L.A. Residential
Excavation & Grading.
Build on Solid Ground.
Navigating Los Angeles terrain requires precision. From digging swimming pools in tight access backyards to stabilizing canyon slopes, we ensure your project meets strict LADBS standards.
5-Star Rated in Los Angeles.
Fully Insured & Bonded.
The GAGA Site Prep Advantage
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Hillside & Canyon Experts Specializing in slope stabilization, precise grading, and retaining wall prep for LA's complex topography.
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Tight Access & Bobcat Narrow side yard? Our mini-excavators and bobcats fit where big machines can't.
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Pool & ADU Prep Excavation for pools, utility trenches, and ADU foundations in Los Angeles.
Excavation Services
We don't just move dirt. We engineer the ground to meet LADBS standards for stability, drainage, and structural integrity.
Tight Access & ADU Prep
Small gates? Narrow side yards? We use compact Bobcat & Mini-Excavators to access confined spaces typical of LA properties without damaging your perimeter.
- ✓ Fits 36" Openings
- ✓ Backyard ADU Trenching
- ✓ Low-Impact Tracks
Pool Excavation & Demo
Whether digging a new luxury pool or demolishing an old one (backfill & compaction), we handle the heavy lifting and soil export.
- ✓ Precision Shaping
- ✓ Soil Haul-Away Included
- ✓ Pool Demolition & Infill
Structural Site Prep
The most critical step in construction. We perform cut & fill grading to creating a solid, certified pad for foundations and additions.
- ✓ 90%+ Compaction Density
- ✓ Footing Trenches
- ✓ Erosion Control
Grading & Drainage
Protecting your property from water damage.
Rough & Finish
Surface Grading
Improper drainage is the #1 cause of foundation failure in LA. We reshape your land to direct water away from structures and prepare for hardscaping.
Slope Stabilization
Correcting dangerous slopes and preparing benches for retaining walls.
Drainage Swales
Precision grading to create natural water channels, protecting your home from flooding.
Excavation is Permanent.
Don't Risk Your Foundation.
In Los Angeles, a "low bid" on digging often leads to hit utility lines and failed compaction tests. We bridge the gap between a hole in the ground and a certified, buildable site.
The "Rough" Reality
Drainage Disasters
Inexperienced operators leave "flat" spots where water pools. In LA winters, this leads to flooding against your home and expensive mold remediation.
Hit Utility Lines
Skipping "DigAlert" or digging blindly can sever gas lines or fiber optics. You are liable for the repair costs and project downtime.
Cracked Hardscape
If soil isn't recompacted correctly, your new pavers, concrete driveway, or pool deck will crack and settle within a year.
Precision & Safety
LADBS Audit Ready
We follow your engineer's soils report perfectly. We ensure compaction density meets code so you pass your Deputy Grading Inspection first try.
Laser Level Precision
We use laser transits to ensure elevations are exact. This prevents costly concrete over-pours and ensures water flows away from your home.
Safety & Dust Control
We manage DigAlert (811) locating, trench shoring, and daily dust control to keep your neighbors happy and your project liability-free.
Licensed Grading Contractor
From Report
To Inspection
Grading in LA isn't just digging holes. It's engineering. We follow your Geotech report to the letter to ensure you pass inspection.
1. Analysis
We review your Soils/Geotech Report & Grading Plan.
2. Site Prep
Demolition, clearing vegetation, and locating utilities (811).
3. The Dig
Precision cut/fill, off-haul of dirt, and compaction.
4. Certified
Compaction reports signed. Ready for concrete pouring.
Excavating Across
Southern California
Based in Glendale, we provide residential excavation and grading services throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
Visit our HQ:
450 North Brand Blvd., Suite 600
Glendale, CA, 91203
Ready to break ground?
Get a free estimate from a licensed grading contractor.
Engineered for Stability & Safety
Excavation in Los Angeles is governed by some of the strictest building codes in the nation. Whether dealing with the Baseline Hillside Ordinance or expansive clay soils, we don't just move dirt; we re-engineer your property to ensure a lasting foundation.
Hillside Specialists
We navigate complex slope density formulas and install caissons or retaining walls to stabilize canyon properties.
Soil Compaction
We guarantee 90%+ relative compaction density, essential for passing your Deputy Grading Inspection.
Erosion Control
We implement strict BMPs (Best Management Practices) including sandbags and plastic sheeting to prevent winter mudslides.
Complex Demolition
Safe removal of concrete pads, old pools, and structures, ensuring all utilities are capped and permits closed.
Pre-Excavation Checklist
We ensure every box is checked before the first bucket hits the ground.
LA Excavation Rates (2026)
Excavation costs vary heavily by access difficulty and soil type. Below are typical starting ranges for permitted Los Angeles projects.
Site Clear & Demo
- Concrete Driveway Removal
- Vegetation/Tree Clearing
- Debris Haul-Away Included
- ! Best for: Preparing a Flat Lot
Grading & Compaction
- Rough & Finish Grading
- Drainage Swales & Sloping
- 90% Compaction Certification
- ! Best for: Pavers, Driveways, Foundations
Structural & Hillside
- Pool Excavation (Deep Digs)
- Hillside Slope Stabilization
- Tight Access / Mini-Ex Work
- ! Best for: New Construction & Pools
Trusted by Los Angeles
"Arsen was great! The team finished the installation a day early. The walnut vinyl looks exactly like wood but I don't have to stain it!"
Sarah M.
Sherman Oaks"Best price in Ventura County. They handled the slope in my backyard perfectly with the racking method. Highly recommend."
David L.
Thousand Oaks"I was worried about the ocean mist ruining a wood fence. This PVC material is a game changer. Zero maintenance so far."
Jessica R.
Santa MonicaCommon Questions
Answers about soil reports, hillside permits, erosion control, and LADBS requirements.
How long does an excavation project take?
Simple grading or driveway demolition can be done in 2-3 days. However, large hillside projects or pool excavations may take 1-3 weeks depending on soil hardness and how much dirt needs to be exported (hauled away). We provide a clear timeline with every quote.
My backyard floods when it rains. Can you fix it?
Yes. This is a common issue in LA due to clay soil. We solve this by re-grading the slope away from your foundation and installing drainage swales or French drains. Proper grading is the best defense against water damage.
Do I need a permit for excavation?
Usually, yes. If you are moving more than 50 cubic yards of dirt or digging deeper than 5 feet (for pools or basements), LADBS requires a Grading Permit. We handle this entire process, including "DigAlert" (811) to locate gas and electric lines before we start.
What factors affect the cost of digging?
The biggest factors are Access (can we fit a big tractor or do we need a mini-excavator?), Soil Type (rocky soil costs more to dig), and Dirt Export (trucking fees to dump sites). We provide fixed-price bids so you aren't surprised by hidden trucking fees.
Contact Us
Start Your Transformation
We are ready to bring your vision to life. Whether it's a new fence, a room addition, or a complete remodel, GAGA US Construction delivers excellence.
Call Us
747-609-6912Email Us
info@gagaconstruction.comVisit Us
Glendale, CA 91203
Working Hours
Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
Proudly Serving These Communities
Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Van Nuys, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, West Adams, Hancock Park, Culver City, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, San Marino, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia.
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