Landscaping and Final Grading: Complete Guide

Overview

Landscaping completes your project and satisfies final inspection requirements for drainage and erosion control. This phase ranges from basic code compliance (minimal landscaping to pass inspection) to elaborate landscape designs (significant investment in curb appeal).

Most owner-builders do basic landscaping themselves and add elaborate landscaping over time as budget allows.

When This Phase Happens

Landscaping is typically the final phase, though timing varies.

Can happen:

Must be complete for final inspection:

Can wait:

Landscaping Budget Levels

Minimal (Code Compliance) - $3,000-$8,000:

Basic Landscaping - $8,000-$15,000:

Mid-Grade Landscaping - $15,000-$30,000:

High-End Landscaping - $30,000-$100,000+:

This guide focuses on basic code-compliant landscaping that you can expand over time.

Step-by-Step Process

Week 1: Final Grading

Critical for drainage and code compliance:

Grading requirements:

  1. Minimum 6" fall in first 10 feet away from foundation (code requirement)
  2. Swales to direct water away from house and to street/detention
  3. No ponding or standing water
  4. Positive drainage in all areas

Grading process:

  1. Remove construction debris
  2. Spread stockpiled topsoil around foundation (from initial site prep)
  3. Grade to proper slope (6" in 10 feet minimum)
  4. Create swales where needed
  5. Ensure water flows to street or approved drainage area
  6. Compact lightly (prevents settling)
  7. Smooth for seeding or sod

Equipment needed:

💡Pro Tip

Proper grading prevents 90% of foundation water problems. This is not the place to cut corners. Hire professional grading if you're unsure - it's worth the $2,000-$4,000 investment.

Week 1-2: Driveway and Walks

Driveway options:

Gravel (cheapest, often temporary):

Asphalt paving:

Concrete paving:

Decorative options (pavers, stamped concrete):

Walkways:

Week 2: Erosion Control and Seeding

Erosion control:

  1. Install silt fence if not already in place (code requirement during construction)
  2. Seed all bare areas (reduces erosion)
  3. Mulch steep slopes
  4. Install drainage channels if needed
  5. Can remove silt fence after grass established (6-8 weeks)

Seeding:

Best time: Fall (September-October) or spring (March-April)

Process:

  1. Final grade and smooth soil
  2. Remove rocks and debris larger than 1"
  3. Test soil pH (6.0-7.0 ideal for grass)
  4. Add amendments if needed (lime for acidic soil)
  5. Spread grass seed:
    • Use appropriate seed for climate (cool season vs warm season)
    • 4-8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (follow seed package)
    • Use spreader for even coverage
  6. Rake lightly to cover seed (1/8" to 1/4" deep)
  7. Apply starter fertilizer
  8. Cover with straw (optional but helps moisture retention and erosion control)
  9. Water daily until germination (7-14 days)
  10. Continue watering through establishment (4-6 weeks)

Hydroseeding (easier but more expensive):

Sod (instant results but expensive):

Week 3-4: Basic Plantings

Foundation plantings (minimum for curb appeal):

Typical planting plan:

Budget foundation plantings ($500-$1,500):

Plant selection tips:

Planting process:

  1. Plan layout (use hose or spray paint to mark)
  2. Prepare beds:
    • Remove grass/sod
    • Till soil 8-12" deep
    • Add compost or organic matter
    • Create mounded beds (higher than lawn for drainage)
  3. Plant shrubs and trees:
    • Dig hole 2-3x width of root ball, same depth
    • Remove container or burlap
    • Set plant at same depth as container
    • Backfill with native soil
    • Water thoroughly
    • Don't fertilize newly planted trees/shrubs
  4. Apply 2-3" mulch around all plantings
  5. Water regularly during establishment (first growing season)

Trees:

Final Week: Finishing Touches

Mulch:

Edging:

Basic irrigation (optional but helpful):

House final details:

Code Requirements

IRC grading requirements:

Erosion control:

Subcontractor Considerations

What to hire vs. DIY:

Usually hire:

Easy DIY:

Hiring full landscape installation:

Common Mistakes

1. Poor Grading

Why it's a problem: Water drainage toward foundation, flooding, foundation damage, failed inspection. How to avoid: Ensure minimum 6" fall in 10 feet. Hire professional if unsure. Cost if you don't: $5,000-$20,000 foundation water damage, re-grading.

