At True North Grading LLC, we provide drainage solutions that help protect your home, yard, driveway, and foundation from standing water, erosion, and runoff problems. If water is pooling near your house, washing out part of your yard, turning low spots into mud, or cutting ruts through your property after a rain, we can help you fix the grade and move water where it needs to go.
Drainage problems usually do not solve themselves. In most cases, they get worse over time. Water can soften the ground, damage landscaping, create slippery areas, wash out gravel, and lead to costly issues around foundations, driveways, and new home builds. Our job is to look at how water is moving across your property and build a practical, long-lasting plan to improve runoff control.
What our drainage service includes
We handle residential drainage work for homeowners who want their property to stay usable, stable, and better protected during wet weather. Every property is different, so we tailor the solution to the land, the slope, and the source of the water problem.
- Site grading and regrading to improve water flow
- Runoff control planning for yards, new builds, and problem areas
- Correction of low spots that collect water
- Swales and grading channels to redirect surface water
- Drainage improvements around driveways and access areas
- Erosion control to reduce washouts and soil loss
- Backfilling and shaping around new construction
- Preparation of land before or after a home build to support proper drainage
In many cases, good drainage starts with proper grading. Water needs a clear path away from your home and other important areas. We use our hands-on grading experience to reshape the land so runoff moves more naturally and causes less damage.
Common drainage issues we solve
Homeowners call us for a wide range of water and grading problems. Some are obvious, and some only show up after a heavy rain or snowmelt. We can assess the issue on site and explain what is happening in plain language.
- Water pooling near the house
- Soft, muddy areas that never seem to dry out
- Yard washouts after storms
- Ruts and erosion on sloped ground
- Driveway edge erosion and gravel displacement
- Poor drainage around new home construction
- Low areas holding standing water
- Runoff moving toward structures instead of away from them
If you are building a new home, drainage should be part of the plan early. We often help homeowners before and after the house goes up, including land clearing, grading, backfilling, driveway site prep, and drainage work. That bigger-picture approach helps prevent future problems and keeps the property more functional from the start.
How we approach each project
We believe good drainage work starts with a careful look at the property. When you call us, we will talk through the drainage issue and your goals. Then we set a time for an on-site estimate. The day before your appointment, we send a reminder text. About 15 to 60 minutes before arrival, we also send a courtesy text to let you know we are on the way. That kind of communication matters to us because we respect your time.
Once we are on site, we walk the property with you, look at how water is moving, identify grade changes, and take the measurements needed to determine the right scope and materials. We calculate the bid on the spot in most cases, usually within about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the project. We present the estimate in person, and then we email the official estimate that night so you have a clear written record with the option to approve or decline.
If the first scope comes in higher than expected, we encourage customers to call us before declining. In many cases, we can adjust the scope to better fit the budget while still improving the problem area. A 10% deposit is required to get on our schedule.
Why homeowners choose us for drainage work
We are a locally owned company based in Lake City, and we take pride in helping homeowners throughout the surrounding area improve their property. A lot of our work is tied to making land more usable before and after home construction. That means we understand how grading, backfilling, driveways, and drainage all work together.
Customers also appreciate our high-touch, respectful process. We communicate clearly, show up prepared, and take time to understand your vision for the property. We are not just looking at one puddle or one washout. We are looking at how the whole site functions so the finished result makes sense for your land.
Our service area centers around Lake City, with work commonly completed in McBain, Cadillac, Leroy, Manton, Fife Lake, Kingsley, Kalkaska, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Lake, Prudenville, and Merritt. We prefer serving our local community and keeping money local whenever possible.
Important expectations
We always aim to create smart, practical drainage improvements that help reduce water problems and protect your property. However, no contractor can fully control extreme weather. We do not offer a warranty, and we cannot guarantee against weather-related damage such as heavy rain washouts. What we can promise is honest communication, experienced grading work, and a straightforward recommendation based on the conditions of your property.
Let’s take a look at your drainage problem
If your yard is holding water, your driveway is washing out, or runoff is causing problems around your home, let’s talk. We can walk the site, explain what we see, and give you a clear plan to improve drainage and protect your property. Call True North Grading LLC at (231) 878-6056 to schedule your estimate. We would be glad to help you create a safer, cleaner, more functional property.
