Your site grading expert for small commercial lots in Southeast Wisconsin

When a small commercial lot holds water, slopes the wrong way, or has a harsh entrance that scrapes vehicles, business is affected. Customers notice bad drainage and frost heaves. Delivery drivers get stuck. Pavement fails early. At Masterwork Construction, we provide fast, practical grading fixes that solve ponding, swale, and approach problems for good. If you need a site grading expert who can diagnose the issue, execute a clean repair, and stand behind the result, our team is ready now.

Masterwork Construction is a professional earthwork company based in Grafton, Wisconsin. We serve Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties with excavation, grading, stormwater utility solutions, mechanical demolition, gravel driveways, pond development, roadway construction, and mass excavation. Since 2015, we have specialized in durable, code-compliant site development with modern equipment, experienced crews, and proven methods. Call 414-762-7000 to get a quote today.

What we actually do on your lot

Our approach is simple. We meet you on site, survey the problem areas, and recommend targeted grading fixes that meet local codes and fit your budget. As a site grading expert for small commercial parcels, we focus on drainage function first, then durability, then appearance. We use precise grades, reinforced swales, and properly built approaches to channel water where it belongs and protect your pavement investment.

Common problems we fix on small commercial sites

• Ponding or standing water in parking stalls, truck docks, dumpster pads, or in front of entries
• Insufficient slope to inlets, causing water to sit, freeze, and break up the surface
• Swales that are too flat, eroded, or misaligned with inlets and culverts
• Approach aprons that are too steep, create a lip at the gutter, or do not meet ADA cross-slope rules
• Low spots caused by settlement, thin base rock, or poor compaction
• Water flowing toward buildings, loading docks, or neighboring properties
• Overflow during heavy rain because of inadequate storage or blocked storm piping
• Winter melt that re-freezes into hazardous ice sheets

How our process works from first call to finished fix

1. Site walk and listening session. We note ponding areas, traffic patterns, and your goals for cost and timing.
2. Survey and layout. We shoot spot elevations, review existing plans if available, and check nearby inlets and outlets.
3. Drainage plan. We design practical grade changes, swales, or inlet adjustments sized for your lot and your codes.
4. Quote and schedule. You get a clear scope, price, and timeline. We prioritize minimal business disruption.
5. Build. Our crew regrades, compacts, installs any drains or piping, and ties back in pavement, curb, or landscape.
6. Quality check. We confirm final elevations, flow direction, and performance under hose or rainfall testing.
7. Closeout. We provide as-built elevations on request and a maintenance checklist for long-term performance.

Fixing ponding: practical options that actually work

Regrade to restore positive slope

The most cost-effective fix for ponding is often a precise regrade. We remove failed surface layers, add or reshape base aggregate, and restore a consistent 1.5 to 2 percent slope toward a drainage point. Proper compaction and a smooth transition to inlets makes the water disappear after storms instead of lingering.

Adjust inlets and catch basins

If the inlet rim sits higher than the surrounding pavement, water cannot enter. We can reset frames, install new rings, or create localized depressed pans directing flow to the grate. In some cases we add a small trench drain or yard drain to intercept water at low doors or dock positions. As a site grading expert, we make sure new inlet elevations tie into the existing storm system capacity and local requirements.

Improve the base and subgrade

Standing water often points to a weak base. We undercut soft areas, install new crushed stone, and compact to the right density. Where soils are poor or wet, we use geotextile fabric or soil stabilization to prevent pumping and settlement. Strong base support is the foundation of lasting drainage performance.

Resurface strategically

After regrading, we install new asphalt or concrete with the correct crown and cross slope. For asphalt lots, we may mill and overlay a broader area to blend elevations smoothly. For concrete panels, we may replace selective slabs to fix cross-slope and approach transitions near doors, dumpsters, or loading zones.

Manage roof and surface runoff

Downspouts that discharge onto the lot can overwhelm low spots. We reroute downspouts, add splash pads, or pipe them to inlets. For concentrated flows, we may add a small riprap apron or level spreader to reduce erosion and keep water moving safely to a swale or basin.

