Cost to Level a Yard in Raleigh

If your Raleigh home has an uneven yard, the area’s high rainfall levels can lead to drainage issues and all the damage they can cause. You’ll pay between $1,115 and $3,197 for yard leveling, or an average of $2,139. Yard leveling can not only fix drainage problems but also serves as a necessary first step for projects like installing a fence, patio, or pool. We break down some factors that affect the cost of yard leveling in Raleigh so you can budget for your yard leveling project.

Yard Leveling Cost Factors 

The cost of yard leveling in Raleigh, North Carolina, depends on several factors, from the size of your yard to the type of leveling project. Whether you need to level the ground for a pool or regrade around your foundation to improve drainage, here are some of the factors that determine how much you’ll pay. 

Size

The average Raleigh yard is around 12,700 square feet, larger than the national average of about 10,900 square feet. Regarding yard leveling, the bigger the area, the more you’ll pay. Smaller leveling jobs will cost less, but many landscape pros charge a minimum fee for grading and leveling, since they’ll still need to bring equipment in, and working in smaller spaces may be challenging.

The average Raleigh lot size measures just less than one-third of an acre, and if you need to level your whole lot—for example, before beginning new construction—your landscape pro may charge by the acre. Below are some common lot sizes and how much they cost to level.

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

Not every yard can be leveled right away—many need to be cleared of trees, rocks, brush, and debris first. The cost to clear land in Raleigh averages between $400 and $4,200 per acre, depending on the density of materials to be cleared, the lot’s topography, and more. 

Land Surveying

A residential land survey in Raleigh costs an average of $250 to $1,000. Costs depend on the type of survey, the detail required, and the availability of land records. Performing a boundary survey before undertaking a yard leveling project can avoid boundary disputes and other problems later on.

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 Raleigh, North Carolina, to grade or level your yard costs an average of $40 to $80 an hour in labor costs, which will be factored into your total project cost. While you may be able to tackle smaller leveling projects as a DIY, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified pro for bigger jobs.

A landscaper specializing in yard leveling can answer your landscape grading questions, ensure the site is properly prepared for leveling, let you know the best time to regrade your yard, and provide professional results.

Permit Costs

In some cases, you’ll need to obtain a permit in Raleigh for yard leveling. Permit fees and requirements vary based on the type and scope of the project, so be sure to confirm if you need a permit and pay all applicable fees before beginning work. 

Does Leveling a Yard Increase Home Value?

While the initial cost of landscaping can be high, landscaping projects like yard leveling can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%. A level yard promotes proper drainage, is easier to mow, and serves as an even base for many outdoor building projects. A level yard will boost your home’s curb appeal and attract prospective buyers, allowing you to fetch a higher price when it comes time to sell.

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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