The choice to build new is a good one! You get to make all the decisions about the design of your home, can be rest assured the materials are high quality and utilized to the latest building code standards as well as benefit from a new home warranty.
However, unlike making a resale purchase, you won't have a set move-in date after you sign your paperwork. Building a new home requires city approval of the job site and there can be seasonal constraints.
While you're undoubtedly excited about finally seeing your finished home, patience will be your friend, and having a little understanding of the construction process will certainly help!
What is Rough Grading?
You can think of rough grading as the "shaping" of the land around your new home. The grading contractor will be required to shape your lot in accordance with an already predetermined grading plan that is designed when the drainage plan for the subdivision is created.
The purpose of grading is to provide good drainage and prevent foundation damage down the road. It is a very important step and your property's grade must be approved by the City of Edmonton. Since a revised drainage bylaw came into effect January 1st, 2018, the residential lot grading guidelines changed to meet these standards.
The city now charges a lot grading inspection fee of $151 per dwelling unit to cover the cost of rough and final grade inspections. The homebuilder is usually responsible for rough grading approval while the homeowner is responsible for the final grade.
The Difference Between Rough and Final Grading
The rough grade of the lot is left about 7-20 cm below final grade to allow for the placement of topsoil. When a builder has finished the rough grading, they will have a Lot Grading Certificate prepared. Once completed, they will submit it to Development and Zoning Services at the City of Edmonton for approval. A city inspector will conduct an inspection of the site to verify the lot is graded properly. An inspection report will be issued that indicates whether the rough grade passes or fails. If there are any deficiencies, they will be noted in the report so that they can be rectified. Once the deficiencies have been completed, a reinspection of the lot will be requested.
During the final grade, topsoil is spread out and compacted to get ready for liners, sod, and other landscaping features. This stage must be completed within 12 months of the rough grade approval. When the final grade has been completed, it becomes the responsibility of the homeowner to have the Lot Grading Certificate prepared and submitted to Development and Zoning Services for approval.
How Long Does Rough Grading Take?
Rough grading of your lot is dependent on the weather. New grading of a lot cannot begin until all concrete work is poured and fully cured. It's also important that the ground is dry and solid for proper grading. If it rains, the ground must dry out completely before grading can begin or continue.
Grading work usually begins in June, or when the ground is fully thawed and there is no frost. It will continue until the ground begins to freeze again. During this season, contractors are working to complete an entire year's worth of work within a short, weather dependant season. Your rough grade may take one to two seasons to be completed and approved by the city as prior completed homes will become priority.
A good builder’s grading contractor will work hard to ensure homes are completed as quickly as possible. Multiple crews are assigned to grading and landscaping in each community, but it's not possible to provide a specific start and end date.
Delays in Rough Grading
Every property is unique. While some properties proceed quickly through the rough grading process, others may have some challenges and take a few visits.Factors that can cause delays during rough grading include:
- adjacent construction
- breakdown of construction equipment
- grading touch-ups
- homeowner construction of fencing, decks, garages, and sheds
- weather delays
As soon as your home's rough grade passes, they will issue the approved inspection letter.
Patience During Rough Grading
While there are many advantages to new home builds, you may feel eager for things to really "get going" while waiting for the rough grading to be done.
Remember grading is a very important process that can't be rushed. A proper grade is the single greatest method for preventing excess water from compromising the integrity of your foundation and avoiding problems like leaking and/or cracked foundations and swampy lawns in the future.
As soon as your builder receives approval of the rough grade, landscaping can proceed. We hope this gives you a bit of reassurance during the seasonal months. Choosing a great Edmonton home builder will ensure you're kept up to date throughout the process, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
Don't forget to subscribe to our blog; we'll be covering each phase of the new home construction process in this series of what to expect with new home builds!
Photo credits: bulldozer, dig, man
