Land Grading Cost for 2023

Land grading is the process of leveling the ground’s surface, typically in preparation for a new construction project. However, it’s also a standard procedure to stop soil erosion or correct drainage problems. As you carry out this process using heavy equipment, it can be occasionally expensive, especially if you have a large land plot.

Regardless, if you want to find out the cost of your land grading project, get in contact with a land grading professional and get an estimate. Most property owners should expect to pay somewhere around $5 and $10 per square foot for a landscape grading project.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Land Grading

How much land grading contractors charge per hour of labor significantly varies, but it can be anywhere between $40 and $180. Additionally, the cubic yards of dirt that need leveling also influence the price. This factor also ranges between $50 and $200 per cubic yard.

Nonetheless, the exact price depends on many factors. The condition of the site and how challenging it can be to get equipment onto it are just a couple of them.

Size and Accessibility

If you have an extensive property, you might have to pay more for your yard leveling project. Moreover, if several obstacles make it harder for the contractor to reach your plot, the land clearing cost can be higher due to the increased complexity.

[Related: Here’s How Much Clearing Land Cost]

Equipment such as an excavator, a skid steer loader, or a backhoe can quickly run between $100 and $250 per hour, but projects on a larger scope may employ more efficient land leveling machinery and cut grading costs.

Soil and Terrain

If your terrain is rocky, you should expect to pay around $50 more per cubic yard. Likewise, if there are trees, the extra cost depends on the number and their maturity. You may incur some additional expenses if you choose to include topsoil landscaping grading and sod lawns.

Dirt Removal and Fill

Usually, it’s necessary to remove or haul away dirt whenever a slope is leveled. In this case, the project cost increases because you’re paying for extra labor, a dump truck, and a backhoe.

The cost to fill dirt is around $8 to $15 per cubic yard. However, this is just for the dirt, and it doesn’t include the labor of spreading it.

Slopes

Basic lawn re-sloping for drainage and erosion control usually has an average cost of $1800 for most people. It significantly adds to the cost because, as usual, it requires more labor. After all, the land grading professional has to move dirt from the hill to another location.

Drainage

Most landscaping companies can install an adequate system if the project requires draining, increasing the final cost.

Permits

Should you choose to carry out the project independently, you have to apply for a grading permit. The fees can be minimal for small projects, but they can quickly rise for more extensive ones. Check out the requirements for a land grading project in Yavapai County, here.

[Related: 5 Things To Consider When Hiring A Grading Contractor]

How Much Does Land Grading Cost? Contact Specialty Grading and Find Out!

If you’re near Yavapai County in Arizona and have a land grading project you want to do, reach out to us here at Specialty Grading. We’re a family-operated business that has operated for over 20 years around this vicinity, and our focus is offering efficient grading services at an excellent value.

If you’re ready to begin, call us today!