Grading Plan in Cumberland

Project Spotlight

Nepean General Contractors was contacted by a client in Cumberland about preparing a Grading Plan for their project. Although they were outside our typical service area, they had already retained the services of a local surveying company to complete a topographic survey, which meant our work could be conducted as a desktop exercise. With that, we were able to take on the project despite it being outside our usual service area.

The client supplied us with a detailed topographic survey which included site features such as walkways, pools, landscaping features and the location of the house and driveway. The plan also included elevation points, which depict the elevation of the ground.

Preparing a Base Plan

We began our process by preparing a base plan from the supplied information. The client was intending to construct a detached garage on their property, in close proximity to their existing attached garage and driveway. As the supplied survey included the entire property and a dense layer of topographic information points, we first began by “cleaning up” the supplied information to limit the amount of information shown to that which was necessary for the project at hand. Too much information can make plans look cluttered and overwhelming to those working in the field. Our key is ensuring that our plans include clear and concise information, as needed to complete the work for which the plan is intended to serve.

We prepared a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the existing topography which allowed us to show the surveyed information as contours, rather than individual points. This information allowed us to clearly delineate the direction of existing overland surface flow.

Adding the Site Plan

Once the base plan was complete, we used the client’s site plan to draw on the proposed location of the detached garage. The topographic survey plan highlighted an existing easement along the side of the property on which the garage was to be located. The supplied site plan had not shown this easement, and had proposed the garage be constructed within the easement. As structures are not typically permitted to be constructed within easements, we consulted with the homeowner about making revisions to the proposed location of the garage. The owner agreed to move the building.

We finally completed the design by adding proposed design grades to the garage structure and the surrounding ground. We ensured that the proposed design allowed water to flow around the building; and that the proposed drainage patterns were consistent with current drainage patterns. Before finalizing the plan and circulating to the client, we conducted an internal review process with our construction department. By conducting this review, we are able to get the perspective of someone who would build to these plans, and they can highlight challenges or complications with the design, if applicable. Just because it can be drawn – doesn’t mean it can be built – and by working hand in hand with our construction department we are able to provide the client with an optimized design.

Timing

Our typical turnaround time for projects during the peak season (May through September) is approximately 10-15 business days. If you need it sooner though – we may be able to turn it around faster (we’ve had some done from start to finish in less than a week – including in-house surveying!) As this client contacted us outside of peak season, we were able to provide the final design within approximately 3-5 business days – which included some back-and-forth consultation with the client and the client’s surveying company.

We pride ourselves on excellent communication and superb service. If you need a Grading Plan for your next project, please contact us today to see how we can help! Please call (613) 894-8683 or fill out our online form and we’ll get right back to you.