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

Most Denton homeowners spend between $7,350 – $22,100 on excavation and grading, with an average around $14,700. Local labor prices 2% below the national average, so Denton quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

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

Denton labor prices under the DFW core. Expansive clay soils make foundation work a common line item.

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

City permits required for structural and exterior projects. 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 Denton?

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/Denton, TX

Dallas-Fort Worth · Texas

Excavation and Grading cost in Denton, TX

Denton homeowners typically pay $7,350 – $22,100 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 2% below the national average.

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Denton average

$14,700

Typical low

$7,350

Typical high

$22,100

Per cubic yard

$49 – $145

Sample ZIP

76201

What drives Denton pricing

Local labor

Denton labor prices under the DFW core.

Permits & code

City permits required for structural and exterior projects.

Climate & conditions

Expansive clay soils make foundation work a common line item.

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

$8,693 – $11,828

Most homeowners pay around $10,260

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Denton

Installed Denton pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$61 – $83	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$83 – $110	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$110 – $140	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$140 – $195	—	—

Where the money goes in Denton

A typical $14,700 Denton project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $66
Materials0.38% · $56
Permits & inspections0.05% · $7
Overhead & profit0.12% · $18

Common add-ons

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

Soil haul-off

$20 – $59

Rock breaking

$98 – $295

Erosion control

$490 – $2,950

Compaction testing

$390 – $1,450

Ways to save in Denton

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 Denton

Excavation and Grading cost in Dallas, TX

$7,650 – $23,002

Excavation and Grading cost in Fort Worth, TX

$7,500 – $22,551

Excavation and Grading cost in Plano, TX

$7,875 – $23,679

Excavation and Grading cost in Frisco, TX

$7,950 – $23,904

Excavation and Grading cost in Arlington, TX

$7,425 – $22,326

Excavation and Grading cost in Irving, TX

$7,500 – $22,551

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Other project costs in Denton

Fence Installation in Denton

$1,470 – $3,920

Roof Replacement in Denton

$8,330 – $33,320

Kitchen Remodel in Denton

$17,640 – $93,100

HVAC Replacement in Denton

$5,390 – $17,640

Deck Building in Denton

$4,312 – $11,760

Window Replacement in Denton

$441 – $1,470

See every Denton cost guide