What lot grading means
Lot grading is shaping the ground so rain and snowmelt flow away from the house to a safe place, rather than toward the foundation.
Also called grading, positive drainage.
Where it matters on a landscaping job
Wet basements and soggy yards often start with a yard that slopes the wrong way. Regrading is one of the cheapest drainage fixes; check the slope first and quote it before more expensive work.
What the model code says
- Lots are graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls, with the grade falling at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet. (IRC 2021, Chapter 4)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for lot grading before you quote.
What it costs
Koira's excavation cost guide puts a typical job at $3,900, with most between $1,600 to $6,450. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The french drain cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: French drain cost calculator
- Cost guide: Excavation cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free landscaping resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 4, Foundations (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.