
From site prep to grading, we deliver honest, high-quality work for homeowners, builders, and property owners in Athens.
— Our Top Services
If you need dependable excavation work in Athens, TN, we’re ready to help. At Smith Grading LLC, we work with homeowners, general contractors, land developers, commercial property owners, property managers, and real estate agents who need the job done right the first time. Athens is known for its strong community, growing development, and convenient location in McMinn County. That means sites here often need careful planning, clean grading, proper drainage, and solid prep before any building can begin.
We bring 45 years of combined experience to every project. As a family-owned company, we take pride in being upfront, honest, and easy to work with. We do not push work you do not need. We explain the scope clearly, stay transparent about what the job involves, and work hard to avoid surprise change orders. If you want high-quality results from a licensed and insured excavation contractor serving Athens, that is exactly what we deliver.
Every property is different. Some sites need rough grading for new construction. Others need land cleared, drainage improved, or a stable pad built for a home, shop, or commercial structure. We handle full excavation and site grading work with a focus on performance, safety, and long-term usability.
If you are early in the planning stage, we also offer same-day quotes or site visits when possible. That helps you move faster and make informed decisions without waiting around.
In and around Athens, many lots need more than basic digging. Overgrown land, uneven terrain, and water management issues can delay a project and raise costs if they are not handled properly. We provide land clearing and grading that gets your property ready for the next step, whether that is development, construction, drainage control, or cleanup.
We also build retention ponds and detention ponds for properties that need stormwater management. These projects require the right elevations, shaping, and attention to detail. We understand how important that is for both function and compliance, and we approach the work with care from start to finish.
We may be a newer company, founded in 2023, but our field experience goes back much further. Our team knows how to read a site, solve problems, and keep work moving. We have built our reputation by being straightforward and doing the kind of work we would want on our own property.
We believe customers deserve a smooth process from the first call to project completion. We start by understanding your site, your goals, and any challenges that could affect the work. Then we provide a clear quote and explain what is included. Our payment terms are simple: 50% deposit for mobilization and materials, and 50% upon completion.
If you are in Athens and need excavation, grading, land clearing, or pond construction, let’s talk. Call Smith Grading LLC at (423) 505-5352 or reach out through our website form to schedule your quote. We’re ready to help you move your project forward with honest service and quality work.
Reviews
See what customers notice most clear communication solid work and results that hold up.
“He does real good driveway work. He is a awesome guy to get to do what u need.”
“Cody did a great job was on time every day and went above and beyond my expectations.”
“Cody and his team are terrific. We are talking clearing a 1/4 mile road putting in gravel and a culvert which got him to the 8 acres of forest to clear for 3 houses. Oh then he cleared the path and laid the conduit for electric to the houses. Cody got high praise from one of the home construction PMs as well as the chief engineer of the electric utility. We were blessed to have him as our "dirt guy." See before and after on one small section of road then views of cleared homesites.”
Get honest pricing, skilled grading, and fast turnaround from a licensed, insured crew.