How much does excavation and grading cost in Dallas, TX?

Most Dallas homeowners spend between $7,650 – $23,000 on excavation and grading, with an average around $15,300. Local labor prices 2% above the national average, so Dallas quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is excavation and grading more or less expensive in Dallas than elsewhere?

DFW has deep contractor supply, so bids stay close to the national average outside storm season. Hail and high winds drive frequent roof replacement and impact-rated material upgrades.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Dallas, Texas?

Dallas permits are required for roofing, structural, electrical and fences over 6 feet. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Dallas?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Texas contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

How much does excavation and grading cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $22,500, with a national average near $15,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per cubic yard?

Installed pricing usually runs $50.00 to $150.00 per cubic yard, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-cubic yard price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Excavation and Grading/Dallas, TX

Dallas-Fort Worth · Texas

Excavation and Grading cost in Dallas, TX

Dallas homeowners typically pay $7,650 – $23,000 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 2% above the national average.

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Dallas average

$15,300

Typical low

$7,650

Typical high

$23,000

Per cubic yard

$51 – $155

Sample ZIP

75201

What drives Dallas pricing

Local labor

DFW has deep contractor supply, so bids stay close to the national average outside storm season.

Permits & code

Dallas permits are required for roofing, structural, electrical and fences over 6 feet.

Climate & conditions

Hail and high winds drive frequent roof replacement and impact-rated material upgrades.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Material to move (cubic yards)150 cubic yards

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$8,978 – $12,398

Most homeowners pay around $10,688

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Dallas

Installed Dallas pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$63 – $87	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$87 – $115	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$115 – $150	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$150 – $205	—	—

Where the money goes in Dallas

A typical $15,300 Dallas project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $69
Materials0.38% · $58
Permits & inspections0.05% · $8
Overhead & profit0.12% · $18

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Dallas quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Soil haul-off

$20 – $61

Rock breaking

$100 – $305

Erosion control

$510 – $3,050

Compaction testing

$410 – $1,550

Ways to save in Dallas

Keep excavated soil on site for backfill and berms to avoid haul-off.
Schedule when the ground is dry — wet soil doubles handling time.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

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Excavation and Grading cost near Dallas

Excavation and Grading cost in Fort Worth, TX

$7,500 – $22,549

Excavation and Grading cost in Plano, TX

$7,875 – $23,676

Excavation and Grading cost in Frisco, TX

$7,950 – $23,902

Excavation and Grading cost in Arlington, TX

$7,425 – $22,324

Excavation and Grading cost in Irving, TX

$7,500 – $22,549

Excavation and Grading cost in McKinney, TX

$7,800 – $23,451

More Texas cities

Denton Garland Houston Katy Sugar Land The Woodlands Pearland Pasadena

Other project costs in Dallas

Fence Installation in Dallas

$1,530 – $4,080

Roof Replacement in Dallas

$8,670 – $34,680

Kitchen Remodel in Dallas

$18,360 – $96,900

HVAC Replacement in Dallas

$5,610 – $18,360

Deck Building in Dallas

$4,488 – $12,240

Window Replacement in Dallas

$459 – $1,530

See every Dallas cost guide