Cost to Level a Yard in Tampa

Yard leveling in Tampa costs $1,745, and most people pay somewhere between $841 and $2,648. Tampa’s humid subtropical climate, with its wet season from May to October, can cause serious drainage problems on uneven lawns, making yard leveling necessary to protect local homes and allow homeowners to install level pools, patios, driveways, and more. Take a look at some of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for yard leveling in Tampa so you can budget accurately for this project.

Yard Leveling Cost Factors 

The cost of yard leveling in Tampa, FL, varies based on the size of the area being leveled, the type of project it’s being leveled for, and material and labor costs. We break down some of the most common cost factors determining what you’ll pay for yard leveling. 

Size

The average yard size in Tampa is around 7,700 square feet, compared to the national average of around 10,900 square feet. If you’re building new construction, you may need to level your entire yard, but for smaller projects, you may be able to save by only working on the area necessary for your project.

While the average Tampa yard is between 1/8 and 1/4 of an acre, larger lots—particularly for new construction—may also need to be leveled. Here are some common lot sizes and the average lawn grading or leveling cost.

Type of Project

The part of the outdoor space you’re regrading and why plays a big role in calculating the final cost to level your yard. Check out these common regrading projects below to give you a better idea.

Severity of Slope

The slope of your existing lawn will help dictate the overall price tag for this project. If you have a very steep slope on one side of your yard that you need to level, that will cost you more than a slight slope. Contractors typically charge based on the elevation change; the more significant the change, the bigger the price tag.

Land Clearing

If you’re building new construction or expanding your yard, you may need to clear the land of trees, rocks, brush, and debris before you can level it. Land clearing can cost an average of $325 to $3,650 per acre. Land clearing costs depend on how heavily vegetated the land is, what equipment is needed to clear it, and what you do with the cleared material. 

Land Surveying

A residential land survey in Tampa costs an average of $350 to $800, depending on the type of survey. It’s a good idea to confirm your property’s boundaries before beginning any large yard projects, like leveling, to avoid boundary disputes and other issues in the future, especially if you’re installing a fence, driveway, or other feature that may affect your neighbors. 

Fill and Topsoil

Fill dirt is a rocky material that’s ideal for packing in pockets during a regrade. It costs between $5 and $30 per cubic yard. How much you need depends on what’s available to relocate from elsewhere in your yard.

Topsoil goes down over the fill dirt. You’ll pay between $12 and $55 per cubic yard. Topsoil costs more than fill dirt because it’s full of nutrients to help nurture a lush landscape.

Yard Leveling Pro Costs

Landscape Pro Costs

Hiring a landscape pro in Tampa, Florida, to level your yard will cost an average of $40 to $80 per hour in labor costs. Unless you’re only DIYing minor leveling like aerating your lawn to level it, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified pro who can ensure proper drainage, answer all your lawn grading questions, let you know the best time to regrade your lawn, and ensure the final results meet all local regulations.

Permit Costs

Depending on the reason for yard leveling, you may need to obtain a permit from the City of Tampa before beginning work. Permit fees depend on the project, but expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for permit costs.

Does Leveling a Yard Increase Home Value?

Like other landscaping projects, leveling your Tampa yard can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%. Including yard leveling in your budget for landscaping costs or the cost of xeriscaping can not only add significant curb appeal to your home, but can help prevent serious, costly damage from inadequate drainage. When it comes time to sell your home, a properly graded yard can be an attractive feature in an area like Tampa with high annual rainfall levels.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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