Swales: shaping, stabilizing, and connecting the flow

Layout and grade

Good swales need consistent slope and a clear outlet. We stake a defined centerline, set upstream and downstream elevations, and maintain 1 to 3 percent grade when possible. Even shallow swales can move water reliably if they are shaped cleanly and not blocked by drive crossings or landscape berms.

Cross section and materials

We build grassed swales for light flows, armor with erosion mat where needed, and install riprap in high-velocity zones or around culvert ends. If space is tight, a paved valley gutter or a shallow concrete swale may be the right choice to carry water without maintenance headaches.

Drive and sidewalk crossings

Crossings are common failure points. We install culverts sized to the drainage area and add flared end sections for safety and capacity. For sidewalks, we use shallow pans or small pipes and restore the ADA cross slope. We align every crossing so the swale maintains continuity and does not create a hidden dam.

Connection to storm structures

When a swale meets an inlet or ditch, we set the transition to avoid backwater. We lower the structure rim if needed, grade a smooth approach, and add stone energy dissipation if velocities are high. Our goal as a site grading expert is simple. Keep water moving, keep soil in place, and keep your lot dry.

Vegetation and low maintenance options

We use appropriate seed mixes for Wisconsin weather and add erosion control blanket until grass is established. In shaded or steep areas, we may specify turf reinforcement mat or a hard surface channel to reduce maintenance. Our team will recommend options that fit your mowing and snow removal practices.

Approaches and entrances: smooth, compliant, and storm-ready

Apron and transition repairs

Entrances take a beating from turning vehicles and snow plows. We correct the approach slope, remove trip lips at curb and gutter, and create a smooth transition. Where existing curb is too high, we cut and reset or pour a new curb line. In high traffic zones, we may add thicker pavement or a reinforced concrete apron to handle turning loads.

ADA and user-friendly slopes

We set cross slopes and running slopes so pedestrians, carts, and wheelchairs can move safely. This protects customers and reduces liability. It also makes snow removal easier because crews can push water and slush toward a working inlet rather than back toward the building.

Drainage at the entrance

Approaches often need small trench drains or valley gutters to intercept water before it crosses sidewalks. We size and place these features to work with plow routes and to prevent freezing at door thresholds. Well placed inlets and proper slope eliminate winter ice sheets at the entry.

Materials, equipment, and quality standards we live by

• Modern GPS-guided grading for accurate slopes and smooth tie-ins
• Proven aggregate base with compaction to project specifications
• Geotextiles and stabilization where soils are weak or wet
• Durable asphalt or concrete placed at the right thickness for use
• Catch basins, trench drains, and piping installed to code
• Erosion control blankets, riprap, and seed mixes suited to Wisconsin climate
• Final as-built checks with spot elevations to confirm flow

Permits, codes, and stormwater compliance

Small lots still have big obligations. We coordinate with local municipalities in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties. When a fix affects curb lines, public right-of-way, or storm sewer connections, we prepare simple plan sketches and submit for review. We respect ADA slopes, inlet standards, and required erosion control. When needed, we provide basic calculations for swale capacity or inlet spacing to satisfy reviewers.

How fast can we fix it

Most small lot grading corrections take one to five working days depending on size and weather. Milling and overlay work often finishes in a weekend window. Swale regrades with stabilization can be completed in two to three days. Inlet resets usually take less than a day. We plan around your peak business hours and maintain safe access for customers throughout the work. Masterwork Construction is known for quick turnarounds and clean staging, so your site stays open and presentable.

Costs and value engineering

Every site is different, but we work hard to keep fixes efficient. We often combine tasks to lower your cost, such as pairing an inlet reset with a targeted regrade and a small overlay. As a site grading expert, our value engineering keeps the scope tight while protecting long-term performance.

