Landscape grading contractors near you

When looking for a professional to grade and level your yard:

• Verify their license and insurance: Look for a contractor (potentially a landscaper, excavation contractors, general contractor, etc.) with the proper excavation or grading license required in your area. They should also have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect against property damage or injuries. 

• Get several estimates: Each estimate should include labor, equipment, materials (such as topsoil or fill dirt), drainage solutions (if needed) and any additional costs for permits or unexpected grading challenges.

• Read their reviews: Look for consistent positive feedback on their grading and drainage expertise. Good signs include timely completion, fair pricing and effective erosion control. Red flags include complaints about uneven grading, standing water issues or unexpected cost increases.

• Look at their portfolios: Check before-and-after photos of previous grading projects. Look for smooth, even surfaces, proper drainage and evidence that the final grade meets the project’s needs (e.g., prepping for sod, foundation work or landscaping).

• Find out if they have warranties: Ask if they guarantee their work against settling, erosion or drainage issues for a specific period.

• Ask important questions: For example, find out what type of drainage solutions they will recommend for your yard. Will they bring in additional soil or just regrade the existing terrain? What permits do you need, and will they obtain them? How long will the grading process take, and how will weather impact the timeline?

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost to level and grade a yard ranges from around $1,216 to $4,356,* according to Thumbtack data.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Yard size and slope: Larger yards or those with steep slopes require more labor and materials, increasing the overall cost. 

• Site accessibility: If your yard has obstacles like trees, rocks or structures, or if it's difficult for heavy machinery to access, the project may require additional time and equipment, leading to higher costs.

• Fill dirt and topsoil: The amount and type of fill dirt or topsoil needed to achieve the desired grade can affect expenses.  

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Here are a few ways you might be able to save on this project:

• Obtain multiple quotes: Contact several grading companies near you to find the best deal and ensure you're not overpaying for the project.

• Schedule during off-peak seasons: Contractors may offer discounts during their slower periods of the year.

• Handle preliminary tasks yourself: Clearing debris, removing small obstacles or relocating movable structures before the pros arrive can reduce labor time and costs.

• Fill small holes yourself: If your lawn has a few low spots or potholes, you can remove the sod in these areas, and fill the hole with additional topsoil to level the spot before replacing the sod.

• Assess your needs: Do you need your entire property to be flat, or just a portion for a play area for lawn games? Prioritizing a specific area to level can reduce costs.

• Consider other landscaping options: If erosion is a problem on a slope, planting a soil-gripping ground cover could be more affordable than leveling. Similarly, adding a bed of water-loving plants can make low spots more attractive.

Here’s a quick overview of the differences:

• Land grading refers to the process of adjusting the slope and contour of the land to create a smoother surface with more appealing or more functional contours. Often, people do this to improve drainage or create a more attractive yard.

• Fine grading is similar, only with more attention to detail to create an even smoother surface that can more easily be landscaped.

• Resloping involves moving earth from one area to another to change the angle of a slope. Homeowners with particularly steep slopes, for example, may request resloping to create a more gradual incline.

• Leveling is the process of making an area completely flat, typically to create a stable, even plane for building a new structure.

In most cases, here’s what you can expect when working with a grading company or yard leveling service near you:

• Site evaluation: Your contractor will begin by evaluating the land that you want to grade or level, including contacting local utilities to locate buried power, water and gas lines to ensure safe excavation.

• Equipment and materials: Your contractor will bring any heavy equipment needed, such as bulldozers, backhoes or other machinery. If you’re planning to improve drainage or make amendments to the land, they may also bring or arrange to have tiling pipes, sand, gravel or topsoil delivered.

• Grading, leveling and re-sloping: With equipment and materials on site, your contractor will start excavations. 

In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional to level your yard. When deciding between DIY vs. hiring a professional, consider:

• Tools and materials: Grading companies have ready access to heavy equipment, topsoil and other materials the job may require. If you DIY this job, you’ll likely need to pay rental and delivery fees plus the cost of materials.

• Experience: Most homeowners have little experience operating excavating equipment, which can make this an extremely challenging task to do yourself.

• Expertise: Professionals can evaluate your site and let you know whether you should consider adding drainage. They’ll also know the best approach for leveling and any contouring that may be needed to prevent erosion or other problems.

Grading and leveling your yard can help protect your home, improve curb appeal, simplify maintenance and more. Here’s how:

• It can protect you home foundation from water damage: Creating a gentle slope away from your home's foundation helps water runoff during storms, keeping your basement dry and your foundation secure.

• It can reduce puddles on property: Good grading can help direct water away from walkways, outbuildings and driveways to avoid puddles and improve the functionality of your landscape.

• It can help streamline future projects: It's much easier to install a patio, deck or play area on a flat surface, allowing you to get more usable space — and enjoyment — out of your property.

• It allows for easier maintenance: A level yard is generally easier to landscape and irrigate, so you'll be able to install hardscape and plantings that look great. This can boost curb appeal and add value to your property.