Residential Yard Grading & Drainage
Budget: $1,500 – $3,000 USD
Heavy rains are finding their way into my basement through a wall crack and beneath the backdoor because the neighbouring lots sit noticeably higher than mine. I need a professional assessment of the whole perimeter to pinpoint exactly where the ground is letting water flow toward the house, then complete grading that sends runoff safely into the yard and away from the structure.
Scope of work
• Walk-around inspection, soil level survey (laser level or similar) and clear diagnosis of all low spots.
• Re-grade around the entire house to establish a continuous slope that directs water out toward the yard in general, not toward the foundation or backdoor.
• Recommend and, if agreed, install any supplementary solutions—French drain, drain tile, swales, or a small retaining wall—if grading alone cannot achieve reliable drainage.
Once the water issue is solved I plan to move straight into hardscaping and landscaping, so advice on how today’s grading will tie into future patios, plant beds, or edging is welcome.
Deliverables
1. Written assessment with marked-up site sketch showing high/low points, proposed slopes, and any drainage features.
2. Completed grading with photographic proof and level checks.
3. Optional add-on estimate for the follow-up hardscape/landscape phase.
The job will be considered finished when a simulated heavy-flow test (garden hose or rainfall) shows no water entering the basement or pooling against the foundation.
Scope of work
• Walk-around inspection, soil level survey (laser level or similar) and clear diagnosis of all low spots.
• Re-grade around the entire house to establish a continuous slope that directs water out toward the yard in general, not toward the foundation or backdoor.
• Recommend and, if agreed, install any supplementary solutions—French drain, drain tile, swales, or a small retaining wall—if grading alone cannot achieve reliable drainage.
Once the water issue is solved I plan to move straight into hardscaping and landscaping, so advice on how today’s grading will tie into future patios, plant beds, or edging is welcome.
Deliverables
1. Written assessment with marked-up site sketch showing high/low points, proposed slopes, and any drainage features.
2. Completed grading with photographic proof and level checks.
3. Optional add-on estimate for the follow-up hardscape/landscape phase.
The job will be considered finished when a simulated heavy-flow test (garden hose or rainfall) shows no water entering the basement or pooling against the foundation.