Landscape Grading and Drainage Costs

‍What Is Landscape Grading?

Landscape grading means changing the shape or slope of your yard. The goal is to make water flow away from your house instead of pooling near it.

When rain falls, water should move away from your home. If it doesn't, you get puddles, muddy spots, or worse—damage to your foundation. Grading creates a gentle slope that guides water where it needs to go.

Homes need grading when water pools near the foundation or the yard stays muddy after rain. Basement walls might get wet or leak. Most homes need at least a 2% slope. That means the ground drops about 6 inches over 10 feet. This gentle slope is enough to move water without causing erosion.

Average Costs for Landscape Grading

The national average for grading work is $2,300, but your actual cost depends on your yard.

Cost by Project Size

Small grading projects: $500 to $1,500 These fix one specific area. Maybe you need to slope the ground away from one side of your house or level a spot for a patio.

Medium projects: $2,000 to $3,500 This covers most of your yard. You're fixing drainage across several problem areas or regrading around your entire home.

Large projects: $5,000 to $10,000+ Big jobs involve steep slopes, lots of dirt removal, or combining grading with retaining walls and full drainage systems.

Cost by Measurement

Per square foot: $1.25 to $4.00 Most contractors charge by the square foot for yard work. A 1,600 square foot lawn costs $2,000 to $6,400 to grade.

Per hour: $40 to $180 Some pros charge hourly, especially for smaller jobs. The rate includes the equipment operator and machinery.

Per cubic yard: $50 to $200 When lots of dirt needs moving, contractors may price by cubic yards. This covers digging out high spots and filling low areas.

What Affects Grading Costs

Several things change how much you'll pay for grading work.

Yard Size and Slope

Bigger yards cost more because they need more work. A quarter-acre lot costs $3,950 to $11,134 to grade completely.

Steep slopes are harder to fix than gentle ones. A yard with a big hill can cost 75% to 200% more than a flat yard. The contractor has to move more dirt to create a safe, stable slope.

Soil Type and Condition

Hard, rocky soil is tough to dig through. If your yard has clay or lots of rocks, expect to pay 10% to 30% more. The equipment works slower and the job takes longer.

Sandy soil is easier to work with and costs less. It moves faster and compacts well.

Access and Obstacles

Grading crews need room for their equipment. Big machines like backhoes and bobcats can't fit through tight spaces.

If your yard has fences, sheds, or narrow gates, access gets tricky. The crew might need to remove obstacles or dig by hand in tight spots. This adds time and cost.

Trees and tree stumps also slow things down. Removing a tree costs $300 to $2,000 extra. Stump removal adds another $100 to $400 per stump.

Fill Dirt and Topsoil

Sometimes your yard needs extra dirt to build up low spots.

Fill dirt: $5 to $25 per cubic yard This basic dirt fills in holes and creates the right slope. It doesn't have nutrients for growing plants.

Topsoil: $10 to $50 per cubic yard This rich soil goes on top after grading. It helps grass and plants grow. You'll need topsoil if you're replanting your lawn after grading.

Delivery costs $20 to $150 extra depending on distance.

Permits and Testing

Most cities require a grading permit for big projects. Permits cost $50 to $400 depending on your location and project size.

Some areas require soil testing before work starts. A soil test costs $15 to $400. This makes sure the dirt can support your home and drain properly.

Drainage System Costs

Grading alone might not fix all your water problems. Many homes need a drainage system too.

French Drains

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a pipe. Water flows into the gravel, then through the pipe to a safe spot away from your house.

Cost: $10 to $50 per linear foot Total project: $1,000 to $10,000

French drains work great for soggy lawns and wet basements. They're hidden underground, so they don't affect how your yard looks. These systems need at least a small slope to work water flows downhill through the pipe.

Catch Basins

A catch basin is like a big box in the ground with a grate on top. Water flows in through the grate, and a pipe carries it away. The box catches leaves and debris so they don't clog the pipe.

Cost: $1,000 to $4,000 per basin

Catch basins work best at the lowest point in your yard. They grab surface water before it causes problems. The downside is they need cleaning every few years to remove built-up debris.

Trench Drains

Trench drains are long channels that catch water on hard surfaces. They're common along driveways and patios.

Cost: $30 to $100 per linear foot

These drains have a grate on top and a channel underneath. They grab water fast and move it to a drainage pipe.

Dry Wells

A dry well collects rainwater underground and slowly releases it into the soil. It's like a big storage tank buried in your yard.

Cost: $1,150 to $4,350

Dry wells are good for areas that get heavy rain at once. They hold the water and let it soak in gradually instead of all running off at once.

Underground Downspouts

These pipes connect to your gutters and carry water away from your house underground.

Cost: $300 to $800 per downspout

This simple system keeps gutter water from pooling near your foundation. The pipe runs underground to a safe drainage area.

Grading Around Your Foundation

Water near your foundation causes big problems. It can crack concrete, leak into basements, and make your house settle unevenly.

Cost to grade around foundation: $500 to $3,000

Grading one side of your house costs $500 to $1,000. Fixing the slope around your entire home runs $1,000 to $3,000.

