Site Preparation in Eau Claire, WI
Clearing, stripping topsoil, excavation, and subgrade preparation for construction projects
Every successful build starts before the first footing is poured. Poor site preparation leads to settlement, drainage failure, elevation conflicts, and inspection problems that slow the entire project.
Serving West Central Wisconsin, 715 Excavating provides site preparation services in Eau Claire, WI, and surrounding communities. We prepare sites to prevent settlement, drainage failure, and elevation conflicts before foundations and utilities are installed.
Why Property Owners and Builders Choose 715 Excavating
Preparation First Approach
We treat site prep as structural work, not cleanup. Every phase depends on it.
Elevation and Drainage Accuracy
Pads and slopes are shaped to match design grades so water moves correctly and structures sit where planned.
Clean Transitions
Sites are left ready for foundations, utilities, flatwork, or paving without rework or delays.
Direct Owner Oversight
Each project is managed by the owner to keep sequencing, access, and quality controlled from start to finish.
When Site Preparation Is Required
Site preparation is needed any time raw or disturbed land must be made ready for construction.
This includes:
- New home and garage construction
- Commercial and agricultural building sites
- Additions and expansions
- Utility and infrastructure projects
- Redevelopment and rebuild sites
Proper preparation establishes elevations, controls drainage, and creates working surfaces that support every phase that follows.
Site Preparation Services We Provide
Clearing and Vegetation Removal
Sites must be opened before layout, and excavation can begin.
This includes:
- Tree and brush removal
- Stump and root extraction
- Debris and organic material removal
- Access route clearing
Clearing exposes grades and soil conditions so excavation and layout can proceed accurately.
Topsoil Stripping and Stockpiling
Topsoil must be removed before structural excavation begins.
This includes:
- Stripping organic surface layers
- Separating unsuitable material
- Stockpiling reusable topsoil
- Exposing stable subgrade
Removing topsoil prevents settlement and allows base systems to sit on load-bearing soil.
Excavation and Subgrade Shaping
Once surfaces are stripped, subgrades are shaped to match design elevations and slopes.
This includes:
- Cut and fill operations
- Building pad shaping
- Utility corridor preparation
- Rough grading and slope formation
Subgrades are shaped to support foundations, drainage, and access routes without correction later.
Base Preparation for Construction
Prepared subgrades are stabilized before foundations, slabs, or utilities are installed.
This includes:
- Removing unsuitable material
- Installing and shaping base layers
- Establishing correct elevations
- Preparing working surfaces for forming and layout
Proper base preparation prevents settlement, frost movement, and elevation drift.
How Site Preparation Protects the Entire Project
Site preparation determines how well foundations, utilities, flatwork, and access perform.
Well-prepared sites:
- Prevent foundation settlement and cracking
- Control surface and subsurface drainage
- Reduce rework during inspections
- Maintain access for construction traffic
- Protect grades during wet and freeze-thaw cycles
Preparation is often coordinated with excavation, grading, drainage shaping, and foundation work so the entire site functions as one system.
Our Site Preparation Process
Site Review and Layout
We review drawings, elevations, soil conditions, drainage paths, and access before any clearing or excavation begins.
Clearing, Stripping, and Excavation
Vegetation and topsoil are removed, subgrades are shaped, and pads and corridors are formed to match plan requirements.
Base Stabilization and Final Shaping
Subgrades and base layers are prepared so that foundations, utilities, and flatwork can be installed without correction.
Service Areas
715 Excavating proudly serves the following communities in Western Wisconsin:
- Eau Claire, WI
- Chippewa Falls, WI
- Menomonie, WI
- New Auburn, WI
- Osseo, WI
- Bloomer, WI
- Cadott, WI
- Stanley, WI
- Thorp, WI
- Withee, WI
- Greenwood, WI
- Fall Creek, WI
- Augusta, WI
- Mondovi, WI
- Eleva, WI
- Colfax, WI
- Cornell, WI
- Elk Mound, WI
- Chetek, WI
- Holcombe, WI
What Our Customers Are Saying
Ready to Prepare the Site the Right Way
Good construction starts before concrete, framing, or utilities arrive. The right preparation protects schedules, budgets, and long-term performance.
If you’re planning a new build, addition, or redevelopment project, we’re ready to review your site and prepare the ground correctly from the start.
Contact 715 Excavating to schedule your site evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes first, clearing or excavation?
Clearing and topsoil stripping usually come first, so grades and soil conditions are visible before excavation begins.
Why does topsoil have to be removed before building?
Topsoil contains organic material that compresses and settles. Removing it prevents foundation movement and base failure later.
Can you prepare a site with poor drainage or soft soils?
Yes. Site preparation often includes reshaping grades, removing unsuitable material, and stabilizing subgrades to improve drainage and bearing capacity.
How accurate do site grades need to be before foundations are installed?
Very accurate. Elevations and slopes must match design tolerances so foundations, utilities, and flatwork install correctly and pass inspection.
Will the site be ready for construction when you’re finished?
Yes. We leave pads, corridors, and working surfaces shaped, stabilized, and ready for layout, forming, or utility installation.