Backyard grading how much

Then, we filled the dirt around the outside of the window well. I get this question a lot. Check with your local building officials to be sure. This regulation is part of the International Residential Code that most cities in the U. You can look it up here should be in IRC, Chapter 3. If you plan a lot of DIY projects around the house, you may be interested in my project planning worksheets.

My suggestion is to install a french drain in order to fix the water issues. A french drain is basically a pipe with holes in the top that you bury underground so that when the water seeps down it will drain into the pipe and be redirected away from your house.

The drain pipe will have a slope to it in order to redirect the water to a different area i. So, if you think this could be the solution for you, check out my article, How to install a french drain in your yard , which gives step-by-step instructions that you can follow to install a french drain.

The first step is to take a walk around your house and see which way the yard is sloped. Or, how far your highest point is from your lowest point. Your run needs to be a level, straight line. To measure the horizontal distance, put a stake in the ground at the highest point and another stake at the lowest point.

Connect the two stakes with a tight string with a level attached to it so that the string is perfectly level. Measure the length of the string.

To get your rise, all you have to do is measure the stake that is at your low point all the way from the string straight down to the ground. Finding the level grade line can be confusing, so watch this video by This Old House to get more clarification if you are having trouble. By the way, if you are a gadget guy or gal, check out this awesome Laser Distance Meter by Taklife. It measures nearly foot distances and can give you not only the length but volume, area and all sorts of other super cool things.

Definitely check it out. You can even have it delivered, which is what I did. Topsoil usually comes in 40 lb. Shovel the dirt into a wheelbarrow, and dump the pile of dirt at your low point. Remember that measurement we just took? It should come in handy now! The pile of dirt needs to be taller than that number on your tape measure. As as you work on regrading the yard, you can use a sheet of plywood laid onto the dirt to pank everything in. Just jump and stomp on the plywood or whatever you have handy , to make sure you are filling everything and it wont settle too much.

Use a tamper like this one. You will look much cooler. Using the back of a hard rake, carefully and slowly pull the dirt from your new high point aka problem area to your new low point what used to be the high spot. The goal here is to change the angle of the slope. Never know what to plant together?

Once you are panked and tamped and out of breath, you can get a drink of water, because you are done grading your yard. Well, almost. Maybe we should plant some grass so noone will ever know about our yard grading project! Real Estate Resources. Comprehensive real estate investing service including CRE.

Learn more. Already a member? Sign in here. Access to timely real estate stock ideas and Top Ten recommendations. Learn More. Real estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build long-term wealth for generations.

Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for our comprehensive real estate investing guide. Some outdoor improvement projects are strictly for curb appeal. Then there are those that must be done for your property's maintenance and security.

Land grading falls into the latter category. Depending on the slope of your lot , land grading might not only be a worthy investment but a necessary one, too. Land grading, or land leveling, essentially reshapes or reforms the surface of the land. There are various reasons homeowners would seek to have their land leveled, including:. Leveling land doesn't just make for a pleasing aesthetic. Their placement should be beneath gutter rainspouts or other places where water accumulates.

FAQs How much does it cost to regrade a yard? How much does fill dirt cost per yard? How much does topsoil cost per yard? How much does it cost to grade an acre of land? Can I regrade my yard myself? How do you landscape a sloped yard? Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know. See full cheat sheet. Water runs through a trench filled with gravel into a perforated pipe underneath, which leads the water downhill to a safe area.

How much does it cost to reslope for landscaping in my city? Related Cost. Arbor Installation. Backyard Pond Installation. Chicken Coop. Deck Installation. Deck Repair. Pressure Wash a Deck. Stain Deck. Fire Pit Installation. Fountain Installation. Build a Gazebo. Outdoor Kitchen Installation. Outdoor Lighting Installation. Holiday Lights Installation. Christmas Light Installation. Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights Installation. Outdoor Spigot Installation.

Build a Patio. Build Covered Patio. Lay Stamped Concrete Patio. Build a Pergola. Build a Playground. Build a Porch. Rainwater Collection System Installation. Retaining Wall Repair. Build a Retaining Wall. Land Clearing and Building Site Preparation. Landscaping Stones. Snow Removal Service. Ice Dam Removal.

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The information provided by our cost guides comes from a great variety of sources, including specialized publications and websites, cost studies, U. For more information, read our Methodology and sources. Get estimates Invalid Zip code Find yours. Was this guide helpful to you? Yes No. Feedback Send.

Thanks for your feedback! We'd love to know how our cost guide helped you with your project! Our team of experts make every effort to create instructive content that helps homeowners make the best decisions about their homes. Posting a review will support this mission. Related Cost Guides. 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.

Most cities require a grading permit for any excavation, fill, or land disturbance. Projects that affect sensitive areas like creeks, shorelines, or other natural resources may encounter additional fees. Some cities also require homeowners to purchase a grading surety bond to ensure the contractor follows local building codes. 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. Excavation contractors handle land clearing, grading, and leveling projects. Some local landscapers take small grading jobs. Get free estimates. How much does it cost to level a yard or regrade land?

How much will your grading cost? Table of contents [hide] [show]. Find top-rated grading contractors near you. View Pros. Land grading cost per acre Acres Average cost 0. Get free quotes from local grading companies. Get price estimates from grading companies in your city.