Excavation and Grading cost in Fontana, CA
Fontana homeowners typically pay $7,800 – $23,400 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 4% above the national average.
Fontana average
$15,600
Typical low
$7,800
Typical high
$23,400
Per cubic yard
$52 – $155
Sample ZIP
92335
What drives Fontana pricing
Local labor
Licensed Fontana contractors carry California workers' comp and prevailing wage pressure, and crews here quote roughly 4% above the national labor average. Demand in the Inland Empire market peaks in spring, so booking early usually beats a rush premium.
Permits & code
Fontana follows the California Building Standards Code, so most structural, electrical, plumbing and re-roof work needs a permit from the Fontana building department plus Title 24 energy compliance. Inland Empire jurisdictions add high-wind and fire-hardening requirements in foothill zones.
Climate & conditions
Fontana sits in a hot, dry inland climate with Santa Ana wind events, so expect wind-rated fasteners, fire-resistant materials and heat-tolerant finishes.
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Estimated project cost
$9,120 – $12,540
Most homeowners pay around $10,830
Compare quality / material level
Cost by material in Fontana
Installed Fontana pricing per cubic yard.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Simple grading | $64 – $88 |
| Standard excavation and haul | $88 – $115 |
| Rock or difficult soil | $115 – $150 |
| Excavation with retaining and drainage | $150 – $210 |
Where the money goes in Fontana
A typical $15,600 Fontana project, broken down by line item.
- Labor0.45% · $70
- Materials0.38% · $59
- Permits & inspections0.05% · $8
- Overhead & profit0.12% · $19
Common add-ons
Extras that show up on Fontana quotes but rarely in the headline price.
Soil haul-off
Rock breaking
Erosion control
Compaction testing
Ways to save in Fontana
- 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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