With approvals in place, construction can finally begin on site. The first major construction activity is grading – the process of shaping, leveling, and compacting the land so the site is ready for foundation work and proper drainage.

Although grading may appear simple from the outside, it plays a major role in the long-term performance of a property. After grading is completed, the site undergoes inspection to verify compliance with approved plans before work could proceed to the foundation stage.

Importance of the grading:

Grading insures the protection from water. As water is one of the biggest long-term threats to any home, proper grading protects the structure by ensuring rainwater drains away from the foundation rather than toward it. Improper grading can lead to standing water, erosion, drainage issues, and even foundation problems years after construction is complete.

By California Code

Grading plans require approved elevations and drainage patterns that must be verified before foundation work. In many California jurisdictions, grading is reviewed under a separate grading permit, which may require additional plan review, additional engineering documentation and inspections. City may also require geotechnical reports, stormwater compliance measures, and erosion control plans.

Milestones at this stage:

✓ Ground leveled and site prepared

✓ Building pad established

✓ Grading inspection passed.

After foundation work is approved to begin – we prepare a framework to pour the concrete in, install rebars, install the plumbing pipes, and make a pipe for electrical wires for the future electrical panel.

The house is prepared for the foundation: formwork with rebars is installed