Leveling a yard costs $500 to $1,000 for small lawns or $1,000 to $5,000 for a full backyard. Land grading costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot or $17,400 to $43,600 per acre. Fixing grading around a house costs $500 to $3,000.

Land grading is the process of leveling the ground or contouring the slope to ensure proper water drainage. Grading often involves moving dirt from the highest areas of the yard to the lowest places to remove a slope.

• Grading corrects the yard's slope to drain water away from the home's foundation.
• Leveling is a form of grading that creates a smooth, even surface.

Look for these signs that a yard needs regrading:

• Pooling water on the lawn, hardscapes, or driveways
• Flooding in the basement or around the foundation
• Soil erosion
• Spongy soil from too much water collecting in low areas
• Mold, fungus, or dead grass and plants due to improper drainage
• Heavily exposed tree roots
• Uneven areas of cut grass due to peaks and depressions in the lawn
• Installing a pool
• Building a home, addition, or deck
• Redoing your landscaping

The best time to regrade a yard is in the Spring or Fall during dry weather, or immediately with drainage issues. Pros recommend reseeding or laying new sod immediately after grading to hold the soil in place. Avoid grading during the rainy season as the loose topsoil may wash away.

Leveling a yard takes 3 days to 1 week on average, depending on the size, slope, and terrain complexity. Grading for smaller landscaping projects may take as little as 1 day.

Land grading may increase property value for homes in flood zones or with steeply sloped yards. Buyers with children typically prefer houses with level backyards. Grading as part of a larger landscape design project can increase property value by 5% to 12%.

Start by searching our list of yard grading services, then compare reviews and costs. Next:

• Get at least three quotes to compare. Grading companies require an onsite visit to provide an accurate estimate.
• Choose a company with extensive residential land grading experience.
• Look for pros with Erosion and Sediment Control certification.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Request a comprehensive grading plan detailing the landscaping, elevation, and drainage.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.

When hiring a grading service, ask them the following questions:

• How many grading projects like mine have you handled before?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Are you certified in Erosion and Sediment Control?
• Do you own or rent your excavation equipment? Does the estimate include all equipment and delivery fees?
• Will you flag any buried pipes and utility lines before work begins?
• Does the estimate include fill dirt, topsoil, and dirt delivery fees?
• Does the estimate include cleanup and debris removal?
• What other costs should I expect?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• Will I need a grading surety bond? If so, will you help me obtain one?
• How long will the project take?