Grading & Leveling Cost Calculator

Yard grading in Greater Cincinnati typically costs $2,000 to $8,000 for residential projects. The cost depends on the area being graded, the purpose (drainage correction, building pad, or full yard regrade), and whether fill material needs to be imported or exported.

Why Cincinnati Homes Need Grading

Cincinnati is built on hills, and the region's heavy clay soils create unique grading challenges. Clay doesn't absorb water well — it sheds it. When the grade around your home slopes toward the foundation instead of away from it, every rainstorm pushes water against your basement walls. Regrading to establish a minimum 2% slope away from the foundation is one of the most effective and affordable ways to fix a wet basement.

Types of Residential Grading

• Drainage correction ($2,000–$5,000) — Regrading around the foundation to redirect water away from the house. The most common residential grading project.
• Building pad preparation ($2,500–$6,500) — Leveling and compacting a pad for a patio, shed, garage, or pool. Requires tighter tolerances than general grading.
• Full yard regrading ($3,000–$8,000) — Reshaping the entire yard to eliminate low spots, establish proper drainage, and create usable space.

Fill Dirt: Import vs. On-Site

Some grading projects can be done by simply reshaping existing soil — cutting high spots and filling low spots. Others require importing fill dirt to raise the grade where needed. Imported fill adds $1.50–$3.00 per square foot to the project cost. We assess this during the site visit and include it in your quote so there are no surprises.

Most residential grading projects are completed in 1–2 days. We use skid steers with grading attachments and laser-check our work on building pads to ensure accuracy.