San Rafael Excavation & Grading Services

Strong structures begin with a solid foundation, and that foundation starts with expert excavation and grading. With 50+ years of combined experience, Westward Builders has built a reputation throughout Marin and Sonoma counties for delivering precision work and cost savings. From site preparation to utility trenching, you can trust our licensed and insured team to complete your project smoothly, safely, and with attention to detail. 

For excavation and grading services in San Rafael, give us a call at (415) 968-1090 or reach out online. Free estimates are available. We also provide bilingual services in English and Spanish. Hablamos español.

All-in-One Excavation & Grading 

While most contractors subcontract excavation and grading to multiple companies, Westward Builders does it all. To us, it doesn’t make sense to have one company mobilize equipment for site grading only to bring in another to handle footing and utility trenching with the same type of machinery. 

By managing both processes in-house, we offer:

• All-in-one efficiency – We handle grading and excavation for footings, utilities, and site preparation
• Significant cost savings – Needing only one contractor means fewer delays and lower expenses
• Well-maintained fleet – Our equipment is serviced regularly, reducing unexpected issues and keeping projects on schedule
• Clean, efficient operation – All equipment is registered with the California Air Resources Board, ensuring compliance and environmentally responsible fuel use

The Projects We Can Handle

Our expertise in excavation and grading extends across a wide variety of projects, including:

• Residential construction – Preparing lots, grading driveways, and trenching for utilities and foundations
• Commercial sites – Excavating and grading large properties with efficiency and precision
• Limited-access projects – Managing challenging terrain, such as hillsides, with specialized equipment and techniques
• Retaining wall preparation – Excavating and grading for structural walls that protect against erosion
• Drainage solutions – Ensuring proper slope and grading to direct water away from structures.

Whether your project is straightforward or complex, our team has the knowledge and equipment to deliver lasting results.

What Should Homeowners Know Before Starting?

Homeowners often have questions before beginning excavation or grading work. Understanding these factors ensures a smooth project experience.

Important considerations for homeowners:

• Utility Line Identification: Locating gas, electric, and water lines before digging.
• Permitting Requirements: Ensuring all required city permits are secured.
• Soil Conditions: Evaluating soil type, compaction levels, and moisture content.
• Property Drainage: Planning for long-term drainage and erosion control.
• Project Timeline: Understanding how weather and soil can affect scheduling.

Our team helps homeowners navigate every step with clear communication and professional guidance.

How Can Businesses Keep Their Projects on Schedule?

Commercial excavation requires precise coordination and streamlined processes to stay on budget and on time.

Ways businesses can help keep site work efficient:

• Conducting a thorough site assessment prior to breaking ground
• Ensuring engineering plans and grading specs are finalized early
• Coordinating with contractors, architects, and inspectors
• Maintaining steady communication between all project stakeholders
• Using a trusted excavation team with reliable equipment
• Identifying potential delays, such as soil challenges or underground obstacles

Westward Builders works closely with commercial clients to minimize downtime and keep the project moving forward smoothly.

San Rafael Grading Services Built for Marin County Lots & Weather

In San Rafael and across Marin County, grading isn’t just about making a pad look level—it’s about setting your project up for smooth permitting, solid drainage, and fewer surprises once construction starts. Many properties in the area come with slope changes, tight access, and runoff concerns during winter storms, which can turn small grading mistakes into bigger headaches later.

Our team plans grading services around the realities locals deal with: driveways that need the right pitch, pads that must drain away from structures, and sites where erosion control matters from day one. We also keep an eye on scheduling around wet weather so your site stays workable and safe.

• Permits & inspections: Depending on where your property sits, you may be working with the City of San Rafael Community Development Department (building/plan review) and Public Works, or Marin County departments for projects in unincorporated areas. If your project is in Sonoma County, their local permit and inspection resources may apply.
• Drainage and erosion control: Grading services often need to account for stormwater flow, temporary erosion measures, and long-term drainage routing—especially on sloped sites and during rainy months.
• Underground utilities: Before any digging, homeowners and contractors should use Underground Service Alert (dial 811) to help identify marked utilities and reduce the risk of delays, damage, and costly repairs.
• Access limitations: Marin-area properties can involve narrow staging areas, existing structures nearby, and limited room to maneuver equipment—so the grading approach needs to be efficient and controlled.

If you’re planning a build, addition, driveway regrade, or drainage improvements in San Rafael, getting grading services done right at the start helps everything else go more smoothly—from footings and trenching to final surface drainage.