2. Seeding at Wrong Time

Why it's a problem: Poor germination, wasted money, erosion, failed inspection. How to avoid: Seed in fall or spring in moderate climates. Follow local recommendations. Cost if you don't: Must re-seed, erosion issues.

3. Insufficient Topsoil

Why it's a problem: Grass won't grow, poor results, erosion. How to avoid: Minimum 4-6" topsoil for grass growth. Use stockpiled topsoil from excavation. Cost if you don't: $1,000-$3,000 importing topsoil, re-seeding.

4. Planting Too Close to House

Why it's a problem: Moisture issues, pest entry, roof damage, siding damage. How to avoid: Plant shrubs minimum 3 feet from foundation, trees 10+ feet. Cost if you don't: Foundation moisture, pest problems, plant removal.

5. Improper Drainage

Why it's a problem: Standing water, mosquitoes, foundation issues, failed inspection. How to avoid: Create swales, slope away from house, ensure positive drainage. Cost if you don't: $2,000-$8,000 drainage corrections.

6. No Erosion Control

Why it's a problem: Soil washing away, neighbor complaints, failed inspection, fines. How to avoid: Keep silt fences until grass established. Seed immediately after grading. Cost if you don't: $500-$5,000 fines, re-grading, neighbor issues.

7. Wrong Plants for Climate

Why it's a problem: Plants die, wasted money, poor appearance. How to avoid: Choose plants rated for your USDA hardiness zone. Ask local nursery. Cost if you don't: $500-$2,000 replacing dead plants.

8. Insufficient Watering

Why it's a problem: New grass and plants die, wasted investment. How to avoid: Water daily during germination, regularly during establishment (first season). Cost if you don't: Must re-seed or replant.

Quality Checkpoints

Before final landscaping inspection:

Budget Breakdown

Minimal code-compliant landscaping:

Minimal code-compliant landscaping budget
ItemCostNotes
**Grading and Drainage**
Final grading$2,000-$4,000Professional with equipment
Topsoil (if needed)$500-$1,500Supplement stockpiled
**Driveway and Walks**
Gravel driveway surface$800-$1,500Additional surfacing
Basic concrete walks$1,500-$3,000Front entry minimum
**Seeding**
Grass seed and fertilizer$200-$400DIY seeding
Straw mulch$100-$200Erosion control
**Basic Plantings**
Foundation shrubs (8)$300-$800Basic varieties
Small trees (2)$150-$4005-gallon containers
Mulch$150-$3003 yards
**Total****$5,700-$12,100**Code-compliant basic

Mid-grade landscaping:

Mid-grade landscaping budget
ItemCostNotes
Professional grading$3,000-$5,000Detailed drainage
Asphalt driveway$4,000-$7,000Paved
Concrete walks$2,500-$4,000All entries
Sod front yard$1,000-$2,0003,000 sq ft
Seed back yard$200-$4005,000 sq ft
Plantings (substantial)$2,000-$5,00020 shrubs, 5 trees
Mulch$300-$6006 yards
Basic sprinklers$1,500-$3,000Front yard
**Total****$14,500-$27,000**Attractive landscaping

Timeline Tips

Best seasons:

Phasing:

What Comes Next

After landscaping complete:

  1. Final inspection (if not already done)
  2. Certificate of Occupancy (if not already received)
  3. Ongoing maintenance:
    • Mow and water lawn
    • Weed beds
    • Replenish mulch annually
    • Prune plants as needed
    • Continue improvements over time

Congratulations! Your house is complete!

Related Resources

Need Landscaping Help?

Proper grading and drainage are critical for protecting your investment. If you're unsure about slopes or drainage, a consultation can prevent expensive foundation problems.

Project Complete!

You've successfully navigated all 16 phases of building a house. From site preparation through landscaping, you've completed one of the most challenging and rewarding projects possible.

What you've accomplished:

Next steps:

Thank you for using Build-Your-House.com as your guide!

If you need ongoing support or have questions about maintenance and improvements, our consulting services remain available.