When you are building a new home, one of the key phases of the site preparation is rough grading. This process is essential for shaping the land around your home and ensuring proper drainage. In Alberta, where weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the season, it’s especially important to understand how rough grading works and what factors can affect the timeline.

WHAT IS ROUGH GRADE?

Rough grading is the first stage of leveling the land around your home.  Sometime after the foundation is in place and the framing is up, a contractor will come in with heavy equipment to move the soil, ensuring the ground slopes away from the house to prevent water from pooling near the foundation. This phase shapes the overall contour of the land, setting the groundwork for drainage and preparing the lot for final grading.  This stage is usually the responsibility of the land developer or the home builder.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROUGH GRADE AND FINAL GRADE?

Rough grading is the “big picture” step, where large changes in elevation are made to establish the basic slope of the lot. The goal is to direct water away from the house, roads, and other structures to prevent flooding and erosion. The soil isn’t perfectly leveled at this stage, and it’s not meant to be.

In contrast, final grading is the detail-oriented phase that happens later, often right before landscaping.  During this stage,   topsoil is laid out and compacted in preparation of final landscaping.  This stage must be completed within 12 months of the rough grade approval and is the responsibility of the homeowner.

HOW LONG DOES ROUGH GRADING TAKE?

In Alberta, rough grading typically takes anywhere from 1-3 days, depending on the size of the lot and the complexity of the terrain. For larger lots or those with significant elevation changes, it might take longer. However, this timeline can be impacted by several factors, including the time of year and weather conditions.

WHAT CAUSES DELAYS IN ROUGH GRADE?

1. Weather: In Alberta, weather is one of the biggest factors that can delay rough grading. Heavy rain, snow, or freezing temperatures can all halt work. If the ground is too wet or frozen, the equipment used for grading can’t operate effectively, and attempting to grade in those conditions can lead to uneven ground or drainage problems down the road. Ideally, rough grading is done during the warmer months when the soil is easier to work with.
2. Soil Conditions: The type of soil on your lot can also impact the timeline. Alberta has diverse soil types, from sandy soil to heavy clay. Clay-heavy soil, common in many parts of Alberta, can hold water, making it more challenging to work with after rain. In contrast, sandy soil drains quickly but may require more fill to achieve the desired slope.
3. Permits and Inspections: In some areas, inspections might be required before and after grading. Waiting for these inspections or resolving any issues identified by inspectors can also delay the process.
4. Equipment Issues: Grading requires heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators. Any issues with this equipment can cause unexpected delays.
5. Availability of Contractors: In Alberta’s busy construction seasons, especially in spring and summer, grading contractors can be booked out. If your project is in a more rural area or during peak season, you may experience delays simply due to scheduling.
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ALBERTA SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Alberta’s climate plays a significant role in planning and executing rough grading. The province experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from hot summers to cold, snowy winters. Ideally, rough grading is completed in spring, summer, or early fall to avoid the complications of frozen ground. The risk of early snow or unexpected frost in late fall can impact the ability to complete grading before winter sets in.

If rough grading is delayed and winter arrives, the project may be postponed until the ground thaws in the spring. This can significantly delay the overall timeline for finishing your home and moving in, so it’s important to factor Alberta’s weather patterns into your home-building schedule.

CONCLUSION:

Rough grading is a critical part of your new home build, laying the foundation for proper drainage and future landscaping. It’s important to understand the difference between rough and final grading, especially when it comes to setting expectations for timelines and potential delays. In Alberta, the unpredictable weather can cause delays in rough grading, so timing your project around the region’s seasonal conditions is crucial. By understanding these factors, you’ll be better prepared for the rough grading process and can plan accordingly to keep your home build on track.

This phase typically only takes a few days, but factors like soil type, weather, and contractor availability can cause delays. With a little planning and flexibility, you can ensure that your rough grading is done correctly, setting the stage for the final touches on your new home.