Land grading, mostly known as land leveling, is simply, as its name suggests – to make a ground of an equal level, free of any lumps and bumps.
This can be done either by filling up dirt where the surface is uneven or digging a hole to create a slope. The former stands contrary to land grading’s name but is still highly utilized as a land grading method.
Key Points To Keep In Mind Before Land Grading
Whether you are starting new construction or plotting to buy fresh land for your new house, building a strong foundation is the key, for which you need stable, graded land.
- Hire a licensed professional land grading company.
- Do not work during the rainy season — you don’t want the heavy equipment to get stuck in muddy areas, right?
- Land grading contractors accurately measure the land slope grading to let you know what techniques will be used to level the ground.
- Keep a check for all local regulations regarding land grading in your vicinity.
- The grading should be done to achieve positive drainage — water being diverted away from the building or structure.
- Take pictures of your yard after rain. You can share them with the contractor to help in calculating the grading slope.
- Ask a locator to mark important utilities.
Land Grading Cost
The land grading cost varies depending on how big your land is and how complex the task is.
By determining these aspects, the land grading company will propose the cost. So, plan the grading process wisely, keeping all aspects in mind.
Estimations Of Land Grading Costs
Land leveling is a time-consuming task that can change costing figures quite easily. However, to give you a wholesome idea, here are some estimates of land grading costs:
- You have to hire a land surveyor to mark your land. They cost $200 to $1,000 on average.
- Yard grading generally could cost you 5-10$ per square yard.
- The average labor cost for land grading companies in Maryland is $40 to $180 an hour.
- If the site is rocky, you will be paying $200 to $1,200 more for the land grading.
Factors Impacting Land Grading Cost
As yard leveling is a technical task, it will get expensive as you increase the difficulty level of the project.
Here are some factors that can enhance land grading costs:
Property Size And Accessibility
Commercial projects, where often land size is massive, require a large team to work with. Therefore, labor and machinery cost is added in the final pitch.
Yard Size (Square Feet) | Cost to Regrade |
250 sq. ft. | $250 – $500 |
500 sq. ft. | $500 – $1,000 |
1,000 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Source: HomeAdvisor
Ground Conditions
What your land comprises currently will largely determine its grading cost. Simply put, the worse the land’s soil quality, the higher the cost.
Additional tasks such as removing stones and unwanted clutter off the ground will add up to the cost.
Similarly, hilly and lofty slopes require greater technicality and hence cost more than a typical land grading project.
Dirt Eradication & Topsoil Addition
This factor is often considered where steep slopes are to be made, such as in projects with pool requirements. Dirt is scooped-off the surface to produce a smooth gradient throughout. This also depends on the previously discussed factor of soil condition. Sometimes a larger amount of soil is scraped-off the ground due to poor vegetation conditions, and fresh topsoil is added.
These are the main factors of raising costs when construction is planned on a long-left land or landscapes under dispute. As they are left unattended for longer periods, the soil becomes infertile, and debris increases. All leading to greater land grading values.
Drainage
While dealing with a land drainage issue, extra pipelines or pathways are added to the plan. This requires not just specific machinery but also expertise for the right action call.
Permits
Many regions cannot be operated without licenses and permits. So, the key is to get in touch with the land grading services near you and ask if they will get the permits themselves or not.
DMAC — Best Land Grading Company In MD
With so many land graders out there, how do you find a good land grader? It’s pretty simple — ask the following question, and you will have your answer:
- Ask for licenses & permits — Are they qualified to work in that state?
- Check the land grader’s rating and customer reviews on BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Is the contractor insured? If yes, ask for proof of insurance? Ensure they have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for land grading.
- Get referrals from your social circle. See if the land graders have had a good reputation in the area.
Looking for the best land grader in MD?
DMAC, a Maryland-based land grading service company, provides land grading services along with land clearing, excavating services, flood mitigation, and foundation contracting.
In addition to that, DMAC promises services using high-quality materials and skilled hands to ensure you earn all the benefits and create the finest landscapes for you.
Our top priority is to keep you in the loop from day one. Our customer support team will always be at your disposal to discuss any change of plans. Our team will assess your property shortly after receiving your call and give you the best possible quote and a completion timeframe.
Contact us today or visit the official DMAC page for more information.