inches of rain in an hour. If the grade is off by even a few inches, water settles against the foundation, sits under the crawl space, or turns the back yard into a pond that never quite dries out. We set grade with a plan for where every drop of water goes, and we tie it into drainage when the lot cannot shed water on its own.
Soil changes from one neighborhood to the next. Sandy ground near the beaches drains fast but will not hold a slope. Heavier soil inland holds water and needs fill and drainage to behave. We match the fill, the compaction, and the drainage design to what is actually in the ground, so the finished grade stays where we put it through hurricane season and beyond.
Prepare for a Grading or Drainage Estimate
Standing water can involve ground levels, compacted soil, runoff from nearby surfaces or a blocked or unsuitable outlet. A site visit helps establish the problem before choosing grading, a swale, a drain or a pump. The right scope depends on the property.
Explain access and constraints
Identify gates, narrow access, trees to preserve, existing irrigation and known utilities. Clearing, disposal, imported soil and equipment access affect the work involved.
Coordinate the next stage
Discuss the intended finished use: lawn, driveway pad, patio or planting. Confirm grading, drainage discharge, erosion-control and restoration responsibilities before work is agreed.
Related service: Patios, retaining walls and hardscaping. Meet owners Tim Smoyer and Ken Fry, or request a free estimate.
Charleston Site Work FAQs
Who does site work and grading in Charleston, SC?
CHS Contracting is a veteran owned outdoor construction contractor serving Charleston, SC and the surrounding Lowcountry. We handle lot clearing, rough and final grading, silt fence, tree protection, driveway pads, fill, and drainage for homeowners and builders, with free estimates. Call 843-998-2275.
What is the difference between rough grade and final grade?
Rough grade shapes the lot so water runs away from the house and the site is ready for construction. Final grade is the last pass before sod, seed, or planting, where the soil is smoothed and set to the finished elevations. We do both.
Do you install silt fence and tree protection for new construction?
Yes. We install silt fence and tree protection fencing for new builds and renovations in the Charleston area, and we can take them down and clean up once the job closes out.
Can you fix a yard that holds water after it rains?
Yes. Standing water is usually a grade problem, a drainage problem, or both. We regrade low spots, add fill where needed, and install French drains, swales, or sump pumps so water moves away from the house and off the lawn.
What areas around Charleston do you serve for site work?
We serve the greater Charleston area, including Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island.
Related Services & Areas
Need A Lot Cleared, Graded, Or Drained?
Tell us what the site needs and we will get you a free, competitive estimate. Veteran owned, satisfaction guaranteed.
Get A Free Estimate Call 843-998-2275