1) Survey: establish benchmarks, verify finish floor elevation (FFE), determine drainage patterns. 2) Rough grade: within 0.3ft of design. Equipment: dozer for large areas, skid steer for tight. Minimum slopes: 6in fall in first 10ft from foundation (IRC R401.3), 2% elsewhere. 3) Swales: v-shaped or parabolic, 1% minimum slope longitudinal, lined with grass/rip-rap. 4) Drainage structures: catch basins, French drains (4in perforated HDPE in gravel, filter fabric wrap). Daylight discharge or connect to storm. 5) Compaction: 95% Standard Proctor for structural fill, 90% for landscape areas. Test with nuclear gauge. 6) Finish grade: within ±0.1ft. Topsoil: 4-6in for lawn areas, 12in for planting beds. 7) Erosion control: silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance maintained until 70% vegetation established. 8) Inspection: grade verified before foundation pour, before final landscaping.