• Typical drivers of cost include excavation depth, base repair, paving thickness, and drainage structures
• Permits, traffic control, and utility coordination add time and planning but can be minimized with early notice
• Reusing milled asphalt as base in non-critical areas can lower cost while maintaining performance
• Phased work reduces downtime and can spread costs over fiscal periods

Service area and who we serve

Masterwork Construction is headquartered in Grafton and serves southeastern Wisconsin. Our core service area includes Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties. We help small retail centers, offices, restaurants, light industrial shops, churches, medical clinics, and multi-tenant properties. Whether you manage a single storefront or a compact business park, we provide site grading fixes that fit your scale and schedule.

Why choose Masterwork Construction as your site grading expert

• Focused expertise in small commercial lot drainage and grading
• Local knowledge of soils, weather, and municipal expectations
• Modern equipment and skilled operators for precise results
• Full-service capability including excavation, grading, storm piping, and paving
• Safety-first culture with clear communication and clean job sites
• Since 2015, a track record of durable, code-compliant work across southeast Wisconsin
• Straightforward pricing, fast scheduling, and responsive follow-up

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if regrading will solve my ponding problem

We check existing slopes, base condition, and inlet elevations. If the area can achieve 1.5 to 2 percent slope to a functional inlet with reasonable base repair, regrading is the right fix. If the area is boxed in by higher surrounding grades, we may add a small trench drain or adjust the inlet height. Our team explains each option and its cost before we begin.

Do you work around business hours

Yes. We stage work to maintain access, and we can schedule milling, paving, and inlet resets during off hours or weekends to limit disruption. We place temporary ramps and clear signage to guide customers.

What if my storm sewer is clogged or broken

We inspect structures and lines. If needed, we coordinate cleaning and camera inspections. Masterwork Construction repairs storm sewer piping, replaces broken basins, and installs new connections so your drainage improvements have a reliable outlet.

Can you help with ice problems in winter

Yes. Many ice issues come from poor slope or water crossing sidewalks. We regrade surfaces, add small drains, and route meltwater to safe outlets. We also recommend de-icing plans and proper snow stack locations so water does not flow back to entries.

Will my fix require a permit

Minor regrades inside your lot often do not need a permit. Changes at the approach, curb, or storm connections typically do. We handle simple drawings and coordination with your municipality when permits are required.

How long will the fix last

With proper base support and compaction, a regraded and paved area will perform for many years. We design slopes and swales to handle local rain events, and we choose materials suited to freeze-thaw cycles. Routine maintenance like inlet cleaning and edge sealing extends life even further.

The Masterwork Construction difference

We do not sell generic overlays or quick patches. We diagnose the cause, set the right elevations, and build a durable fix. Our crews use technology and craftsmanship to deliver the small details that matter. From fine grading to inlet alignment and edge compaction, we aim for clean flow and long-term value. When you hire Masterwork Construction, you work with a site grading expert who stands behind the result.

Ready now: get your quote

If ponding, failing swales, or rough approaches are costing you customers or maintenance dollars, let us take a look. Call Masterwork Construction at 414-762-7000. Tell us about your site and your schedule. We will visit, map out the fix, and give you a clear plan with a quick turnaround. As your local site grading expert, we are ready now to make your small commercial lot drain and drive the way it should.

About Masterwork Construction

Founded in 2015, Masterwork Construction provides excavation, grading, stormwater utility solutions, mechanical demolition, gravel driveway installation, pond development, roadway construction, and mass excavation. We specialize in commercial and residential site development with value engineering that reduces costs and increases reliability. Our team prioritizes safety, integrity, and long-term client relationships. From underground water retention to storm sewer repairs and pavement recycling, we deliver solutions that last. If you need help anywhere in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Washington counties, reach out today.

Next steps

• Call 414-762-7000 for a site visit and estimate
• Share any as-built drawings or past drainage notes you may have
• Tell us your peak hours so we can plan around them
• Get a detailed scope with options and timelines
• Schedule your improvement and keep your business moving

Water should move off your property quickly and safely. Approaches should be smooth and compliant. Swales should channel flow without erosion. With Masterwork Construction on your side, you get a site grading expert focused on real-world fixes, clean job sites, and dependable results. Let us help you turn a problem lot into a reliable asset, season after season.