Jul 5

Jul 5 Steps Of Finish Grading In Land Development

What is finish grading?

Finish grading in land devlopment is as the name implies and I always love the feeling of seeing the finish line in sight.

Finish grading is the final phase of digging, grading, removal of material, sloping, compacting and leveling of homesites to include filling of elevated pads where necessary.

Rough grading should have brought elevations to within a few inches of final. Finish grading is done to shape the final contours and establish the final elevations. If done correctly during rough grading, there should only be minor additions or removals from the existing grade.

At this point all of the project uilities are in, along with road paving, and the project is being prepared for flatwork and landscaping. If prior work has been handled correctly, there should be only be about 2”-3” of precision grading left to establish the final elevations.

Local conditions:

Care must be taken in finish grading to make sure the future homesites are at the correct elevations, not only individually, but also collectively. The process of doing this can vary in different areas of the country.

In Florida, fill material is imported to create elevated pads for the concrete foundation slab. In the Pacific Northwest the topography is different and stem wall foundations are used - so there is generally no importing of material. No matter the case, pulling the final elevations requires precision by the final graders.

Grading for sidewalks and making double sure that drainage swales are properly constructed ensures that the project is ready for vertical construction of homes.

For the pure land developer flatwork and foundations are up to the builders, but the land devloper can work in tandem with the builders to make sure the finishing touches are in place for the benefit of all.

Suggested further reading: Topography In Land Development: Topography in Land Development — Land Development Realities