What it is
Grading is the shape of the ground. Around a house, the goal is positive drainage: soil that falls away from the foundation in every direction so water runs toward a lawn, swale or drain instead of toward the walls.
For new construction, the International Residential Code (section R401.3) calls for the ground next to a foundation to fall at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet where site conditions allow, or to use swales or drains where they do not. Older homes often lose that slope as beds are built up, soil settles or patios are added.
When it is a good fit
- Soil or beds that slope toward the house
- Water pooling along the foundation after rain
- Flower beds edged so they trap water
- Small, local slope problems near walls
When something else may work better
- Whole-yard low areas, which may need regrading or drains
- Lots with no lower place to send water
How it is usually installed
- Measure existing slope around the house
- Identify where water should go (swale, lawn, drain)
- Remove or reshape soil and beds near the foundation, keeping soil below siding and weep holes
- Add and compact fill where needed
- Restore sod or plantings and check the result after rain
Every property is different. A drainage professional confirms the design onsite. Call 811 before any digging.
What a drainage professional checks first
- Clearance between soil and siding, brick weep holes and slab edge
- Downspout locations
- Neighboring lots and fence lines
- Irrigation heads and lines
- HOA landscape rules
Maintenance
- Avoid piling mulch or soil against the foundation
- Re-check slope after landscaping changes
- Keep downspouts discharging away from regraded areas
What affects the cost
Pricing pending verification
Drainage.net does not publish prices until they have been checked against sourced data. See what drives the cost of grading and positive slope around the house, or request an onsite evaluation for a real quote.
Problems this can help with
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between grading and regrading?
On Drainage.net, grading means the slope right around the house. Regrading means reshaping a larger part of a yard so water flows across the lot to a drain or outlet.
Can I fix grading myself?
Small fixes, like pulling mulch back from the foundation, are often DIY. Larger changes affect neighbors and drainage paths, so have a professional evaluate them and call 811 before digging.
Sources
This page is educational and does not replace an onsite evaluation. Conditions, codes and HOA rules vary by property.