Expert Site Preparation & Grading
Professional site grading, clearing & foundation prep in Nevada City, CA
Start Your Project On Solid Ground
Sierra Excavation, Inc., owned by Rick Tesene, serves Nevada City and the surrounding region with specialized land development solutions. We provide high-quality site clearing, preparation and grading to ensure every project starts on solid ground. Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, our team focuses on transforming raw land into a build-ready site that meets your specific project requirements.
Building in the Sierra Nevada foothills presents a unique set of challenges, from rocky soil conditions to complex elevation changes that require local knowledge. You need a partner who understands these local nuances to ensure your foundation is stable, your drainage is correct, and your property is protected against erosion. By choosing a locally-owned business, you benefit from a team that brings hands-on experience to your specific terrain, ensuring your project is handled with precision and care.

Our Core Services
Vegetation Clearing
We remove brush, trees, and debris to create a clean, safe slate for your foundation or landscaping project.
Site Leveling & Lot Prep
Our team uses precision techniques to level your lot, providing a stable, uniform surface for your building foundations.
Terracing
For sloped properties in the Sierra Nevada foothills, we create stable, usable terraces that maximize your property’s potential.
Foundation & Footing Excavation
We prepare the earth to your engineer’s exact specifications, ensuring proper soil compaction and drainage for your structure.
Site Prep & Grading Gallery




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The Importance of Proper Grading
Grading is more than moving earth; it establishes crucial drainage patterns to prevent future erosion and foundation damage.
Failure to address specific soil types, topography, and slope can lead to costly repairs. By considering specific local soil types and drainage patterns first, we can then confidently implement engineering solutions that prevent future moisture and foundation issues.
Our expert grading services result in soil stability, precise leveling for building pads, and a landscape that is both functional and safe. You can count on Sierra Excavating to ensure the structural integrity of your project while also improving the aesthetic value of your property.
Contact us today.
Serving Nevada County & Beyond
Sierra Excavation provides expert site prep & grading services across the Sierra Foothills.
- North San Juan
- Nevada City
- Camptonville
- Grass Valley
- Alta Sierra
- Cedar Ridge
- Penn Valley
- Rough & Ready
- Lake Wildwood
Don’t see your town? Reach out anyway—we often take on projects in nearby areas.