Grading plan

What a grading plan is

A grading plan sets the levels of the building, entrances, paths, parking and green areas and the slopes that connect them. The aim is to carry rainwater away from the building and to make pedestrian and vehicle access convenient and safe.

The design is based on a topographic survey of the site and forms part of the investment project. We also prepare an earthwork cartogram: how much soil will be excavated and how much will be filled.

When you need it

• As part of the investment project for a new building.
• When the garden slopes and water runs towards the house or the neighbours.
• When you are planning parking, paths or retaining walls.
• Before landscaping and paving a larger area.

What the design contains

• design levels of the building, entrances and paving;
• slopes and directions of water run-off;
• an earthwork cartogram with cut and fill quantities;
• an explanatory note.

Documents required

• a topographic survey (we can produce it);
• an architectural design or an idea of where the building will go;
• a design visa, if the grading plan is part of an investment project.

Problems it solves

• water collecting by the foundations or in the basement;
• mud and erosion on the slope after heavy rain;
• steep garage ramps that are awkward or dangerous in winter;
• a garden lower than the street, into which rainwater from the pavement runs;
• disputes with neighbours over water running onto their property.

A good grading plan is done before construction: that is when correcting a slope or a level is cheapest. Once the paving is laid, every change costs much more.

Problems it solves

• water collecting by the foundations or in the basement;
• mud and erosion on the slope after heavy rain;
• steep garage ramps that are awkward or dangerous in winter;
• a garden lower than the street, into which rainwater from the pavement runs;
• disputes with neighbours over water running onto their property.

A good grading plan is done before construction: that is when correcting a slope or a level is cheapest. Once the paving is laid, every change costs much more.