The ground should drop at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from your house. This slope moves water away before it can soak into the foundation.

You need foundation grading when water pools next to your house after rain or basement walls feel damp. Cracks in foundation walls or a yard that slopes toward the house instead of away are warning signs.

A small grading job now prevents expensive foundation repairs later. Foundation damage can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more to fix.

If you notice standing water around your home, grading work should happen soon.

Additional Project Costs

Grading projects often need extra work beyond just moving dirt.

Land Clearing

Before grading starts, the area needs clearing. This means removing trees, bushes, stumps, and rocks.

Cost: $125 to $1,500 per quarter acre

Heavily wooded lots cost more than yards with just grass. Each tree removal adds $300 to $2,000 to your bill.

Retaining Walls

Steep slopes sometimes need retaining walls to hold the soil in place. These walls prevent erosion and create level areas in sloped yards.

Cost: $20 to $50 per square foot

Building a retaining wall with drainage costs $3,500 to $9,400 for most projects. The wall holds back dirt on the high side while a drain carries water away safely.

Sod or Seeding

After grading, your yard needs new grass.

Sod: $1 to $2 per square foot installed Sod gives you instant grass. It's more expensive but looks finished right away.

Seeding: $500 to $3,000 for an average yard Grass seed costs less but takes longer to grow. You'll need to water and care for it carefully until it fills in.

Most pros recommend planting grass right after grading. The new grass roots help hold the soil in place and prevent erosion.

Permits and Inspections

Most cities want to know about major grading work. This keeps projects safe and protects the environment.

Permit cost: $50 to $400 Grading surety bond: May be required

Some areas need special permits if your project affects streams, wetlands, or steep hillsides. These sensitive areas have extra rules and higher permit fees.

Always check local rules before starting work. Building without permits can lead to fines and may require undoing the work.

How Long Grading Takes

Timeline varies based on project size. Small jobs like a patio area take 1 to 2 days. Medium projects around your foundation need 3 to 5 days. Large yard regrading takes 3 days to 1 week.

Weather affects timing too. Rain delays work because crews can't grade wet soil. The best time for grading is spring or fall during dry weather.

After grading finishes, seed or sod your lawn right away. Fresh grass helps hold the new soil in place. Don't wait—bare dirt can wash away in the next rain.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Small grading jobs are possible for handy homeowners. If you're just fixing a low spot or smoothing a small area, you might manage it yourself.

DIY Grading Costs

You'll need basic tools including a string level for $2, a rake for $60, and a shovel for $30. Fill dirt costs $15 per cubic yard and sod or seed runs $1 to $2 per square foot.

Total DIY cost: $120 to $500 for a small area

You'll also need time and muscle. Moving dirt is hard physical work. One cubic yard of dirt weighs about 2,000 pounds.

When to Hire a Pro

Hire a professional for projects larger than a few hundred square feet or any work near your foundation. Yards with steep slopes and jobs needing heavy equipment require professional help.

Pros have the right equipment and know how to grade correctly. They understand drainage patterns and local building codes. Most importantly, wrong grading can cause bigger problems than you started with.

Poor grading leads to water flowing the wrong direction, soil erosion and washout, foundation damage from pooling water, and grass that won't grow on improperly graded soil.

A contractor costs more upfront but saves money by doing the job right the first time.

Ways to Save Money on Grading

You can lower your costs without sacrificing quality.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get at least three estimates from different contractors. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars for the same job.

Make sure each quote includes labor and equipment costs, materials like fill dirt and topsoil, permits and disposal fees, plus timeline and payment terms.

Don't just pick the lowest bid. Check the contractor's reviews and past work. A cheap price doesn't help if the work fails in six months.

Schedule During Off-Season

Landscaping companies get busy in spring and summer. Fall and winter often mean lower prices and faster scheduling.

Just avoid grading during rainy season. Wet conditions make work harder and can wash away fresh soil.

Do Some Work Yourself

Save money by clearing obstacles before the crew arrives and removing plants and shrubs you want to keep. Haul away debris after work finishes and do the seeding or sodding yourself.

Every hour you save the crew is money off your bill.

Bundle Services

If you need grading plus other work, do it all at once. Combining drainage solutions with grading saves on mobilization costs. The crew only sets up once, and you might get a package discount.

Warning Signs You Need Grading

Watch for standing water that won't drain or muddy areas that stay wet for days. Water stains on basement walls and cracks in your foundation signal problems. Soil washing away when it rains and grass that dies in soggy spots need attention.

These issues get worse over time. Water damage spreads. Small cracks become big ones. A puddle turns into a swamp.

Fixing drainage problems early costs less than repairing major damage later. Foundation repairs, basement waterproofing, and mold removal all cost more than proper grading.

Choosing a Grading Contractor

The right contractor makes a huge difference in your project.

What to Look For

Make sure your contractor has a valid business license and proper insurance coverage including liability and workers comp. Pick someone with experience in drainage who understands water flow.

Ask for names of past clients and call them. Look at online reviews and watch for complaints about drainage problems after work finished.

A good estimate breaks down every cost showing labor, materials, equipment, permits, and disposal. Vague estimates lead to surprise charges later.

Questions to Ask

Before hiring, ask how long they've done grading work and if you can see photos of past drainage projects. Find out what's included in the estimate and who handles permits.

Ask about their warranty or guarantee and how they'll protect your existing landscaping. Learn what happens if it rains during the project.

Their answers tell you if they're professional and experienced.

Grading and Property Value

Good grading protects your investment. Homes with proper drainage have fewer foundation problems and sell better.

Property value increase: 5% to 12% for completed landscaping projects that include grading

Buyers notice drainage issues. Standing water, muddy yards, and foundation cracks make homes harder to sell. These red flags scare people away or lower offers.

In contrast, a well-graded yard with good drainage is attractive. It shows the home has been cared for. Buyers feel confident they won't face expensive water problems.

For homes in flood zones or on steep lots, proper grading can make the difference between a sale and a home sitting on the market.

Grading for Different Yard Features

Different projects need different grading approaches.

Patios and Walkways

Hardscaping needs solid, level ground underneath. Grading for a patio costs $200 to $850 for most projects.

The area must drain away from the patio. Water shouldn't pool on the surface or flow toward your house.

Above-Ground Pools

Pools must sit on perfectly level ground. Uneven ground weakens the pool walls and causes uneven water levels.

Cost: $200 to $850

The grading creates a flat, stable base. Even a small slope causes problems for pool equipment and structure.

Driveways

Driveway grading ensures proper drainage and a stable base. Without it, water sits on the driveway or flows into your garage.

Cost: About $6 per square foot

The base needs compacting so the driveway doesn't crack or settle. Proper slope moves water to the street or drainage system.

Long-Term Maintenance

Grading isn't a one-time fix that lasts forever. Your yard needs care to maintain proper drainage.

Regular Checks

Walk your yard after heavy rain. Look for new puddles or areas where water isn't flowing right. Catch small problems before they grow.

Check the ground near your foundation twice a year. Make sure the slope still directs water away.

Preventive Care

Keep gutters clean so they don't overflow. Clogged gutters dump water right next to your foundation, undoing your grading work.

Add mulch or ground cover on slopes. This prevents erosion and holds soil in place.

Trim tree roots that push up soil. Big roots can change your yard's slope over time.

When to Regrade

Most grading lasts 10 to 20 years with good care. You'll know it's time to regrade when water starts pooling in new spots or soil has eroded and changed the slope.

Your foundation showing new cracks or moisture means trouble. Yard erosion that creates ruts and channels needs fixing.

Small touch-ups cost less than waiting until you need major work again.

Common Grading Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' errors. Grading without permits can lead to fines and legal trouble. Some cities make you undo unpermitted work at your own expense.

Creating slopes over 25% causes erosion. They're hard to maintain and can fail during heavy rain. Steep areas need retaining walls, not just grading.

Don't send your drainage water onto a neighbor's property. This causes conflicts and possible lawsuits. Plan where water will end up before you start.

Skipping topsoil means bare fill dirt won't grow grass. You need nutrient-rich topsoil on top for a healthy lawn.

Not compacting soil leads to settling over time. This creates low spots that collect water. Proper compacting prevents settling problems.

Doing grading work in wet weather makes a mess. The work won't be precise, and fresh dirt can wash away in the next rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Grade a Yard?

The average cost to grade a yard is $2,000 to $6,400 for most homes. Small projects start at $500 while large complex jobs can reach $15,000 depending on yard size and slope.

Can I Grade My Yard Myself?

You can grade small areas yourself with basic tools for $120 to $500. However, larger projects need heavy equipment and professional expertise to avoid drainage problems and ensure proper water flow.

How Long Does Yard Grading Last?

Proper grading lasts 10 to 20 years with regular maintenance. You'll need to regrade sooner if erosion occurs, trees shift the soil, or new drainage problems develop in your yard.

Do I Need a Permit for Grading?

Most cities require permits for grading projects that move significant amounts of dirt. Permits cost $50 to $400 and ensure your work meets local codes and protects neighboring properties.

What's the Best Time of Year for Grading?

Spring and fall during dry weather are ideal for grading work. Avoid rainy seasons when wet soil makes work difficult and fresh dirt can wash away before grass establishes roots.

Final Thoughts

Landscape grading and drainage costs range from $500 for small fixes to $15,000 for complete yard transformations. Most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $6,400 to solve drainage problems and protect their homes.

Proper grading prevents expensive damage to your foundation, basement, and landscaping. It stops water where it should—away from your house and in safe drainage areas.

When planning your project, remember that price varies based on yard size, slope, soil type, and what drainage systems you need. Get multiple quotes, ask questions, and hire experienced contractors who understand both grading and water management.

Don't wait until small drainage problems become big disasters. Standing water and muddy yards are signs your home needs help now. Professional grading protects your biggest investment and gives you a yard you can actually enjoy.

Ready to fix your drainage issues? Contact a local grading specialist to assess your yard and provide a detailed estimate. The right work now saves thousands in repairs later and gives you peace of mind every time it rains.